Le Commandant Charcot to the North Pole – Trip & Ship Review
Laura Pattara | 23 November 2024
With credit to Tara Sutherland
Le Commandant Charcot isn’t your ordinary expedition ship. Then again, Viva’s Senior Destination Specialist, Tara Sutherland, isn’t your ordinary expeditioner either. One of our team’s most experienced polar cruisers and a passionate adventure-seeker, Tara recently embarked on a journey to the North Pole aboard Ponant's record-breaking luxury vessel.
About Tara – why is she the ideal expert for this cruise ship review?
Tara has amassed quite a lot of experienceexploring remote polar regions on various ships in recent years. In 2023, she explored Antarctica on the Ocean Albatros, and again on the Ocean Endeavor solely for the purpose of compiling cruise ship reviews. If that’s not dedication to the job… what is?!
Tara also happens to be an epic adventurer at heart, and since this particular ship and trip are lauded as the "ultimate northern adventure,” we thought she’d be the ideal candidate to offer an expert review. We wanted her to tell us what makes Charcot’s Arctic cruise to the North Pole unique and what kind of traveller she’d recommend this to.
Let’s find out.
Le Commandant Charcot – At a Glance
We’ll start with the good stuff: Charcot's refined onboard amenities are next level. The ship delivers a sublime dose of indulgent comfort in some pretty remote and unforgiving places. Now to the great stuff: what sets this ship apart is the fact it also immerses you in some of the Arctic’s remotest corners. You get to places no other expedition ship can get to.
The amenities and overall luxury feel of Ponant’s pride and joy are unquestionable. But step on board, and you’ll soon realize you are navigating the northernmost region of the world on a unique and utterly formidable vessel.
Arctic Cruise Itinerary Review - Where Did Tara Go?
Tara's voyage spanned from the northern port of Longyearbyen, Svalbard, to Reykjavik, Iceland. Mentioned highlights of this itinerary include crossing the Geographical North Pole, where the ship reaches 90 degrees latitude, and exploring the remote fjords of Scoresby Sound in Greenland.
The 16-day adventure cast off in late September (this year), This is a spectacular time of year to explore the Arctic's shift from autumn to early winter. The sun stays low in the sky, and below the horizon from September 21, creating an ethereal golden glow over the ice. Don't worry; there is always plenty of twilight to enjoy polar bear sightings and guided shore excursions.
As Tara told us, the landscapes are some of the most resplendent she has ever seen - and trust us, she has seen a lot.
"This is a journey of incredible experiences and unique moments, of witnessing a polar bear in his element, ambling from one ice flow to the next, riding the ocean swells and not bothered by us at all."
– Tara
About Le Commandant Charcot
Le Commandant Charcot stands in a league all its own. It is the only Polar Class 2 luxury passenger icebreaker on the water, right now. Only a few hundred ships of this calibre exist, but all others are for used scientific or military purposes.
This state-of-the-art ship operates year-round, can comfortably navigate thick ice (up to 3m easily and even 15m at a stretch) and can reach remote polar regions other ships just can’t get to – this is arguably what makes her the ultimate option for immersive Arctic cruises.
The clincher? Charcot's dual LNG and electric battery system is an industry-first. It reduces the environmental impact of every voyage and makes it one of the quietest vessels in polar waters. Charcot is, essentially, the world’s first luxury hybrid-electric polar exploration ship. Aside from the environmental benefits, it allows you to get super close to wildlife with little disturbance.
In addition to its groundbreaking technology, the ship offers:
spacious cabins with balconies,
seven cabin categories,
two gourmet restaurants,
a full spa with sauna and a heated indoor pool,
observation decks (at both ends of the ship!)
cosy lounges (even a cigar lounge) where you can unwind after a full day of exploration,
theatre and shop,
fitness room,
outdoor heated Blue Lagoon pool. Yes, you read that right.
General Ship Review - What's it like onboard Le Commandant Charcot?
