Beyond the Antarctic Circle – In the Wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot
About This Cruise
Set off a unique expedition, in the footsteps of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, at the edge of the world, to the Bellingshausen Sea, there where the ice shapes the horizon. Marguerite Bay, Charcot Island and Pourquoi Pas Island... the French explorer’s passage more than a century ago still resonates. Here, every moment plunges you into a grandiose and pristine universe, where ice cliffs, infinite ice floes and majestic icebergs drift where the currents take them. Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, a strikingly elegant ship capable of navigating our planet’s most extreme environments, watch nature unveil its many treasures: penguins, seals, whales and orcas roaming their immaculate kingdom. A fascinating adventure in the heart of the White Continent, reserved for the privileged few who dare to reach the unreachable.
We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Our navigation will be determined by the type of ice we come across; as the fast ice must be preserved, we will take this factor into account from day to day in our itineraries. The sailing schedule and any landings, activities and wildlife encounters are subject to weather and ice conditions. These experiences are unique and vary with each departure. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while respecting safety instructions and regulations imposed by the IAATO.Type
Ocean, Luxury
Ship
Le Commandant Charcot
Departure Date
27 December 2028
Cruise Line
PONANT EXPLORATIONS
Duration
14 Nights
Select Your Cabin Type
Call Us at 1800 814 008Overview
Set off a unique expedition, in the footsteps of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, at the edge of the world, to the Bellingshausen Sea, there where the ice shapes the horizon. Marguerite Bay, Charcot Island and Pourquoi Pas Island... the French explorer’s passage more than a century ago still resonates. Here, every moment plunges you into a grandiose and pristine universe, where ice cliffs, infinite ice floes and majestic icebergs drift where the currents take them. Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, a strikingly elegant ship capable of navigating our planet’s most extreme environments, watch nature unveil its many treasures: penguins, seals, whales and orcas roaming their immaculate kingdom. A fascinating adventure in the heart of the White Continent, reserved for the privileged few who dare to reach the unreachable.
We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Our navigation will be determined by the type of ice we come across; as the fast ice must be preserved, we will take this factor into account from day to day in our itineraries. The sailing schedule and any landings, activities and wildlife encounters are subject to weather and ice conditions. These experiences are unique and vary with each departure. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while respecting safety instructions and regulations imposed by the IAATO.
Owner's Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- Private return transfer
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
- Butler service
- A fruit basket every day
- A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A living room with armchairs, two sofa beds, steam fireplace, and second TV
- A desk and bookcase
- A Samsung tablet connected to Wifi
- A dining room with a 6-seater table
- A minibar with RIEDEL crystal glasses
- A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
- A one-hour spa treatments per person (for 2 people) in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer
- A private 186 m² terrace: outdoor lounge with deckchairs, hot tub, two sofas, and dining table
- Two panoramic sliding bay windows
- Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars
- A Swarovski Optik ST VISTA telescope
Included in all staterooms
- A private balcony
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- Three ADA staterooms
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
- Terrace for the Duplex Suites and the Owner's Suite
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Duplex Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- Private return transfer
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
- Butler service
- A fruit basket every day
- A lounge with armchairs, sofa bed, steam fireplace and TV
- A dining room with a 6-seater table
- A minibar with RIEDEL crystal glasses
- A Samsung tablet connected to Wi-Fi
- A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and TV
- A bathroom with shower and balneo bathtub
- Five panoramic windows and a glazed panoramic swing door
- A private 26 m² terrace: outdoor lounge with sofa and armchairs, jacuzzi
- Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars
Included in all staterooms
- A private balcony
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- Three ADA staterooms
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
- Terrace for the Duplex Suites and the Owner's Suite
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Privilege Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
- Butler service
- A fruit basket every day
- A lounge with sofa bed, armchair, and sliding courtesy door
- A Samsung tablet connected to Wifi
- A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
- Two panoramic sliding doors and rectangular porthole
- A 12.5 m² glazed private balcony
- Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars
Included in all staterooms
- A private balcony
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- Three ADA staterooms
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
- Terrace for the Duplex Suites and the Owner's Suite
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Grand Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
- Butler service
- A fruit basket every day
- A lounge area with chaise longue and second TV
- A Samsung tablet connected to Wifi
- A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
- A panoramic sliding bay window
- A 5 m² glazed private balcony
- Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars
Included in all staterooms
- A private balcony
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- Three ADA staterooms
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
- Terrace for the Duplex Suites and the Owner's Suite
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Prestige Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A 107 ft² glazed private balcony balcony
- Two bathrooms with shower
- Two sliding panoramic windows
- Living room with sofa, armchair, TV, and courtesy sliding door
- One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
Included in all staterooms
- A private balcony
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- Three ADA staterooms
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
- Terrace for the Duplex Suites and the Owner's Suite
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Deluxe Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A 53 ft² glazed private balcony balcony
- Panoramic sliding window
- Lounge area with chaise lounge and two armchairs
- One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- Bathroom with shower
Included in all staterooms
- A private balcony
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- Three ADA staterooms
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
- Terrace for the Duplex Suites and the Owner's Suite
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A 53 ft² glazed private balcony balcony
- Panoramic sliding window
- One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- Bathroom with shower
Included in all staterooms
- A private balcony
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- Three ADA staterooms
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
- Terrace for the Duplex Suites and the Owner's Suite
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A bathroom with shower
- A panoramic sliding bay window
- A 5 m² glazed private balcony
Included in all staterooms
- A private balcony
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- Three ADA staterooms
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
- Terrace for the Duplex Suites and the Owner's Suite
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Nuna (The Earth) - Gastronomic Restaurant
The Nuna, the one and only Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea, offers an excellent menu specially designed by the Michelin-starred chef, featuring some of his signature dishes.
