I'll admit it—I'm not a cold-weather person. Living in Texas, I'm more accustomed to scorching summers than subzero temperatures. But when the opportunity to spend a night and full day aboard Ponant's Le Commandant Charcot in Quebec City arose, I couldn't pass it up. And let me tell you—this ship is something truly extraordinary. The ship was docked there for a full day before embarking on the epic St. Lawrence River in the Heart of Boreal Winter trip, an itinerary like no other.
From the moment I stepped aboard, I was enveloped in an atmosphere of quiet luxury. The interiors are warm and elegant, with thoughtful details that enhance the experience without feeling ostentatious. The designers at Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel and Wilmotte & Associés have created a ship that feels like a seamless extension of the polar landscapes it explores, with rich wood tones, soft lighting, and a color palette that mirrors the icy blues and crisp whites of the surrounding environment.
Braving the Cold (and loving it!)
Despite my warm-weather roots, I found myself drawn to the ship's full wrap-around promenade deck, which completely encircles the ship, for hours. Ponant provided guests with high-quality parkas, and I was amazed at how well they kept me comfortable in the brisk air. Standing outside, I breathed in the crisp Arctic-like atmosphere and listened to the mesmerizing sound of sea ice crackling beneath us. They were moments of pure serenity, a reminder of the power and beauty of the natural world.
For those who prefer to admire the view from indoors, the ship's observation lounge, Anori, offers floor-to-ceiling windows and cozy seating. My personal favorite? The hammocks in the Nuan wellness lounge. I couldn't help but imagine how incredible it would be to relax in one while sailing through the most remote polar destinations, watching icebergs drift by and northern lights dance in the sky.
A Wellness Sanctuary at Sea
Le Commandant Charcot is not just about adventure—it's also about indulgence. The wellness facilities onboard are among the best I've ever experienced. The sauna, with its panoramic views of the icy expanse, was an absolute highlight. There's also a snow room for an invigorating cool-down, a heated indoor pool, and even an outdoor Blue Lagoon-style pool that uses recycled energy from the ship. To round out the experience, the Detox Bar serves smoothies and herbal teas for a refreshing finish.
Michelin-Starred Dining at the Ends of the Earth
Dining aboard Le Commandant Charcot is nothing short of memorable. The menus, crafted by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, showcase French gastronomy at its finest. Every meal felt like an event, with beautifully presented dishes that tasted even better than they looked. Nuna, the ship's main restaurant, served perfectly executed dishes, like the juicy Iberian pork cutlet with the crunchiest vegetables, or the John Dory fillet served with a bright and decadent curry and lemongrass sauce. For breakfast and lunch, Sila on Deck 9 presents a lavish buffet with an array of fresh, diverse dishes in a relaxed setting.
And, of course, no luxury cruise would be complete without fine wine and Champagne—both of which were readily available and expertly curated. Whether enjoying a leisurely breakfast, a refined dinner, or a casual drink at the open-air Inneq bar, every bite and sip felt like a celebration of the journey.
Spacious, Stylish, and Pristine Accommodations
The staterooms aboard Le Commandant Charcot are designed with comfort and functionality in mind. Even the entry-level cabins offer ample storage and private balconies, making it easy to feel at home. Everything about the ship is pristine, from the plush bedding to the elegant neutral-toned decor. It's the perfect retreat after a day of exploration.
A True Expedition Experience
Beyond luxury, Le Commandant Charcot is a vessel built for true exploration. As the world's only luxury icebreaker, it can navigate deeper into the polar regions than any other passenger ship. Its expert-led expedition team includes glaciologists, naturalists, and marine biologists who offer fascinating insights into the Arctic and Antarctic ecosystems. The ship also supports scientific research, with onboard labs and collaborations with international scientists studying climate change and marine life.
For those who crave adventure, the ship offers a range of immersive experiences, from Zodiac excursions and ice fishing to snowshoeing and even polar diving. While my short stay didn't allow for these activities, it was clear that Le Commandant Charcot is designed for travelers seeking both comfort and true polar exploration.
Luxury, Adventure, and Discovery
My time aboard Le Commandant Charcot left me in awe. It's a ship that redefines what it means to explore the polar regions—combining adventure, luxury, and scientific discovery in a way that feels both effortless and profound.
Would I sail aboard Le Commandant Charcot? In a heartbeat! Next time, I’ll claim my hammock and sit there for an entire afternoon, watching the polar landscapes drift by in quiet wonder.
