Yvonne’s Visit to Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot

Welcome to the Aspen Travel blog! In this post, we’re going to talk about Yvonne’s recent trip on the Ponant Le Commandant Charcot ship. Yvonne our experienced Retail Consultant is an avid traveller who loves to explore new places and experience new cultures. And, as you’ll soon see, her recent adventure on this state-of-the-art ship was nothing short of amazing.

The Ponant Le Commandant Charcot is a luxury expedition ship that was recently launched by Ponant, a French cruise line that specializes in small-ship expeditions to some of the world’s most remote and exotic destinations. The ship is named after Jean-Baptiste Charcot, a French explorer who led several expeditions to the Antarctic in the early 20th century.

Yvonne was fortunate enough to be one of the first passengers to experience this remarkable ship as it took the short journey from Southampton to Brest, a lot different to the usual expeditions this fantastic ship takes through the icy waters of the Arctic taking in breathtaking views of glaciers, icebergs, and wildlife along the way:

From the moment I stepped on board, I felt completely at ease and surrounded by a lovely, serene colour scheme. The crew and staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the ship’s bridge maintains an open policy, allowing visitors to pop in and visit the captain whenever convenient.

All cabins on the ship feature balconies, providing the option to watch icebergs float by while searching for penguins in Antarctica or polar bears in the Arctic. Each cabin also comes equipped with a complimentary bar and Nespresso coffee machine.

The beds were so comfortable that it was difficult to leave them each morning! However, the fantastic breakfast selection, heated indoor and outdoor pools (on deck 9), and heated seats were too good to miss. For those who prefer not to swim, there is a sauna and snow room to enjoy without the need for extra layers.

Lunch is followed by an expedition with the incredibly knowledgeable team, or guests can seek out Vlad, who is often in the labs conducting research. There is always someone around with an interesting story or fact to share.

As the day draws to a close, guests can enjoy a gin and tonic before a fantastic dinner in Nuna restaurant, where the menu is truly exceptional. Who knew that calamari and mash could go so well together? After dinner, head to the theatre for a show, and finish off the evening with a final drink in the bar before retiring to your luxurious accommodations once more.

As you go about your daily activities on the ship, you’ll be surrounded by the most stunning scenery imaginable, and you never know what you’ll see out of the window or from the deck. It’s truly an incredible way to experience the outer reaches of the world.

The ship has two main restaurants, each with its own unique style and menu.

The first restaurant is called the Gastronomic Restaurant, which offers a more formal dining experience with a menu that changes daily. The cuisine is a fusion of French and international flavors, with an emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant has a sophisticated atmosphere, with elegant decor and attentive service.

The second restaurant is called the Grill Restaurant, which is a more casual and relaxed dining option. The menu features grilled meats and seafood, along with a variety of salads and side dishes. The restaurant is located on the ship’s deck, offering stunning views of the surrounding polar landscape.

In addition to these two main restaurants, Le Commandant Charcot also has a lounge and bar area where guests can enjoy a variety of drinks and light snacks. The ship’s onboard pastry chef also creates a range of delicious desserts and pastries that are available throughout the day.

Overall, the food on board Le Commandant Charcot is of a very high standard, with an emphasis on quality ingredients and creative, flavorful dishes. The ship’s chefs are highly skilled and experienced, and they take great pride in creating memorable dining experiences for their guests. Whether you’re looking for a formal, gourmet meal or a casual bite to eat, you’ll find plenty of delicious options on board this impressive polar expedition ship.

Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot is an ice-breaking polar exploration ship that offers a range of unique and exciting cruise itineraries. The ship is specially designed to navigate the icy waters of the Arctic and Antarctic regions, providing guests with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore some of the most remote and pristine parts of the world.

The ship’s itineraries vary depending on the season and typically range from 10 to 23 days in duration. Some of the most popular cruise routes include:

1. – Arctic Exploration: This itinerary takes guests on a journey through the Arctic Circle, where they can explore the stunning landscapes and unique wildlife of places like Greenland, Spitsbergen, and the North Pole.

2. – Antarctic Discovery: This itinerary takes guests on a voyage to the southernmost continent, where they can witness towering glaciers, massive icebergs, and colonies of penguins and other wildlife.

3. – Transatlantic Crossing: This itinerary offers a unique opportunity to cross the Atlantic Ocean in style, with stops at remote islands like Iceland and the Faroe Islands along the way.

4. – Northwest Passage: This itinerary takes guests on an epic adventure through the fabled Northwest Passage, a historic trading route that winds its way through the Canadian Arctic.

No matter which itinerary guests choose, they can expect to experience the ultimate in comfort and luxury on board Le Commandant Charcot. The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, including a panoramic lounge, a fitness center, a spa, and a theater. Guests can also take advantage of a range of exciting excursions and activities, including kayaking, snowshoeing, and helicopter rides, all led by experienced expedition guides.