Named after the polar explorer, Jean-Batiste Charcot (the ‘gentleman of the poles’), Le Commandant Charcot offers PC2 icebreaking capabilities, allowing the ship to venture deep into the polar landscape. Sustainability is key when exploring this stunning but fragile region and the ship is the first hybrid-electric polar exploration vessel to be powered by environmentally friendly liquified natural gas. There are no plastic bottles onboard, drinking water is delivered via a desalination system, there is a system for recycling waste heat and there’s also an advanced wastewater treatment system.

With a maximum 245 guests and 215 crew, the service levels are personal and attentive, the interiors tastefully stylish and the levels of comfort impressive. Equipped with 132 staterooms and suites, all include a private balcony or terrace, seating area, ensuite shower and separate WC. Amenities include Wi-Fi, climate control and on-demand video, while suite accommodation also includes butler service, priority boarding, daily snacks, and binoculars. Suites sleep between two and six depending on the category and the split-level Duplex Suites and Owner’s Suite include private hot tubs on the terrace. The latter also includes a personal telescope.

Onboard, there is a Main Lounge, Observation Lounge, Theatre for audio-visual presentations, which also doubles as an entertainment venue, dedicated boarding and disembarking rooms, expeditions desk, photographic area, walk around deck with heated benches and telescopes, a pool deck with both indoor and outdoor pools, giant firepit, outdoor bar and sun lounge, along with a panoramic sauna, hair salon and spa massage cabins. The food is superb with Nuna serving signature dishes by Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse and Sila offering a more relaxed and informal environment and menu. The experience is enhanced and enriched by world-class expert guides leading Zodiac excursions and activities that include kayaking, dog sledding, snowshoeing, polar diving and ice fishing.