Tara was excited to learn about Le Commandant Charcot, looking at everything from its design to its special features. The ship has a layout that offers great views from many spots and has plenty of spacious, comfortable areas for guests. With more than 180 staff members for just 200 guests (only 170 were on Tara’s trip), the service is attentive, and the atmosphere feels close-knit.
Tara developed a swift fondness for the observation lounge on Deck 9, which comes with plush seating, panoramic windows, and an ever-changing view of ice formations, wildlife, and those magical Arctic autumn skies. She also praised the ship's elegant dining venues, where French-inspired cuisine is served with the finest wines. The daily menus feature unique regional flavours with a gorgeously refined twist that will appeal to gourmands.
No, really.
Ship Size & Layout
Travelling on a passenger-designed expedition ship like Le Commandant Charcot makes the experience more enjoyable. Everything on board is designed to ensure guests can take in the beautiful landscapes. Unlike ships that are converted for expeditions after spending years as research vessels, passenger luxury cruises like Charcot are purpose-built with large observation areas, cosy lounges, and decks specifically for landscape admiring.
With its nine-deck layout, the Charcot delivers on all counts, offering indulgent comforts and outstanding views. Spacious observation lounges, a library, a theatre, and multiple dining areas provide plenty of room to relax and socialize. The ship's two bridges allow for a reverse navigation option, which can be absolutely crucial in polar regions – it's one of several aspects that enable Charcot to go where others cannot.
"Captain Marchesseau put the ship into reverse to crush through some thick ice - everyone was out on deck bundled up in their parkas to watch as the ice creaked, cracked, and huge chucks were flipped over as our path was carved. UNBELIEAVABLE"
– Tara
Tara was particularly taken with the outdoor seating areas, where heated seats offer a cosy place to enjoy the Arctic scenery. She appreciated the ship's well-designed layout, which makes it easy to move from indoor to outdoor spaces—ideal for catching a glimpse of polar bears or enjoying the Northern Lights.
How Many Passengers on the Charcot?
(And why that matters!)
With a capacity of just 200 passengers, Le Commandant Charcot offers a personalized experience and abundant comforts and space. The smaller passenger count creates a more intimate atmosphere – it’s easy to mingle and bond with fellow passengers, have deeper talks with the knowledgeable crew, and find a quiet moment on deck or in one of the lounges. As Tara noted, small ship cruising also facilitates quicker disembarkation for excursions, so you’re not stuck on deck, waiting foreeeever to get on a Zodiac. Less time transferring means more time on land or exploring the coast and ice floes.
Plus, the flexibility of small-ship cruising allows for impromptu stops, whether for wildlife sightings or scenic detours—key elements of a genuinely unforgettable Arctic adventure.
About the Cabins
Tara stayed in a Deluxe Suite with a private balcony – for research purposes, of course. This cabin class offers an ideal vantage point for early-morning views of the icy landscape. Cabins are designed for comfort and elegance, as is the case with the entire ship’s décor. From the plush bedding to the oversized bathroom, a minibar, Nespresso machine, and ample wardrobe space – everything adds to that deluxe feel. The well-appointed interiors also include a Bluetooth speaker and a TV that streams onboard lectures—a favourite feature for Tara, as it allowed her to unwind in her suite while keeping up with the expert-led sessions – FOMO need not apply!
Tara's cabin on Le Commandant Charcot
You have seven cabin options from which to choose on Charcot:
Prestige Stateroom (20 m²): Compact and comfortable with a 5 m² glazed private balcony.
Deluxe Suite (28 m²): Features a lounge area with a chaise longue and two armchairs, plus a 5 m² private balcony.
Prestige Suite (40 m²): Includes two bathrooms, two panoramic bay windows, a 10 m² private balcony, and a spacious lounge area with a sofa and armchair.
Grand Prestige Suite (42 m²): Offers priority boarding, butler service, daily canapés, a bathroom with a Balneo bathtub, and a 5 m² private balcony.
