Inaugurated just a month ago, the Commandant Charcot represents the first expedition ship intended to explore the polar lands. Running on liquefied natural gas, it complies to the letter with Ponant's ecological commitments... Focus on this unique, completely revolutionary vessel.
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Commandant Charcot: the first ship to explore the polar lands
On September 30, the Commander Charcot - named after the famous French explorer – joined the fleet of PONANT, the leader in luxury cruises. The fruit of 6 years of work, the flagship of the French pavilion has traveled 1200 kilometers North Pole. A precious region full of breathtaking landscapes... At its controls, we find the commander Etienne Garcia. Passionate about the polar environment for 20 years, this ice expert has participated in the identification and mapping of new routes such as the first crossing of the Northwest Passage. It is accompanied by Patrick Marchesseau, captain for PONANT since 2004, and since 2010 on polar expedition cruises. At the gateway of Commander Charcot, the eternal adventurers making up this powerful duo intend to satisfy their fondest sailor dreams.
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A cruise ship displaying state-of-the-art technology
One of a kind, the Commandant Charcot has been specially designed to explore polar areas still inaccessible to cruise ships operating in the Arctic and Antarctica. Equipped with a icebreaker hull, he can thus pride himself on crossing ice floes whose thickness goes up to 2,4 meters and compression ridges of more than 10 meters… On the navigation bridge, we also find the latest technology available and piloting techniques resulting from decades of training, to constantly adapt the trajectory of the boat.
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The ecological promise of Commander Charcot
Very committed to respect the environment, PONANT has all the cards on its side. Commander Charcot has a real high tech : 50 tons of electric batteries, wastewater treatment, energy recovery, etc. Electric hybrid, this new vessel is no longer powered by heavy fuel oil, replaced by liquefied natural gas. Results ? A reduction of CO2 emissions by 25% and fuel consumption by 10%… Actions clearly proving to what extent sustainable development is a priority for PONANT.
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A five-star cruise ship
Like the other boats in the PONANT fleet, Captain Charcot benefits from high-end services. Ultra-comfortable spacious cabins, duplex suites, signature gourmet restaurants Alain Ducasse, theatre, gym and indoor swimming pool… All spread over 9 floors. It feels like a high-end hotel!
Not to mention the refined decoration and super attentive staff, which will make your stay a pleasant one! With its 123 cabins and suites, this floating palace can accommodate no less than 245 passengers and a crew of up to 215 people.
With Commander Charcot, you will discover the most remote but also the most beautiful corners of the planet. From the pack ice of Nunavut to that of the extreme northeast of Greenland, passing through the North Pole and the South Pole.
The excursions offered will leave you with unforgettable memories. Immersion in the inuit camps, discovery of emperor penguins, kayaking, walks with a naturalist… One thing is certain, you will experience extraordinary adventures crossing the Arctic Ocean. Welcome to white paradise!
