Venturing into the Polar Regions in French Style

Luxury expedition company PONANT is known for delivering serious style across its entire fleet, and going to parts of the Earth that few others can go. Here’s how you can see the most northern realms of the globe in 2025 & 2026 on eight exclusive itineraries, aboard the world’s only luxury icebreaker

In partnership with PONANT

While ‘luxury travel’ was once defined solely as opulent hotels and first-class flights, modern adventurers are now seeking this – but with an emphasis on space, freedom and exclusivity. PONANT’s expedition cruising offerings fit right in, giving you the chance to see some of the world’s most remote and fragile realms, in sustainable style.

PONANT ventures north

One of those destinations is the geographic North Pole, a wild and wonderful world of snow and ice. But it’s much more than a landscape of white: your backdrop is constantly changing with the movement of ice and the play of light. Nature reigns supreme, sheltering wildlife that ranges from polar bears and seals to pods of whales.

This is, understandably, a place that has captivated the imagination of explorers for centuries, and that – even today – few people get to glimpse due to its remoteness, and the advanced nature of ships required to get here.

The PONANT journey

When you set out from Longyearbyen (the world’s northernmost settlement) on the Norwegian island of Svalbard, you’re following in the wake of adventurers like Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Frederick Cook, Robert Edwin Peary and Roald Amundsen, who were among the many to push themselves to the limits to reach the top end of the Earth, 700 kilometres from any land. You’re able to retrace their steps thanks to the fact that you’re aboard the world’s only luxury icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot, sailing on two of PONANT’s sailing on eight of PONANT’s exclusive 15-night itineraries.

When you’re not taking in this frozen world from the ship, you’re exploring in kayaks or snowshoeing and hiking on land. Like those early explorers, you can also test your mettle on a ‘Polar Plunge’ – it’s invigorating to say the least.

PONANT pioneering sustainable style

Le Commandant Charcot is the not only the world’s only luxury icebreaker, but also the world’s very first hybrid-electric polar exploration ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas, and it 2021 became the first French flagged vessel to reach the Geographic North Pole. It’s also the world’s first passenger ship fitted with a Polar Class 2 (PC2) hull, giving it the ability to sail deftly between sheets of drifting sea. Those same regions that French explorer and scientist captain Charcot was so enthralled by a century ago, his discoveries and insights leading PONANT to name their equally pioneering vessel after him.

Life on board the world’s only luxury icebreaker

Le Commandant Charcot is the epitome of French luxury, delivering staterooms and suites (for just 245 guests) that come with private balconies, to watch nature’s drama unfold outside – Duplex Suites and the Owner’s Suite feature spacious terraces with enough room for entertaining, not to mention the services of a butler to deliver a bottle of Charles Heidsieck, perhaps, as the last of the day glints off Arctic ice floe. Top-shelf champagnes, rare wines, artwork by French creatives and in-room Dyptique amenities are among the flairs that remind you this is PONANT.

Venture to the promenade deck of Le Commandant Charcot to take in the view from warmed benches and two Swarovski Optik telescopes. Soaking in the indoor and outdoor pools is not quite the ‘Polar Plunge’ – the latter pool (and those benches) are heated using the ship’s recycled energy. More pampering awaits in the Scandinavian-inspired Wellness Lounge, its sauna offering unobstructed ocean views; adjoining are a snow cabin and massage suites. Once your adventure-weary limbs are eased, sip cocktails delivered from the Blue Lagoon Bar while cosied beside the giant firepit.

Wining and dining, the PONANT way

Just because you’re exploring the end of the Earth doesn’t mean you can’t indulge come mealtime. Highly awarded French-Monégasque Alain Ducasse is PONANT’s consulting chef across the entire fleet, and his extraordinary cuisine makes an appearance at Le Commandant Charcot’s gastronomic restaurant, Nuna, where he has personally created over 300 unique dishes to be served at the only Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea.  More informal is Sila – but no less delicious – where you can enjoy breakfast, buffet lunches and themed dinners.

From the vessel to the destination to the onboard and offboard experiences, this is the true journey of a lifetime.

In 2025 and 2026, PONANT offers eight exclusive itineraries that take you on an unprecedented adventure in search of the North Pole, departing from and returning to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen. PONANT also includes return flights from Paris to Longyearbyen*, which means conquering this geographic point is easier than ever.

PONANT offers two exclusive itineraries that take you on an unprecedented adventure in search of the North Pole, departing from and returning to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen. PONANT also includes return flights from Paris to Longyearbyen*, which means conquering this geographic point is easier than ever.