Privilege Suite (48 m²): Similar to the Grand Prestige Suite but with an expanded 12.5 m² balcony.
Duplex Suite (94 m²): A two-level suite with a separate dining room, a 26 m² terrace with a jacuzzi, butler service, daily canapés, and five panoramic windows for sweeping views.
Owner’s Suite (115 m²): The most luxurious option, featuring a vast 186 m² terrace with a hot tub, dining table, and telescope, along with a spacious living room, butler service, and a one-hour spa treatment per guest.
Food and Dining Options
Dining aboard Le Commandant Charcot is an experience unto itself and en par with luxury cruise liners of the highest rank. Ponant is a French company, and if there's one thing that’s just about guaranteed on French expedition ships, it's the top-notch quality of the food and wine offerings. An old French adage says having bland food and poor-quality wine is never appropriate.
And who’d dare argue with the French on these points?
Dining on Le Commandant Charcot
The Sila Restaurant on Deck 9 offers a variety of tasty meals in a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for when you're beat after a full day's exploration, don’t feel like dressing up, and just want to grab a good bite to eat. In contrast, the Nuna Restaurant provides a more formal dining experience with an a-la-carte menu – ideal if you're in a fancier mood. Tara was really impressed by the range of food options in both restaurants and how well the chefs accommodated different tastes and dietary needs, which is always a big plus. The meals also come with great French wines (naturalment), freshly baked bread, and special chef's dishes that change daily.
A standout highlight, we’re told, is the afternoon tea with mouthwatering French pastries. If you're looking for something healthier, check out the smoothie and tea bar near the spa.
Activities & Excursions
Le Commandant Charcot designs every activity to be fully immersive, whether with the Arctic’s landscapes or remote communities. Ice landings, Zodiac cruises, and visits to Greenland's villages are just a taste of the daily excursions you can expect.
“We journeyed to Greenland, visiting Ittoqqortoormiit, the remotest settlement in the world, population 345 and explored Scoresby Sound, the largest fjord system in the world. Here, we hiked, kayaked, navigated the fjords, saw icebergs as far as the eye could see, learnt about local Inuit culture, and at night, the skies lit up with the Northern Lights.”
- Tara
Tara's #1 bucket-list highlight? Cross-country skiing at the North Pole, of course! She called it "surreal and exhilarating"—and we can see why.
There’s even a polar plunge for the brave – like Tara, who’s been there and done that.
Charcot offers a great mix of adventure and cultural experiences, which helps deepen your understanding of the Arctic and its incredible ecosystems. There’s something on the activities menu to suit every age and interest, an imperative must-mention on this cruise ship review.
“Setting foot on the frozen North Pole, thinking that humans had been to the moon before a ship was able to navigate to this spot!! Wow!! And yet there I was! How incredibly lucky I was to have visited this wild and inhospitable environment for a few days.”
- Tara
Onboard Activities & Entertainment
The Charcot offers a range of activities to keep you entertained on board. The expedition team—composed of glaciology, marine biology, and Arctic history experts—keeps things lively and educational with talks on polar science and wildlife. You can also wind down with live music, catch a movie in the theatre, test your knowledge at trivia nights, or relax with wellness sessions at the spa.
Although Tara is not impartial to a bit of spa delight, what she cherished most were the lectures, where in-depth, insider knowledge is there for the taking. It is particularly apt for anyone interested in the state of conservation of this most fragile corner of the world.
What is the Dress Code Onboard the Charcot?
As is common on Ponant cruise ships, the official dress code on Le Commandant Charcot is “smart-casual”. During the day, you will definitely want to dress warmly in layers – the ideal style when spending time outdoors in polar regions. For a relaxing afternoon on the lounge, jeans or comfortable pants would be OK, but for evening meals, opt for comfortable but more stylish attire. Guests onboard these expeditions come from every corner of the globe – some will be dressed to the nines and others a little more casual - find that middle-ground or what you enjoy. Special events like the Captain's welcome dinner and the "white night" celebration require a little more effort. Tara recommends bringing an all-white or black-white outfit and one more stylish outfit, like a cocktail dress, to get into the spirit of these unique evenings.