Ligne Roset furniture, French Bernardaud porcelain and Elne glassware bring elegance and refinement to your à la carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Sila (the sky, outside) - Restaurant
In a more relaxed atmosphere, a bright 320 m² restaurant welcomes you for your breakfast, buffet lunches and themed dinners.
Inneq (the fire) - Open-air bar
At the outdoor bar, a varied and refined selection of sweet and savoury international cuisine, as well as a permanent menu, are available throughout the day (11am–6pm).
Room Service
Whether you want to fully enjoy your cabin for breakfast, savor a peaceful snack in the middle of the day, or have your meal in complete privacy, room service is at your disposal. Treat yourself to a moment of indulgence and enjoy a diverse menu available at any time of day and night.
The Main Lounge
Enjoy a relaxing time in the grand lounge with a warm musical atmosphere or access the Cigar Lounge, one of the most exclusive spaces on the ship.
The Anori Observatory
Browse through some of the books dedicated to travel available in the observatory lounge's luminous library.
The Illu Shop
An extension of the journey and the ship, la Boutique ILLU offers an exclusive shopping experience with ready-to-wear and technical gear for polar adventures (Swarovski Optik, Garmin, Vuarnet, Feelfree, Columbia, Arctic Edge), classic products to treat yourself (Eric Bompard, 727Sailbags, Le Minor, children’s collection, jewelry, luxury BRIONI), unique souvenirs and adventure novels. Hours follow the voyage schedule, including days at sea, and all purchases on board are tax-free.
Heated Indoor Swimming Pool
Bathed in natural light thanks to large windows, the pool offers a breathtaking view of the polar landscapes. An unforgettable swimming experience.
Promenade Deck
Fitness session, meditation, Nordic walking along the uninterrupted promenade bridge, face to face with the immensity from the bow of the ship... The awakening of the senses is heightened in the heart of the polar world.
The Theatre - Kita
Comfortably seated, you can attend conferences given by the guests and teams of naturalists, as well as the various shows, concerts and performances organised by professional dancers and musicians on board.
Music and dance
Opera, jazz, piano recitals, concerts or ballets at sea or on land: musical cruises and dance cruises offer privileged experiences, in small groups, alongside prestigious partners, such as Radio Classique or the Paris National Opera and talented artists of international renown.
Art and literature
Share high-quality moments and attend conferences by curators from national and international museums, women and men from the world of culture, renowned writers, actors and philosophers. They discuss their passion during conferences or private visits. Experience the opportunity to open up to new perspectives.
PONANT Studio
A photography and videography team escort you throughout your trip. These professionals capture the most beautiful moments of your cruise, which you can share with family and friends upon your return. Meet them on DECK 5 (DECK 6 on the PONANT Explorers ships) at the photo/video area, where you can also order souvenir pictures and videos.
Reception
If you have not made a pre-booking before your cruise, you can book your excursions on board during one of the daily opening times of the excursion desk (timetables available in your daily program). It is only possible to pre-book one excursion per port day. If you would like to book a second excursion on the same day, please contact the excursion desk to check availability.
Cigar Lounge
The Cigar Lounge is located on Deck 5.
Spa
Enjoy exclusive treatments inspired by the natural treasures of the poles. The professional skincare products from Biologique Recherche for the skin and body, and Davines for the hair, combine innovation, customization, and commitment to the planet: formulas tailored to each individual and the extreme polar environment, natural and fair trade ingredients, fight against plastic pollution.
Sauna
At the heart of Nordic traditions, the gentle heat of the sauna provides a moment of serenity after a day of exploration, while enjoying the spectacular landscapes.
Snow cabin
Experience an authentic polar ritual by going from the sauna to the snow cabin. A moment that revitalizes the body and mind, reserved for adventurers.
Fitness Centre
The fitness room offers a wide range of exercises suitable for all levels to train facing magnificent views.
The Hairdressing Salon
Each product has been crafted using the most advanced cosmetic technologies and natural ingredients. Developed and packaged while minimising the environmental impact, Davines® products are inspired by the Sustainable Beauty ideal, an inseparable unit between Beauty and Being. During your cruise, treat your hair to a unique beauty experience. Our expert stylist will do an in-depth analysis of your hair and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Blue Lagoon Baths
Relax in front of polar landscapes in the waters of the Blue Lagoon, heated between 27 and 37°C thanks to the energy recovery generated by the ship's propulsion.