Signature highlights
The ship is purpose-built for extreme polar exploration and is one of the few passenger vessels with a Polar Class 2 icebreaking hull. Expedition equipment includes 16 Zodiacs, kayaks, snowshoes and polar-plunge capability.
Le Commandant Charcot
Live Position ● 2 hours ago
Heading to: ALKHORNETCurrently on: The Geographic North Pole (15 nights) — En route to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen (Norway) — last stop Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen (Norway)
0.2 knots
Under Way Using Engine
Position via AIS — updated periodically, not real-time.
About Le Commandant Charcot
Le Commandant Charcot is PONANT’s purpose-built luxury polar icebreaker, designed for voyages deep inside the Arctic and Antarctic ice. Its PC2 hull, hybrid-electric propulsion, LNG fuel and 123 all-balcony staterooms combine serious expedition capability with an intimate yacht-like atmosphere. The ship carries up to 245 guests and 215 crew, with unusually spacious suites, indoor wellness facilities and specialized equipment for Zodiac exploration, kayaking and polar landings.
Ship at a Glance
- Operator
- Compagnie du Ponant (PONANT)
- Builder / shipyard
- VARD Tulcea, Romania (hull); VARD Søviknes, Norway (outfitting)
- Registry / flag
- France; port of registry Mata Utu, Wallis and Futuna
- Call sign
- FMNB
- IMO number
- 9846249
- MMSI
- 578001700
- Draft
- 10.0 m
Onboard Experience
Dining
PONANT provides two restaurants, including a 320-square-metre restaurant on Deck 9 for breakfasts, buffet lunches and themed dinners. Dining is complemented by room service and panoramic polar views.
Entertainment
Onboard leisure focuses on expedition enrichment, scenic observation and lectures rather than large-scale production shows. Guests can also use the theatre, lounges and observation areas.
Staterooms & suites
The ship has 123 outside-facing staterooms and suites, all with private balconies or terraces. Suites include duplex accommodations and the 115-square-metre Owner’s Suite with a large private terrace.
For families
The ship offers expedition activities such as Zodiac exploration, kayaking, snowshoeing and dog sledding. Its small-ship polar format is oriented primarily toward adult expedition travelers rather than dedicated family entertainment.
Pools, spa & wellness
Facilities include a heated indoor seawater pool, sauna, spa, massage cabins, hair salon and fitness or relaxation areas. Several wellness spaces provide views toward the polar environment.
Accessibility
PONANT publishes accessibility information for the ship and its staterooms; guests with specific mobility or medical requirements should confirm suitability directly with the operator before booking.
Environmental features
Le Commandant Charcot uses LNG-fueled hybrid-electric propulsion with high-capacity batteries and electric propulsion motors. VARD also describes onboard waste sorting and treatment, while the ship supports scientific observation and polar research.
Explore This Ship
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Itineraries & Sailings
Ports of Call
Next: Jun 8, 2027
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Jun 24, 2027
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Sep 22, 2028
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Jun 26, 2028
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Sep 11, 2026
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Jul 10, 2027
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Sep 13, 2027
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Feb 11, 2028
2 upcoming departures
Ports of Call
Next: Jan 10, 2028
2 upcoming departures