By Published On: 28 Nov 2018

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Luxury French expedition cruise line Ponant have begun construction of their groundbreaking and highly anticipated new luxury icebreaker.

Named Le Commandant Charcot – in honour of the great French polar explorer and sailor, Jean-Baptiste Charcot – the Ponant icebreaker will become the cruise line’s new flagship when it debuts in 2021.

In fact Le Commandant Charcot is the most ambitious design Ponant have undertaken, both in terms of travel experience and respect for the environment.

A new kind of luxury vessel

Indeed, Ponant tell us Le Commandant Charcot is designed to be a new type of cruise ship that will minimise environmental impact. It will be an electric hybrid vessel, powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and incorporate all the latest innovations in environmental protection.

The latest technology will be fitted to the new Ponant icebreaker.

The latest technology will be fitted to the new Ponant icebreaker.

In fact Le Commandant Charcot will be the first exploration vessel to surpass the ecological standards set out in international regulations. It is sure to make Ponant a world leader in responsible tourism.

A Ponant icebreaker for true polar expedition

Designed for intense polar explorations the Ponant icebreaker will have a PC2 Polar Class certification,  which means it can operate year-round in moderate multi-year ice conditions. This will give the unique cruise ship the ability to sail where no other luxury vessel can go – including  the Geographic North Pole. Guests will have access to helicopters and Zodiacs so they can delve even deeper into the white wilderness.

Le Commandant Charcot will delve even deeper into the white wilderness.

Le Commandant Charcot will delve even deeper into the white wilderness.

Unrivalled polar luxury

Ponant promise Le Commandant Charcot will boast luxury amenities the likes of which have never been seen at the polar regions before. The intimate vessel will have just 135 rooms with panoramic ocean views, 68 of which will be magnificent suites. There will be outstanding gastronomic dining as well as a luxury day spa and wellness area. 

For more information about Le Commandant Charcot visit the Ponant website.

About the Author: Jason Kerr

Jason is the founder and Managing Editor of The Luxury Cruise Review. He has a passion for travel, a weakness for espresso coffee and a love of Greek cuisine.

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