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Le Commandant Charcot
Ponant · launched 2021 · 270 guests
- 270guests
- 2021launched
- 31kgross tonnes
- 3sailings listed
- A$100,650per person, from
19 photos · swipe or use the arrows. Venue and cabin photos are Ponant’s own and may show a sister ship.
Le Commandant Charcot at a glance
Le Commandant Charcot is a ship from Ponant, launched in 2021, carrying 270 guests. It is known for being PONANT's luxury polar exploration ship, an icebreaker that reaches the North Pole and deep Antarctica. We list 3 sailings between January 2028 and February 2029, mostly from Ushuaia and Hobart, from A$100,650 per person.
Le Commandant Charcot is PONANT's polar exploration ship: a luxury icebreaker, the highest ice class of any passenger ship, able to reach the geographic North Pole and the far south of Antarctica.
It carries 270 guests in suites with balconies, with French cuisine, a spa and an expedition team who lead landings on the ice.
From Australia, Le Commandant Charcot is booked for its Antarctic voyages, which we list alongside the other polar expeditions we sell.
Le Commandant Charcot is best for
- Deep Antarctica and the polar regions
- Once-in-a-lifetime expeditions
- Luxury in remote places
- Wildlife and ice
What stands out on Le Commandant Charcot
- A Polar Class 2 icebreaker
- Suites with balconies
- French cuisine
- Expedition landings on the ice
- A hybrid LNG and battery power plant
| Cruise line | Ponant |
|---|---|
| Launched | 2021 |
| Guests | 270 (double occupancy) |
| Crew | 187 |
| Gross tonnage | 31,283 |
| Length | 150 metres |
| Sails from (our sailings) | Ushuaia and Hobart |
| Sailings we list | 3, January 2028 to February 2029 |
Ship facts from Wikipedia, checked 25 October 2026. Sailings and fares updated 1 November 2026.
Le Commandant Charcot itineraries 2028–29
Every Le Commandant Charcot sailing we list, soonest first: 3 sailings from January 2028 to February 2029, from Hobart. Fares are per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, as listed by the cruise line on 2 November at 7:26am. Cabin types sell out and prices move between checks, so we confirm what is open and what it costs before you pay.
3 sailings
| Departs | Cruise | Cabins open | From | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 to 28 season | ||||
| Mon, 10 Jan 202829 nights | Unexplored Western Antarctica between Two Continents, Ushuaia to HobartLe Commandant Charcot · One way, Ushuaia to HobartCrossing the Drake Passage, Crossing the Antarctic Circle, Antarctic Peninsula, Marguerite Bay, Expedition to Charcot Island, At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot, Marie Byrd Land exploration, Crossing the International Date Line, Ross Sea Region, Balleny Islands | 4 of 8 cabin types leftLower deck balcony stateroom, Upper decks balcony stateroom, Deluxe Suite, Prestige Suite | Lower deck balcony stateroom fromA$100,650ppA$201,300 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| 2028 to 29 season | ||||
| Wed, 10 Jan 202929 nights | Unexplored Western Antarctica between Two Continents, Ushuaia to HobartLe Commandant Charcot · One way, Ushuaia to HobartCrossing the Drake Passage, Crossing the Antarctic Circle, Antarctic Peninsula, Marguerite Bay, Expedition to Charcot Island, At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot, Marie Byrd Land exploration, Crossing the International Date Line, Ross Sea Region, Balleny Islands | 7 of 8 cabin types leftLower deck balcony stateroom, Upper decks balcony stateroom, Deluxe Suite, Grand Suite, Prestige Suite, Privilege Suite, Duplex Suite | Lower deck balcony stateroom fromA$106,530ppA$213,060 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Sun, 11 Feb 202930 nights | Unexplored Eastern Antarctica between Two Continents, Hobart to UshuaiaLe Commandant Charcot · One way, Hobart to UshuaiaAt sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot, George V Land, Commonweatlh Bay, Adélie Land, Wilkes Land, Magnetic South Pole, Sailing along Shackleton Ice Shelf, Queen Maud Land, Antarctic Peninsula, Endurance wreck site | 7 of 8 cabin types leftLower deck balcony stateroom, Upper decks balcony stateroom, Deluxe Suite, Grand Suite, Prestige Suite, Privilege Suite, Duplex Suite | Lower deck balcony stateroom fromA$117,530ppA$235,060 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
No sailings match those filters. Clear one, or call a cruise expert on 1300 214 840.
