Le Commandant Charcot
A uniquely versatile ship combining the incredible power of an icebreaker with the ultra comfort of a luxury cruise vessel.
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Ponant Explorations have been offering luxury all-inclusive cruises for four decades, and have been operating in Antarctica for more than 15 years. The attention to detail in the way they serve their guests from the moment they arrive in South America is rightly celebrated. It’s matched with an equal commitment to pushing polar frontiers – not least through their luxury icebreaker Le Commandant, the toughest ship in the polar fleet.
Ponant Explorations were one of the first luxury cruise operators that Swoop partnered with, and we’re proud to have worked with them since almost the moment we were founded.
Proudly working with every operator in the industry
Swoop says
Ponant Explorations offer polar luxury with an effortless Gallic flair, but what gets us really excited is the prospect of a true adventure for our guests, thanks to their icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot, which really can reach the parts other ships can't.
Cassia Jackson Antarctica Specialist
Who are Ponant Explorations?
Ponant Explorations are a luxury French cruise ship operator founded in 1988. They have been operating in Antarctica since 2010. Ponant's runs one of the largest collections of ships in the polar fleet, with five in total. Four are near-identical sister ships: Le Boreal, L'Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial, all purpose-built luxury expedition ships launched between 2010–2015. in 2021 they launched Le Commandant Charcot, the world's first luxury icebreaker built so far, with a hybrid electric-liquified natural gas engine.
Le Commandant Charcot gives Ponant Explorations unparalleled range. In 2002 it sailed to 78°44.3' – the most southerly latitude to the South Pole accessible by sea.
Why Swoop loves working with Ponant Explorations
- Swoop has worked with Ponant Explorations almost since our founding, and we know their luxury offering always meets—and then exceeds—our clients' polar expectations.
- They offer our guests a seamless experience from the moment they arrive in South America, with included nights in Santiago and charter flights south to join their ship.
- Their commissioning and launching of the icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot has been a genuine game changer, offering the chance to explore the parts of Antarctica out of reach to every other ship – all in supreme comfort.
- With a galley of French chefs onboard every ship, the food served to guests is always haute cuisine, and the all-inclusive nature of the cruises means that all drinks, tops and more are included.
- The superb onboard facilities even include a snow room next door to the sauna, so you don't have to wait for the polar plunge to experience a spa with temperature extremes.
- Ponant Explorations share Swoop's commitment to sustainability, with Le Commandant Charcot's hybrid electric-liquefied natural gas engines creating a lower carbon footprint, as well as an almost sailing experience.
- All their ships include wet and dry laboratories, and Ponant Explorations regularly hosts scientists, allowing guests to see new Antarctic research being done firsthand.
- Ponant Explorations regularly provide us with offers for solo travellers, for those travelling on their own to make their luxury experience go further.
What Swoop travellers think about Ponant Explorations
Ponant Explorations trips scored 4.3/5 from 11 reviews
Swoop's trips with Ponant Explorations
Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip
Ponant Explorations' ships
Le Boreal, L'Austral, Le Soleal & Le Lyrial
Purpose built expedition ships with state of the art luxury. These ships offer 5* service for their 200 guests travelling in serious comfort.
Discover MoreSwoop works with every major Antarctic operator
Swoop’s unrivalled network of trusted partners across the polar fleet make it easy to find your dream Antarctic adventure.
Our expertise means we can offer impartial advice on which operator, ship, and departure is best for you.
And our Price Match Promise means that we’ll always match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
1. Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2. Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3. Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
