Expedition Cruise: Pavlus’ Hill Sails on Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot

During a recent Ponant expedition cruise from Brest, France, to Reykjavik, Iceland, Victoria Hill of Pavlus Travel had a once-in-a-lifetime experience that she’ll never forget. “Seeing the Northern Lights was simply magnificent,” she emphasizes.

Calling Mother Nature’s natural light show across the sky a “Ponant Moment,” Hill, a personal travel planner for Pavlus, explains that it happened on her final night on the ship. “For me, it was the perfect example of ‘the joy of travel,'” she stresses. “Looking into the dark night and seeing those swaths of colored lights across the sky was simply amazing.”

In addition to enjoying that colorful night-sky display, Hill also delved into the Ponant onboard experience. She used her repositioning cruise (with no port calls) as a way to glean more “intel” about the French-flagged line.

Expedition Cruise Heading North

During the four-night repositioning voyage (with no port calls), Hill and other guests sailed aboard Ponant’s 245-passenger Le Commandant Charcot. As a Polar Class 2 icebreaker, this modern, French-flagged expedition ship can operate year-round in some of the world’s thickest floating ice.

In fact, on a voyage several years ago, Le Commandant Charcot actually reached the geographic North Pole. Guests on that first North Pole sailing had their own “Ponant Moment” as they stepped onto the ice and snapped selfies at the top of the world.

Sustainability-wise, the 492-foot-long vessel is also the world’s only luxury hybrid electric polar ship powered by clean-burning liquid natural gas (LNG). And for expeditionary outings, the ship carries 16 Zodiacs to transport guests on shore excursions or wildlife spotting outings.

But it also has wonderful interior spots too, such as a forward Observatory lounge. Guests can pop onto the outside deck if desired as well.

Hill’s prime interest during her sailing was to glean a bit more firsthand knowledge about the Ponant brand to assist her clients. Good to know? Ponant (Compagnie du Ponant) has strong naval roots.

Founded in 1988 by Philippe Videau, Jean-Emmanuel Sauvé, and other French Merchant Navy officers, it now operates 11 luxurious small ships. All sail under the French flag.

Two vessels, the 32-passenger Le Ponant and the catamaran Spirit of Ponant are intimate sailing ships. The rest of the fleet is motorized.

Four 244- to 264-passenger “Sisterships” include Le Lyrial, L’Austral, Le Boreal and Le Soleal. Six 184-passenger Explorer-series ships include Le Jacques-Cartier, Le Champlain and others.

And of course, Ponant also operates the 245-passenger Le Commandant Charcot. One unique itinerary option is this icebreaker’s four St. Lawrence Seaway winter season voyages in 2025.

Le Commandant Charcot carries a crew of 215 (with maximum guest capacity of 245). Guests also will discover attractive public spaces in which to socialize and relax.

Did you know this expedition ship has a full-service spa? It’s a great spot for enjoying a warm, pampering treatment with great views.  Or, for a polar voyage, it’s fun to spend a few minutes in the snow room (see photos below).

Onboard Dining Spots

Le Commandant Charcot offers several public dining venues plus room service. On Deck 5, Nuna (meaning “the Earth”) is the ship’s gastronomic restaurant.  Serving French and international cuisine, one highlight is the ability to order signature dishes by Alain Ducasse. It also has a wine cellar with fine wines.

Located at the rear of Deck 5, the elegant Nuna offers an a la carte dining experience and can accommodate all guests in a single seating. “During our cruise, dinner was served in Nuna starting around 7 to 8 p.m. nightly and included several courses,” says Hill. “Service is typically up through 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.”

Her recommendation? “For those who prefer a more flexible dining schedule, perhaps earlier dining in the evening, either the alternative dining venues or room service could be a good choice,” she says. For instance, Hill ordered room service on one evening, and reports that “it was very prompt.”

Le Commandant Charcot’s more casual eatery is Sila (meaning, “the sky, outside”) on Deck 9. Accommodating 142 guests at a time, it serves breakfast, a buffet lunch and themed dinners.

The open-air bar Inneq (meaning “the fire”) is also on Deck 9. With a permanent menu, it offers sweet and savory dishes between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Accommodations Choices

For those seeking an expedition cruise in the lap of luxury, Hill suggests looking to the top suites at the rear of Decks 6 and 7. They include four 1,011-square-foot, split-level suites with private terraces and whirlpools.

In addition, the 1,237-square-foot Suite de l’Armateur (Shipowner’s Suite) on Deck 8 features wide sliding glass doors. Those provide panoramic views of the outside. Plus, they open onto a humongous, 2,002-square-foot private terrace.

During her time aboard, though, Hill and a work colleague, Megan Stockdale Stewart, director, cruise marketing, Pavlus Travel, stayed in #818, an accessible Prestige Stateroom on Deck 8.

“It was well-appointed and very accommodating for guests that may need the accessible cabin,” Hill tells The Meandering Traveler.  Hill says the beds also proved “very comfortable.”

Ponant Expedition Cruise: More Intel

As for onboard activities during her sea days, Hill enjoyed Ponant’s afternoon interactive games. “In addition, they offered engaging lectures about the icebreaker itself,” she says.

Guests can also walk on an outside deck or spend time on their balcony soaking up ocean views and fresh sea air. “Bring warm clothing, though,” she recommends to potential northbound travelers, particularly those traveling in early spring.

For any travelers sailing on any cruise line heading to Reykjavik, she has one additional piece of advice. “Extend your stay in Reykjavik and enjoy the Sky Lagoon as it’s far less crowded than the Blue Lagoon,” she stresses.

Tips from Hill about a Ponant Expedition Cruise

A shorter repositioning cruise (such as the one Hill took) isn’t typically something guests would book for their full vacation, she acknowledges.

That said, “if Ponant’s guests have booked a Ponant itinerary before or after a short crossing, they might chat with their personal travel planner about options,” Hill says. “It may be possible to add on a crossing with several sea days at little or no additional cost.”

Another tip? Did you know that Ponant offers a sizable number of voyages with no single supplement required for solo travelers? “That’s a big plus for those seeking a single cabin and wanting to avoid the dreaded supplement,” she explains.

“Ponant also offers some unique itineraries,” Hill believes. Guests can check out the full range of expedition and other small-ship voyages at the official Ponant website.

For a look at the overall Ponant oceangoing product, we’d also suggest checking out Pavlus’ previous blog about this small-ship line. For any questions and Ponant bookings, just use the helpful contact information below!

Important Notes from Pavlus Travel