Want the total for two on a specific date? Our experts check availability and every extra before you commit.
Call a Cruise Expert · 1300 214 840 Enquire TodayDining and things to do with Ponant
Venues found across the Ponant fleet; not every venue is on Le Commandant Charcot, so ask us about this ship. Anything marked Included carries no extra cost. Photos are Ponant’s own and may show a sister ship.
Dining & bars
Included
The Restaurant
The main dining room, with a menu that changes through the voyage and a wine list chosen to match it.
Included
The Lounge Bar
Cocktails before dinner and live music most nights, with the open bar that comes with every fare.
Exclusive to Le Commandant Charcot
The Observatory Lounge
A fireplace lounge on deck 9 for watching the ice, unique to the polar icebreaker.
Included
The Theatre
Lectures from the expedition team by day and a stage for concerts and briefings by night.
Included
Cuisine by Alain Ducasse
Menus developed with the three-Michelin-starred chef, served across the fleet’s restaurants.
Extra Charge
The Boutique
Books, clothing and expedition gear, including PONANT-branded parkas for polar sailings.
Onboard activities
Included
Zodiac Excursions
Shore landings and wildlife-watching led by the expedition team, weather and tides permitting.
Included
Heated Indoor Pool
A heated indoor pool aboard Le Commandant Charcot, built for polar sailings when the outer decks are too cold to use.
Extra Charge
Sea Spa & Wellness
Massage, a sauna and treatments at sea, bookable once you are on board.
Included
Yoga on Deck
Morning yoga and fitness sessions on deck, weather permitting, on most sailings.
Included
Expedition Lectures
Naturalists, historians and polar guides brief each landing and lecture between ports.
Le Commandant Charcot cabins and suites
The lowest fare we list for each cabin type on Le Commandant Charcot, per person twin share, taxes and fees included, as listed on 2 November at 7:26am. Fares vary by sailing and date.
Balcony Stateroom
- 19 m², sleeps 2, on the upper or lower decks
- A private balcony on every Explorer-class stateroom
- The entry-level category on Le Jacques Cartier and Le Soléal alike
FromA$100,650ppA$201,300 for 2Unexplored Western Antarctica between Two Continents, Ushuaia to Hobart, 29 nights
Upper decks balcony stateroom
FromA$102,580ppA$205,160 for 2Unexplored Western Antarctica between Two Continents, Ushuaia to Hobart, 29 nights
Deluxe Suite
- 27 m², sleeps up to 3
- A separate sitting area and a larger balcony
- Priority embarkation, with a bathrobe and slippers
FromA$107,380ppA$214,760 for 2Unexplored Western Antarctica between Two Continents, Ushuaia to Hobart, 29 nights
Grand Suite
- 45 m², sleeps up to 4
- One of the largest categories on the Explorer-class ships
- A generous balcony and a separate living area
FromA$178,000ppA$356,000 for 2Unexplored Western Antarctica between Two Continents, Ushuaia to Hobart, 29 nights
Prestige Suite
- 38 m², sleeps up to 4
- A bedroom and a lounge area that can sleep extra guests
- A larger balcony than the Deluxe Suite
FromA$181,540ppA$363,080 for 2Unexplored Western Antarctica between Two Continents, Ushuaia to Hobart, 29 nights
Privilege Suite
FromA$198,420ppA$396,840 for 2Unexplored Western Antarctica between Two Continents, Ushuaia to Hobart, 29 nights
Duplex Suite
FromA$244,360ppA$488,720 for 2Unexplored Western Antarctica between Two Continents, Ushuaia to Hobart, 29 nights
Owner’s Suite
- 45 m², sleeps up to 4, forward-facing on the upper decks
- The top category on Le Jacques Cartier
- Floor-to-ceiling windows and a wraparound balcony
CurrentlySold outon our listed sailingsAsk about dates
Where does Le Commandant Charcot sail?
