French first: Le Commandant Charcot at North Pole

Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot has become the very first French vessel to reach the North Pole.

The newest addition to the French-flagged luxury expedition cruise line reached the geographic North Pole yesterday at 08:38 (GMT).

“I am hugely proud to have been at the helm of the very first French ship to reach the geographic North Pole, it is the ultimate achievement of a collective adventure started by Ponant many years ago. I am very grateful to the crew and all the staff on board that have contributed to making this possible.”

Captain Etienne Garcia.

Le Commandant Charcot entered service last month and bristles with green-credentials, not least of which is her LNG-powered hybrid electric propulsion system. Indeed, Le Commandant Charcot is also the first LNG-propelled ship to reach the North Pole.

The ice-class polar expedition ship was purpose-built to explore the most remote corners of the planet, from the Arctic to the Antarctic. In fact, Le Commandant Charcot can maintain year-round operations in moderate multi-year ice conditions.

Explore the North Pole in style on Le Commandant Charcot

On board, it feels like a private yacht. There are 135 suites and staterooms, each with a chic decor and private balcony or terrace. The largest suites include split-level Duplexes as well as the top of the range Suite de l’Armateur complete with a 180 sq. m. / 1,937 sq. ft. private terrace.

In addition, there are two dining venues including the gastronomic restaurant known as Nuna (the earth) and a more casual eatery called Sila (the sky, outside). Le Commandant Charcot also boasts expedition and conference rooms, a theatre, lounges, a boutique, spa and a superb aft-facing pool.

For more information visit the Ponant website.