Even if you’re not a fan of dress-up dinners, you’ll want to go the effort on Charcot. It’s the kind of vessel that somehow deserves it.
Tara and her beau dressed for the occasion!
Tara’s Highlights of the Trip
Tara's journey to the North Pole was a dream come true, with each experience being special in its own way. She was in awe as she watched polar bears from the deck of the Charcot and bog-smacked by the vibrant colours of the Northern Lights over the icy landscape.
When they reached 90 degrees north, THE Geographical North Pole, everyone gathered with excitement and champagne to celebrate the amazing moment.
Toasting their arrival at the North Pole with the captain of Le Commandant Charcot
As a wildlife lover, the best part for Tara was seeing a polar bear up close, gracefully moving among the ice floes.
"The changing Arctic scenery and polar bear sightings amazed me from start to finish."
- Tara
We are told that special kudos should also be given to the Charcot's crew, who really elevated Tara's overall experience. Their attention to detail and warm hospitality made a lasting impression on our adventure-seeker. "They quickly learned my preferences and often anticipated my needs before I even made a request – amazing!" Now, multiply that by 200, and you get an idea of the crew's level of professionalism. From the Captain’s updates to the friendly interactions with the expedition team, the Charcot’s staff enhanced every moment of Tara’s journey, managing to create a unique camaraderie that’s not easily forgotten.
It isn’t difficult to bond with people when you share such unforgettable, indescribable experiences.
What Sort of Person Will Love This Ship?
Le Commandant Charcot is perfect for travellers who love wild places but also enjoy luxury. This trip is designed for adventurers and nature lovers who care about the Arctic's fragile environment. The ship is built to be gentle on ecosystems, making it a great choice for responsible exploration, something that is quickly becoming a must for so many nature-loving travellers.
“A visit to the North Pole can have a profound impact—it is one of those unique journeys that connects you to the most pristine nature on our planet and leaves you in awe of its stark beauty and fragility."
- Tara
Tara noticed the age-rage on board being quite varied – from 20yos to 80yos, with most between 50 and 70.
“I would suggest that you get more out of a trip like this as an adult with the maturity to appreciate things deeper, it’s probably not the best trip to do with kids.”
- Tara
You need to have some physical capability to fully enjoy the activities, even if it’s just stepping on and off the Zodiac, and walk through snow and ice. Yet there’s nothing technically difficult so no experience, special training or heightened fitness is required. Activities cater to different skill set and fitness levels, so if you aren’t up for a long hike, you could enjoy an easy shore visit instead.
Like this one.
Tara’s Top Tips for An Epic Arctic Adventure
To fully enjoy an Arctic cruise, Tara recommends packing:
Good-quality thermal clothing, including gloves, socks, and a waterproof outer layer for excursions, as temperatures can be extreme and feeling cold absolutely sucks.
An extra pair of gloves, or glove liners - the North Pole is cold!
Casual evening attire plus one or two outfits for more formal dinners – fight the urge for more fancy outfits, you will likely not wear them so pack light.
A quality camera and extra memory cards. You WILL fill them before you have a chance to download them.
A good pair of binoculars for wildlife spotting – note that almost all of the superior cabin categories come with a pair of Swarovski binoculars so you might not need to bring your own.
Want to follow in Tara's footsteps?
Tara explored the far north aboard Le Commandant Charcot on this Geographic North Pole tour – it’s a 16-day exploration of the Arctic region, offering a wealth of inclusions.
"If you are like me, in love with wild and remote regions of the world, going where few others have been, then a voyage on the Le Commandant Charcot should be top of your list."
