Explore the Arctic in luxurious comfort aboard the only vessel able to reach the Geographic North Pole

The wonders of the far north will forever remain a mystery for all but a lucky few. The world’s only luxury icebreaker provides unparalleled access, breathtaking sights and life-changing experiences.

While few among us would balk at the chance to visit the North Pole, thoughts of such can only exist in the abstract for most. Each year, however, a handful of lucky wanderlusters live out our collective dreams, and in style, aboard Ponant Explorations’ pioneering Le Commandant Charcot. Accommodating just 245 guests,  boarding the only existing luxury icebreaker to the top of the globe, a place where fewer than 1,000 people visit annually, guarantees membership in one of the world’s most exclusive clubs.  

A paragon of French hospitality, powered by liquid natural gas (LNG) and able to break through up to 2.5 metres of ice with ease, Le Commandant Charcot occupies a category of one. Purpose-built to push the boundaries of polar exploration, it is equal parts scientific vessel, five-star hotel, and gateway to the farthest reaches of the planet. For those fortunate enough to experience the sights, sounds and sensations of this remote wonderland, it’s more than a holiday, it’s a pilgrimage. 

Northern exposure 

Reaching the North Pole is no small feat. The landscapes are vast and temperamental as the ship heads north, tracing the dramatic fjords and Inuit communities of Greenland, before crossing into the high Arctic—where ice thickens, daylight stretches without end, and the world grows quiet.  

Returning guests speak of feeling the purifying Arctic air on their skin and salt on their lips before even seeing the ice. Upon reaching 90° North, they can step onto Earth’s literal axis for an experience that defies words—this is the moment that changes people.  

Add many chances of seeing the Northern Lights from the ship’s deck, and it’s almost too much awe and wonder for one trip. 

The real deal 

The Ponant Explorations team has curated a voyage that emphasises immersion in the natural environment, encounters with rare wildlife, and engagement with the people who call the polar region home. Activities designed by an elite team of scientists, naturalist guides and seasoned expeditionists offer guests adventures they’ll never forget.  

Think zodiac excursions among drifting ice, hikes past shimmering blue meltwater pools, cold plunges in a carved ice bath or open Arctic water, and cross-country skiing and toboganning past Arctic foxes.  

Other animal sightings are nothing short of magical. Lucky guests may see polar bears approaching the ship as it floats on battery power, lulled by the suspicious vessel’s silence, while seals sun on ice floes, killer whale pods show off for the cameras, narwhals pop out of the water, and birdlife sing along Greenland’s coast.  

Never a dull moment 

Inside, guest suites and staterooms are warm, elegant respites from the chill, finished in pale woods, sculpted metals and soft textiles in a palette that mirrors the sea and sky. Floor-to-ceiling windows keep rooms awash with natural light and the landscape in view at all times, keeping nature front and centre and ensuring nobody misses any life-altering moments. 

This quiet extravagance extends to dining, with Ponant Explorations’ groundbreaking partnership with Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse. French tradition and regional flavours inspire the menus at the acclaimed fine-dining restaurant Nuna, with a focus on seasonality and sustainability. Other venues and lounges offer everything from fine dining to relaxed à la carte meals, all with impeccable service and premium wines, spirits, and cocktails.  

Between polar landings and walrus spotting, guests can keep busy with workouts, lectures, photography classes and films. For those needing rest and introspection, the ship offers quiet lounges and a comprehensive wellness ecosystem, including a Scandinavian-inspired spa, Biologique Recherche spa treatments, a sauna, an indoor pool, and a heated, panoramic outdoor pool for soaking under clear Arctic skies. 

Down to a science 

Along with its seaborne sophistication, Le Commandant Charcot is also a vessel with purpose. Each season, Ponant Explorations hosts international researchers, providing access to one of the most remote corners of Earth. Guests can engage directly with these experts whose work shapes our understanding and treatment of a rapidly changing environment. 

Science unfolds on board in real time, their studies and expertise providing immersive insights into ice dynamics, Arctic wildlife and the complex geopolitics shaping the polar region. The Arctic is fragile, majestic, and profoundly complex, and Ponant Explorations takes pride in sending guests out with a team committed to protecting it.  

The one and only

What ultimately sets this voyage apart is its singularity. No other vessel can transport you to 90° North in luxurious comfort or beat the feeling of standing on ancient ice at the edge of the known world.  

In a travel landscape crowded with claims of “once-in-a-lifetime”, Ponant Explorations’ North Pole itineraries earn the title. For intrepid travellers looking for a luxury experience that’s equal parts adventure, education and relaxation, there is simply no other choice. 

Speak to your preferred travel agent or visit au.ponant.com