Before taking my first cruise onboard Ponant, I didn’t fully know what to expect. As one of only a small handful of remaining brands I had yet to experience in person, I was most intrigued by what Le Commandant Charcot had to offer as a Polar Class 2 (PC2)-rated icebreaker ship (the lower the number, the stronger the hull) compared to most competing ships that sit at PC5 or PC6.
But what I did not anticipate was just how uniquely luxurious Ponant would turn out to be.
While onboard Le Commandant Charcot, I met another fellow San Diegan — Melissa Porzak, luxury travel advisor at Protravel International, who felt similarly.
“There are numerous expedition cruise ships and itineraries to select from, but perhaps none as unique as Ponant’s Le Commandant Charot,” she said. “This five-star icebreaker is the most powerful non-nuclear [commercial] ship in the world. Being able to cut through 11 feet of ice allows Ponant to go where others cannot [while] providing memorable excursions."
Prior to my cruise, I only had a cursory understanding of the French-owned and -flagged fleet. I knew it included a sailing vessel and several intimately sized sister ships, but I didn’t know much more. Now, I understand that Ponant comprises 13 ships, including the line’s very first Le Ponant sailing ship (plus one smaller “Spirit of Ponant” sailing catamaran), four 244- or 264-passenger yachts, six 184-guest expedition ships (called Ponant Explorers) and, of course, the most recent addition, the 245-passenger Le Commandant Charcot.
The latter was also just awarded for its prowess and named to the maiden 2025 Forbes Travel Guide Edge List, described by the outlet as “a new distinction recognizing revolutionary travel experiences that go beyond conventional luxury ratings."
Coming full circle, I myself have, in short order, become such a fan of the brand that I purchased a commemorative shave kit bag made from Le Ponant’s sails and leather stamped with Le Commandant Charcot’s beautiful branding.
Onboard a Ponant ship, clients will notice the French-operated cruise line makes announcements and prints signage and programming in French first and English second, but I never once felt like I wasn’t catered to while onboard. Attentive crew members swiftly pick up on your language of choice and effortlessly switch to communicate with clients. Fellow passengers also intermix well, and I found it fun to engage with French speakers, many of whom also spoke English fluently.
I even had a chance to dine with Samuel Chamberlain, the line’s new CEO for the Americas. When asked about Ponant’s ideal customer base, he said he’s looking to draw those who specifically appreciate the “multilingual” and “multicultural” aspect of the company.
Still, I feel that the brand can easily go head-to-head with the luxury likes of Seabourn and Silversea (which also operate expedition ships), or more traditional lines such as Crystal and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, along with the newer, contemporary Explora Journeys.
The line’s fine dining, accommodations, entertainment and service are all equally on par, if not better, than the luxury expedition competition. For instance, Le Commandant Charcot’s main restaurant is the only one at sea to feature the cuisine of acclaimed Michelin-starred French chef Alain Ducasse, and the ship’s showcased Maison Bordier butter and cheeses are simply outstanding.
In fact, over the course of a single day, I had the opportunity to dine on an expansive brunch buffet of colossal crab legs, foie gras and more, in addition to a decadent caviar tasting later in the afternoon. And by night, palatial suites awaited me with plush bedding.
