Ship

Le Commandant Charcot

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Ship overview:

A uniquely versatile ship combining the incredible power of an icebreaker with the ultra comfort of a luxury cruise vessel. Hybrid engine systems and new technologies reduce impact on the delicate polar regions. 

Prices per person

From PRICE ON ENQUIRY

Prices based on two people sharing
Ship Capacity

200 passengers

Year built

Constructed in 2021

Expedition staff to guest ratio

1:20

Optional activities

Paddling

Last Inspected
image of Alex, Head of Swoop Antarctica
May 2025

Alex, Head of Swoop Antarctica

image of Lizzie, Polar Product Manager
May 2023

Lizzie, Polar Product Manager

image of Emma, Antarctic Sales Manager
May 2023

Emma, Antarctic Sales Manager

image of Cassia, Antarctica Specialist
February 2023

Cassia, Antarctica Specialist

Why we like this ship

  • A truly luxurious expedition ship with innovative itineraries and a full programme of landings on each trip
  • Hybrid engines using liquefied natural gas and high capacity batteries and smart use of recycled heat and energy help reduce the carbon footprint of your trip
  • High-spec onboard dry and wet laboratories host visiting scientists, who contribute to authentic scientific exploration of these remote regions
  • Haute cuisine with a French twist is available at the ship’s 3 restaurants, with menus curated by Michelin-starred chef, Alain Ducasse 
  • Pamper yourself between excursions at the extensive range of wellness locations, including a unique ‘snowroom” along with a panoramic sauna and spa, detox bar and gym 

We think it's worth noting

  • As a bilingual ship, announcements are made in French first, then in English
  • For those looking to warm up after the polar plunge in a hot tub, this ship doesn't have one. However, the outdoor Blue Lagoon pool is popular

Swoop says

Swoop Says background image

There have been many new expedition ships in recent years but the ingenuity of the Commandant Charcot as a luxurious take on the traditionally very utilitarian icebreaker is quite astounding.

Cassia Jackson Antarctica Specialist

Voyages onboard the Commandant Charcot

Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.

Luxury Weddell Sea Explorer

Sail on a 5* icebreaker to Antarctica’s remote Weddell Sea region. Custom-built with cutting-edge nautical technology, this tough yet elegant vessel is designed to tackle the notoriously icy conditions. Your expert guides and Photo Ambassador will scan the spectacular ice…

  • 14 Days
  • $30,380
Icebreaker Antarctic Circle Voyage

Retrace the path of famed French explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot on a luxurious icebreaker. Heading further south than most expedition vessels can attempt, you'll venture below the Antarctic Circle. Spend an impressive 9 days exploring with the expert expedition team, immersing…

  • 16 Days
  • $28,840

Cabin Categories

*Note that the cabin measurements are approximate averages and exact size can vary

All cabins feature either a king-sized bed or twin beds in a stateroom layout with a private balcony. Interconnecting staterooms are available. All cabin categories feature an included minibar along with 24 hour room service, flat screen TV, safe, dressing table with hairdryer, Diptyque toiletries, Nespresso coffee maker, Bose bluetooth speaker and complimentary WIFI access (subject to connection availability).

Prices & Departures

Quoted prices are per person based on two people sharing. Cabin availability changes all the time, so please contact us for up-to-date details. 

5 Trips Found5/5

Luxury Weddell Sea Explorer

Availability
7 cabin options
Departure Date30-Oct-2025
Price

Luxury Weddell Sea Explorer

Availability
7 cabin options
Departure Date11-Nov-2025
Price

Luxury Weddell Sea Explorer

Availability
7 cabin options
Departure Date23-Nov-2025
Price

Icebreaker Antarctic Circle Voyage

Availability
7 cabin options
Departure Date05-Dec-2025
Price

Icebreaker Antarctic Circle Voyage

Availability
6 cabin options
Departure Date02-Jan-2026
Price

You've travelled to the end of our list. We have a wide range of other options across our website.

Communal Areas

In addition to sumptuous staterooms, the communal areas of the Commandant Charcot are designed to provide the very best experience an Antarctic voyage can offer. The main lounge hosts a tea corner, a cigar lounge and a bar, where you'll be treated to live music on selected evenings. In the reception area you'll find a boutique selling clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories and also the photo desk. Soak up the late evening sun at either the open-air bar or with stunning panoramic views from the large bar and lounge.

For further recreation, there is a library, an outdoor pool, an indoor pool, a fitness room, massage rooms, snow room, sauna, nail shop and hairdresser. You can also participate in conferences and presentations in the theatre, fitted with state-of-the-art technology.

Swoop. Your adventure story.

Market-leading expertise

Depth Of Knowledge SVG

Harness our 400,000 hours of Antarctic experience. There’s no question we can’t answer.

Impartial advice at no extra cost

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Expert advice on over 1500 voyages to help you discover your perfect trip - and we don’t charge a fee.

B Corp certified

Ends Of The Earth SVG

We care deeply about protecting Antarctica, that’s why 1% of our revenue goes to conservation.

A full concierge service

With You SVG

Access our exclusive pre-travel webinars — one of the many ways we make sure you’re Antarctica’s best-prepared travellers.

Find Your Antarctic Ship

Choosing the right ship is crucial, given the amount of time you'll spend on board. Swoop is experienced at helping match our customers to exactly the right ship.

Find your Antarctic ship

Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?

1
Listen

Listen

We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.

2
Match

Match

Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.

3
Reserve

Reserve

We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.

With over 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.

1 888 970 4570