PONANT invites you to spend several days aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the first hybrid electric polar exploration ship, enjoying an immersive interlude during an Ocean Voyage. Leaving from Bergen, you will set sail north for a five-day voyage, without ports of call, to Helsinki.
The sea exercises an undeniable power of attraction. Infinite time and space take on their full meaning in the heart of the elements, inviting you to humbly enter the here and now. As lovers of the sea, experienced observers and curious explorers of the planet, you can make the most of this rare opportunity and, alongside those who bring the ship to life, discover the soul of Le Commandant Charcot, which is fitted out for polar exploration. During this voyage with the ocean as the horizon, you will share an on-board experience that follows the pace of the ship and its crew. You will feel the majesty and the power of this ship, whose design is a genuine technological achievement.
Alongside the naturalists who will share their knowledge of the polar regions with you, you will understand the challenges of scientific knowledge and gain awareness about the actions of the company, which is committed to preserving biodiversity. Following in the wake of Commandant Cousteau, we are convinced that people only really protect what they know.
The interior design, entrusted to the architects Jean-Michel Wilmotte and Jean-Philippe Nuel, provides a precious cocoon in which it feels good to warm up and take shelter so as to get more out of the exterior. Noble materials, soft tones, subdued lighting, refined decoration. The gastronomy symbolises French-style luxury and will offer you fine epicurean escapades, thanks to the menus imagined by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse and the signature dishes served in his restaurants.
Let yourself be tempted by a dip in the Blue Lagoon while you enjoy the light over the sea. The indoor pool, the gym and the fitness classes, the Biologique Recherche spa, with its treatment rooms, massages and sauna, the snow room and the hair salon will also allow you to unwind without a care in the world.
Enjoy this crossing aboard Le Commandant Charcot, like a prelude to the infinite possibilities of knowledge and openness to the world that it promises, between a conscious adventure and new explorations.
- Experience a magical, musical Christmas with Renaud Capuçon, an outstanding line-up of musicians and Alain Duault, in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE.
- Kid Explorers Club in partnership with MAUD FONTENOY FOUNDATION.
- A brand-new PONANT journey in the Gulf of Bothnia in the heart of the splendid northern winter, an exploration of this Scandinavian region through its singular history and its stunning natural landscapes.
- Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, a warm and refined cocoon opening to the exteriorenjoy a unique experience in complete communion with the surrounding scenery.
- Outings and shore visits with a team of naturalist-guides.
- Experience the enchantment of Scandinavian winter traditions with your family during the festive season.
- The snow-covered landscapes of Swedish and Finnish Lapland, to the north of the Gulf of Bothnia.
- Discover the magic of the Christmas markets and the wonderland of Scandinavian towns illuminated for the winter, which is not a traditionally touristic season.
- Towns with exceptional heritage: the old town of Rauma; the church-town of Gammeltad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (visiting from Lulea); and the neoclassical city of Oulu.
- Activities* included during the winter season: an outing on snowshoes, dog sled, reindeer sled, a lantern-lit walk, ice fishing, children’s activities, Christmas markets and optional activities such as snowmobiling or a visit to the Santa Claus Village of Rovaniemi.
- Sailing in the High Coast archipelago, a natural wonder in northern Sweden and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Located at the end of Byfjord, Bergen was the capital of Norway in the 12th and 13th Centuries and has preserved some very beautiful monuments from the time when it was home to royalty. Wandering through Bergen’s streets means going back in time, in search of the hidden treasures that have been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. A veritable openair museum, Bergen is home to a thriving artistic community of painters, potters, jewellers. The Bergen cable car offers you a splendid panorama over the port and the surrounding fjords. Do not miss the visit to the old quarter with its narrow streets, a testimony of the power of the hanseatic League that controlled trade in Northern Europe at the end of the Middle Ages.
Spend exceptional moments sailing aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first luxury polar exploration vessel and the first PC2-class polar cruise ship capable of sailing into the very heart of the ice, on seas and oceans which the frozen conditions render inaccessible to ordinary ships. Le Commandant Charcot is fitted with oceanographic and scientific equipment selected by a committee of experts. Take advantage of the on-board lectures and opportunities for discussion with these specialists to learn more about the poles. Participate in furthering scientific research with PONANT and let us discover together what these fascinating destinations have yet to reveal to us.
Seated in the southern peninsula of Finland, Helsinki offers the buzz of a cosmopolitan city that has opted for both elegance and beauty. Explore its historical centre where the soft hues of neoclassical buildings are juxtaposed with spectacular modern constructions. The bustling Kallio district is teeming with boutiques and restaurants where you can taste some local specialities like graavilohi - a sweet, marinated, aromatic salmon dish. Keskuspuisto park, a stone’s throw from the centre, is a good place to sit and unwind.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Le Commandant-Charcot
Cabins and suites | 135 |
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Built | 2019 - 2020 |
With its hybrid propulsion combining liquefied natural gas (LNG) and electric generators, Le Commandant-Charcot has been designed to minimise the environmental impact of travel to the furthest latitudes.
The decoration of the ship, designed by two internationally renowned design and architecture firms - the studio of Jean-Philippe Nuel and Wilmotte & Associés - is designed to be in harmony with the environment. The approach is contemporary with the desire to create a warm and elegant setting; stone, wood and leather recall the natural environment in which the ship is sailing.
Equipped with just 135 staterooms including 31 suites with balconies and outside views, Le Commandant-Charcot welcomes you in an intimate and refined atmosphere. Outstanding gastronomy in the two restaurants, relaxation in the indoor pool surrounded by its winter garden, relaxation in the well-being area with sauna and Snow Room... Like on a private yacht, each of our guests is unique.
PUBLIC AREAS
Le Commandant-Charcot has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 177 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An expeditions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Hospitality & Travel Manager officer, Our boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, The image & photo desk.
The different lounges include a 302 m² main lounge including a 28 m² cigar lounge, a tea corner and a bar, with live music on selected evenings, A 400 m² panoramic bar and lounge, An open-air Bar.
The recreation spaces
- Fitness & Beauty Corner: Fitness room: Elliptic, running machines, bicycles...
- Beauty Corner: Hairdresser, Massage rooms, Sauna, Snow Room, Nail Shop.
- Pool area: Indoor Pool and winter garden - Outdoor Pool
Theatre: Capacity: 270-276 - Main show room for conferences and live entertainment on selected evenings - State-of-the-art audio and video technology.
Leisure area: Public areas - Library - Medical centre.
16 Zodiacs on board.