Everything you need to know about Ponant Explorations' luxury icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot

For the 2026/27 winter season, Le Commandant Charcot returns to the Arctic. With 16 departures available between October 2026 to March 2027, here are some of the itineraries to tempt your clients with, allowing them to feel the thrill of the first explorers: 

Polar Nights: From the North Cape to Spitsbergen
This 11-day voyage takes explorers above the Arctic Circle during the long polar night. Passengers will explore fjords and glaciers, visit the North Cape, meet local communities, and will have the possibility to observe whales, seals and seabirds, and search for the Northern Lights. 

Polar Lights: From North Cape to the Lofoten Islands
Travelling along Norway’s wild northern coast, travellers will witness the start of the Northern Lights season, immersing themselves in dramatic landscapes and enjoying authentic encounters with the Sami people on this nine-day sailing. 

Autumn Splendours: From Lofoten to the Norwegian Fjords
This 14-day voyage takes in the pristine Lofoten archipelago and majestic fjords. Guests will explore Scandinavian architecture, from Bergen's Hanseatic heritage to Alesund's Art Nouveau charm.

The Gulf of Bothnia, at the Gateway to the Arctic

Between Sweden and Finland, under the glow of the polar night, travellers will enjoy snowshoeing and visiting a reindeer farm in Oulu, along with trips to historic towns like Unesco-listed Rauma, on this nine-day sailing.

From the North Sea to the Baltic
This 11-day journey spans five countries and three capitals, with an overnight mooring opposite Stockholm’s Old Town. Guests will enjoy inspiring landscapes and vibrant Nordic culture.

Baltic Bliss & Winter Wonders
Over 10 days guests will celebrate local traditions as Baltic cities light up for the holiday season. They’ll visit Scandinavian and Baltic towns with rich heritages, with time for music, cultural events and gourmet treats.

The St Lawrence River in the Heart of the Boreal Winter
This 15-day unique winter itinerary round-trip from Quebec to the icebound La Baie Fjord (Saguenay), features untouched landscapes and warm welcomes from the Innu and Mi'kmaq peoples.

From the St Lawrence to Greenland, the Last Moments of Winter
From Canada’s snowy boreal forests to Greenland’s ice-filled fjords, guests will discover a magical transition from winter to spring, highlighted by cultural exchanges with the Mikmaq and Inuit, on this 15-day sailing.

And coming up in 2028... 

Le Commandant Charcot to complete a full circumnavigation of Antarctica in 2028 – A world first for her category 

Between January and March 2028, Ponant Explorations’ luxury icebreaker will embark on a full circumnavigation of the White Continent, charting a course across nearly 18,000 kilometres of Antarctic coastline – which is larger than Europe. 

Le Commandant Charcot will depart Ushuaia (Argentina) westward for Hobart (Tasmania). After a brief stopover, the ship will sail eastward back to Ushuaia via Antarctica’s eastern coast over 34 days.