least understood ecosystem. With two onboard labs and rare polar access, Le Commandant Charcot enables vital work in regions once considered unreachable. Travel and science move forward together. In 2024, for example, Le Commandant Charcot carried 20 scientists on a trans-Arctic expedition to study sea-ice evolution and biodiversity, marking one of the first crossings of its kind by a hybrid-powered vessel.
Powered by liquefied natural gas( LNG) and electric batteries, Le Commandant Charcot operates silently and cleanly, minimizing emissions while navigating fragile ecosystems. Its expeditions have included winter voyages on the St. Lawrence River in Canada, Antarctic Circle crossings and journeys“ In the Wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot,” following the routes of the French polar explorer who inspired the ship’ s name.
Evenings aboard often bring the most human moments of discovery: informal gatherings where explorers exchange observations beneath the polar light.
© Studio Ponant
PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ cultural reach extends into Europe through its alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, the renowned travel program of the Smithsonian Institution. On these voyages, Smithsonian Journeys Experts provide engaging lectures and discussions on board that deepen cultural enrichment, all delivered with PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ signature French flair and exceptional service. On itineraries like“ A Circumnavigation of Sicily,” travelers may move through Palermo’ s Cappella Palatina, Monreale’ s Norman cathedrals and Agrigento’ s Doric ruins, accompanied by knowledgeable guides who connect these sites to larger narratives of art, empire and geology. In“ Mediterranean Island Voyage: Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba,” guests cross a web of islands that share the traces of Phoenician trade and Roman power, tasting wines and cheeses whose recipes survived conquests and centuries. And in“ Cruising Southern Spain and Portugal,” the program expands into performance and flavor: the courtyards of the Alhambra, the rhythmic passion of flamenco in Cádiz and the quiet pleasure of an Algarve vineyard at dusk.
The alliance between exploration and culture continues eastward on itineraries such as“ Cruising the Greek Islands of the Southern Aegean,” where the ship follows the routes of myth. Travelers stand among the ruins of Delos, visit the Cave of the Apocalypse in Patmos and walk through the Bronze- Age citadel of Mycenae before sailing across the volcanic light of Santorini.
To the north,“ Cruising the Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea” explores Europe’ s political and artistic evolution. In Gdańsk, travelers may attend a private talk by Lech Wałęsa, Poland’ s former president and a Nobel laureate, who speaks about freedom and solidarity. In Tallinn and Visby, they have the opportunity to walk through medieval fortifications built by the Hanseatic League, while experts on board trace how commerce, religion and art shaped the region’ s modern identity.
Even the landscapes of the far north carry this same cultural pulse.“ Cruising the Norwegian Fjords” blends Norse mythology with environmental heritage, guiding guests through Bergen’ s colorful Bryggen wharf and into fjord villages where legends still echo in everyday life. In“ Iceland Voyage: Land of Fire and Ice,” the story deepens— travelers visit Þingvellir National Park, birthplace of the world’ s first parliament, and see geysers and basalt cliffs that inspired Iceland’ s ancient sagas. While each itinerary features a curated selection of included and optional shore excursions, the activities highlighted in this article represent a sample of what guests may enjoy and are subject to availability.
Through these experiences, PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ model of enrichment becomes unmistakable. The presence of scientists and scholars on board ensures that discovery is always grounded in meaning. Excursions are included not as extras but as essential components of the journey. Alliances with Smithsonian Journeys and The Explorers Club infuse intellectual rigor, while the brand’ s smaller ships foster genuine human exchange. →
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