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23rd September 2025
Travel Associates advisor Jo Kennedy shares her world-class experience of cruising to the North Pole with Ponant – a truly rare privilege.
The Journey of a Lifetime
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Jo Kennedy on board Le Commandant Charcot during Ponant's 16-day Geographic North Pole voyage.
As a travel advisor, I’ve been fortunate to experience many of the world’s most luxurious journeys, but nothing quite compares to sailing to 90° North aboard Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot. This 16-day Geographic North Pole expedition is unlike any other: equal parts exploration, indulgence, and sheer privilege. Fewer than 1,000 people each year ever make it to the North Pole, and fewer still do so in such absolute comfort and style.
We set off in August, during the Arctic summer, departing from Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen (the world’s most northernmost settlement). At this time of the year, you’ll experience endless daylight – a surreal, magical atmosphere where the sun never dips below the horizon. This extraordinary voyage took us across the polar seas to one of the most remote and pristine corners of the Earth, following in the footsteps of the great explorers like Amundsen and Peary. During our time at 90° North, we didn’t see another vessel in sight, and we weren’t going to. Quite simply, there is no other passenger ship on Earth that can get there.
Setting Sail in Style
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This Ponant cruise embarks at Longyearbyen, the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago.
The adventure began well before we reached the ship. I flew into Paris, where Ponant had arranged an overnight airport hotel stay, conveniently close to our charter flight to Longyearbyen. From the very first interaction, everything was seamless and polished. That efficiency and elegance would define the entire journey.
The Ship: Le Commandant Charcot
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Le Commandant Charcot ventures to Earth’s most secluded and unspoiled frontiers.
Le Commandant Charcot is no ordinary expedition vessel; it’s a feat of modern engineering and refined design, purpose-built to do what no other passenger ship can: take guests all the way to the Geographic North Pole.
Launched in 2021, this revolutionary ship is the world’s first hybrid-electric, polar icebreaking cruise vessel. Classified as a Polar Class 2 icebreaker, it can cut through ice over eight feet thick, allowing access to some of the most remote, untouched regions on Earth – destinations well beyond the reach of conventional ships.
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Staffed with a team of expert naturalists, biologists, and scientists, Le Commandant Charcot is an expedition vessel unlike any other.
Despite its technical prowess, Le Commandant Charcot is designed for the luxury traveller. Though it can host up to 245 guests, our voyage was much more intimate, and with nearly a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, service was consistently exceptional. From butler-serviced suites to Michelin-quality dining, a serene spa and wellness complex, to interiors dressed in soothing tones of blue, warm wood, and soft leathers, the onboard experience was flawless. Diptyque Paris toiletries, curated art installations, and wraparound observation decks add to the sense of quiet elegance throughout.
And for those who want to stay connected from the ends of the Earth? You’ll be pleased to know that Starlink satellite Wi-Fi, introduced in 2023, keeps you online – even at 90° North.
Ponant also leads the way in sustainable exploration. As the first polar expedition ship powered in part by liquefied natural gas (LNG), Le Commandant Charcot significantly reduces emissions and environmental impact while navigating some of the planet’s most fragile ecosystems.
Accommodations: Suites with a View
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The beautifully appointed Deluxe Suite comes with its own 5-square-metre private balcony.
There are 123 staterooms and suites, each with its own private balcony or terrace, perfect for spotting polar bears or watching the shifting ice floes. I stayed in a Deluxe Suite (28 m²), which felt homely, serene, and effortlessly stylish. The 24-hour room service, and ever-replenished minibar made it a true sanctuary after each day’s adventure.
For those looking to elevate the experience even further, the Duplex and Owner’s Suites offer VIP amenities and expansive layouts of up to 115m², ideal for larger groups travelling together or those wanting a penthouse-style home at the top of the world.
Savouring the Arctic: Exceptional Dining at Sea
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Dining aboard Le Commandant Charcot is an exquisite experience, featuring gourmet cuisine crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Dining onboard was a true culinary journey. Nuna, the flagship restaurant by Alain Ducasse, offered refined French and international cuisine, while Sila served a buffet that felt anything but ordinary: always fresh, varied, and beautifully presented.
From caviar and Champagne at the North Pole to relaxed breakfasts overlooking the ice, dining on Le Commandant Charcot is one of the voyage’s great pleasures. And with fine French wines included in the fare, every meal felt like a celebration.
Epic Polar Adventures and Activities
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Zodiac cruises are a signature feature of this expedition, offering guests intimate access to polar landscapes that larger vessels cannot reach.
This is a cruise for active, adventurous travellers. Each day offered something different: Zodiac tours, guided ice walks, kayaking, and even the legendary polar plunge – an exhilarating dip into the Arctic Ocean at 90° North (ECG approval required before departure). And yes, I did it – just remember to breathe!
Our itinerary wasn’t at all rigid. The captain adjusted the route based on weather and ice conditions. That spontaneity added to the magic. Reaching the North Pole twice on our voyage was an unexpected thrill, made even more special when we were invited to step ashore for a celebration on the ice itself.
The journey was further enriched by an exceptional expedition team of more than 20 naturalists, biologists, and polar guides, whose expertise and enthusiasm vividly illuminated the wonders of the polar environment. Their daily lectures and talks added so much depth to the adventure, spanning everything from the rare wildlife to the region’s remarkable geology.
Unrivalled Wildlife Encounters
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Guests onboard this cruise were lucky enough to experience multiple polar bear sightings during the trip.
A truly one-of-a-kind moment came at 2:30am on our fourth night of cruising, when we spotted fresh polar bear footprints outside our suites. Within minutes, we were all on deck (some of us still in pyjamas) watching a mother bear and her cub. Simply unforgettable! Over the course of the journey, we saw walruses, seals, an Arctic fox (much smaller than we expected), thousands of migratory birds, and even a whale.
But some of the most surprising moments happened back on land in Svalbard. We visited a beach strewn with dinosaur footprints, and took in the Global Seed Vault, an extraordinary facility that houses seeds from nearly every country in the world. I never imagined I'd tick those off the list during a polar cruise.
Who This Cruise Is For
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Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot is an excellent choice for active travellers seeking a blend of adventure and luxury in the polar regions.
I’d recommend this experience for well-travelled clients (probably no older than age 50–70) who are fit, curious, and comfortable with active adventures. You'll need to confidently board Zodiacs, kayak, and walk on snow. This is the ultimate cruise for nature lovers, explorers, and seekers of rare, luxury experiences.
What to Pack
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As you continue your voyage to the North Pole, you'll explore this silent, frozen world that few ever get to see.
Ponant provides a warm, waterproof jacket, so you’ll only need one set of thermals, waterproof pants, and layered outdoor wear. Gloves, a beanie, and scarf are essentials. Onboard attire is relaxed but smart; pack something elegant for the two formal evenings. And if you forget anything? Longyearbyen offers excellent, tax-free outdoor gear at reasonable prices.
Final Thoughts About Le Commandant Charcot
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A team celebration of reaching the North Pole - a feat achieved not once, but twice on this journey.
There’s a phrase the captain shared that stuck with me: “We’ll run out of Champagne before we run out of power.” That perfectly sums up the balance of comfort and capability experienced onboard Le Commandant Charcot.
To stand at the top of the world, surrounded by silence, ice, and nothing else – knowing you are one of the few humans to ever do so – is a feeling I’ll never forget.
Experience a Luxury Ponant Cruise for Yourself
The North Pole awaits, and there isn’t a more sumptuous way to get there.
