Ponant heads to Greenland

National Geographic Expeditions and  PONANT - the only French cruise ship owner, are introducing cruises on board a new electric hybrid luxury polar expedition vessel. Named Le Commandant Charcot, this revolutionary ship will push the boundaries of Arctic and Antarctic sailing when it launches in 2021. 

‘Discover the Northeast Greenland National Park’ 12-night voyage departs Reykjavik on 24 June 2021. Developed in collaboration with National Geographic Expeditions, this sailing will take advantage of the ship’s innovative new features and technology. Travelling with a National Geographic specialist and a professional photographer, guests will get an understanding of this remote area and learn how best to capture its unique landscape. The route heads to the Far North’s least accessible region, the largest national park in the world and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where the extremes of nature reign. Passengers will discover incredible landscapes such as strata, fjords, glaciers and icebergs and look out for polar bears, narwhals, seals, musk oxen, Arctic foxes, orcas and sea birds.  

The ship will be fitted with the latest environmental protection technology and will have a hybrid liquefied natural gas (LNG) and electric propulsion system. This will allow a reduction in the ship’s emission of SO2, NOx, CO2 and fine particulate matter. There will be silent sailing in sensitive areas thanks to electric batteries; the ship will be able to sail without producing any emissions and with a very low noise level. It will also be equipped with technology to optimise energy consumption, wastewater treatment and waste processing. Moreover, when travelling with National Geographic Expeditions, guests help further the work of their scientists, explorers, and educators around the world as every year National Geographic Expeditions distribute a portion of their proceeds to the National Geographic Society. 
 
Le Commandant Charcot, will feature 135 staterooms including 31 suites, a panoramic restaurant, a grill and both an indoor and outdoor pool as well as spa. To allow guests to fully experience the Polar Regions there will be a fleet of 16 Zodiacs which will enable passengers to explore the ice flow and get closer to the incredible wildlife.