Unrivalled Antarctic Immersion: Antarctica Luxury Travel

Unrivalled Polar Immersion:

Le Commandant Charcot by Ponant

From our years of exploring the world, we’ve learned that extreme environments such as the Polar regions needn’t make exceptional luxuries impractical. Sailing Antarctica, Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot demonstrates this perfectly. Amongst its attributes is the ship’s ability to explore previously unexplored shores, as it’s the only passenger ship with a Polar Class 2 hull, which means it can push through multiyear ice to environments that most of the world will never see.

Current availability includes itineraries such as Unexplored East Antarctica & French Southern Lands, taking travellers from Tasmania towards the magnetic South Pole with stops at Adélie Land, home to the Dumont-d’Urville research station and emperor penguins in the winter, the isolated Wilkes Land, with its giant glaciers and monumental icebergs drifting in the freezing waters, Queen Mary Land where leopard seals are seen on the ice floe as whales breach, and the storied Bay of Whales, the starting point of the first expedition to reach the South Pole in 1911.

While the experience of putting foot to snow in Antarctica is unrivalled, kayaking between icebergs, observing extraordinary wildlife from the decks and braving the depths of Antarctic water with a full-body plunge all provide excellent opportunities to explore the Antarctic environment from the ship. Particularly when followed by fascinating talks, lectures and dinners with the on-board scientists and expedition teams.

A Closer Look at Le Commandant Charcot

There are very few cruising ships that you can claim are unique, but Le Commandant Charcot comes close. On board luxuries are manifold, down to a mudroom with surprisingly chic aesthetics defined by clean lines and thoughtful functionality, and a gallery-like, soaring high screen inside the light-filled atrium that utilises acoustic data from the surrounding sea to create evolving visuals. Afternoon teas are served in an elegant lounge with modern fireplaces and sweeping sea views, while the main restaurant, Nuna, is the first iteration of an Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea, complete with many of the chef’s signature dishes.

All the suites aboard Le Commandant Charcot are exceptional (ask your personal Travel Designer about the incredible Owner’s Suite and its huge terrace, ideal for larger groups). The Deluxe has bathrooms finished in dark woods and natural slate, while bedrooms invite relaxation with warm tones and a private balcony hovering above the sea.

The Duplex suites are sublime, with plenty of space for four guests, a private dining space, as well as a living area with an eco-friendly steam fireplace, a drinks cabinet refilled daily by your butler, and a view-laden terrace with a hot tub, all on the ground floor. The second floor has a striking double bedroom and an en-suite with a walk-in shower and an indulgent balneo bathtub, ideal for recovering from the Antarctic chill.

As for sustainability concerns, Le Commandant Charcot was built on the understanding that travelling to Antarctica (and the Arctic) carries a responsibility as great as the privilege itself. As a hybrid-electric polar exploration vessel, it was engineered to tread lightly across regions where every footprint feels consequential. Sustainability practices include heating the wrap-around promenade and outdoor benches (made of hot pipes), using excess energy recovered from the ship’s exhaust fumes, a hybrid electric and liquefied natural gas system, to significantly reduce emissions, with batteries enabling zero-emission cycles, as well as optimised energy and wastewater systems.