Le Commandant Charcot calls at 19 ports on the sailings we list. Its voyages: Antarctica (3). Solid pins are where sailings begin.
Loading the map…
- At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot
- Antarctic Peninsula
- Crossing the Drake Passage
- Marie Byrd Land exploration
- Ross Sea Region
- Wilkes Land
- Queen Maud Land
- Ushuaia
- Hobart
- Crossing the Antarctic Circle
- Marguerite Bay
- Expedition to Charcot Island
- Balleny Islands
- George V Land
- Commonweatlh Bay
- Adélie Land
- Magnetic South Pole
- Sailing along Shackleton Ice Shelf
- Endurance wreck site
What’s included in your fare
Ponant fares cover full board, an open bar all day, Wi-Fi, port taxes and one guided activity at every stop. Gratuities are the notable exception.
Butler service comes with the top suites on each ship rather than with the fare.
- Your stateroom and full board, from dinner on the first night to breakfast on the last
- An open bar all day: water, soft drinks, wines, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee and tea
- Wi-Fi around the clock, though it can slow in remote regions
- One activity at each stop: a guided naturalist outing, a Zodiac cruise or a local visit
- The spa area, fitness room and, on Le Commandant Charcot, the snow cabin
- Port taxes
- Room service and all the public areas
- Flights and transfers on the voyages sold with flights included
Available at an additional cost
- Gratuities, which Ponant suggests at 10 to 12 euros per person per day
- Optional excursions beyond the included activity
- Premium drinks listed outside the open bar
- Spa treatments and the hair salon
- Laundry, the boutique and voyage photography
The Ponant Bonus is an early booking discount on the stateroom price, not an extra inclusion.
Le Commandant Charcot, answered
How many passengers does Le Commandant Charcot carry?
Le Commandant Charcot carries 270 guests at double occupancy, looked after by about 187 crew. At 31,283 gross tonnes and 150 metres long, it is a mid-sized ship.
How old is Le Commandant Charcot?
Le Commandant Charcot was launched in 2021.
Where does Le Commandant Charcot sail from in Australia?
Le Commandant Charcot sails from Hobart on 1 of the 3 sailings we list. Its other sailings start overseas, in Ushuaia.
How much does a cruise on Le Commandant Charcot cost?
Fares on Le Commandant Charcot start at A$100,650 per person, twin share, for the 29 night Unexplored Western Antarctica between Two Continents, Ushuaia to Hobart departing 10 January 2028, as listed on 2 November at 7:26am. The lowest fare per night is A$3,471, on the 29 night Unexplored Western Antarctica between Two Continents, Ushuaia to Hobart. Taxes and port fees are included.
Which cabin should I choose on Le Commandant Charcot?
On Le Commandant Charcot every stateroom is a suite with a balcony. The Deluxe Suites are the most popular choice, and the larger Prestige and Privilege suites add more space for long polar voyages.
How do I book Le Commandant Charcot with Luxury Cruises Guide?
Choose a sailing in the table on this page and press Quick Quote, or call 1300 214 840. We are an Australian cruise agency: we confirm the cabin and the total in Australian dollars, and one specialist looks after the booking from quote to homecoming.
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Luxury Cruises Guide is an independent Australian cruise agency operated by Orange Ninja Pty Ltd, ABN 17 682 640 713. It is not owned or operated by Ponant. Le Commandant Charcot and Ponant are trademarks of their owner and are used here to identify the ship. Page updated 1 November 2026.