Inside the Shipowner’s Suite on Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot

Ponant recently achieved a milestone in Polar Navigation. With their powerful new ship, Le Commandant Charcot, they were the first French Vessel to reach 90 degrees north. The capabilities required to reach the Geographic North Pole prove that Le Commandant Charcot has the technology and muscle to be the most powerful polar expedition ship on the market. But– can Ponant boast that it is also the most luxurious? After a look at the stunning Suite de L’Armateur, you might just be ready to believe. 

Design

Also known as the Ship Owner’s or Owner’s Suite, the Suite de L’Armateur is the largest and most well-appointed accommodation on the ship. In total guests will enjoy over 1200 square feet of luxurious space. It would be a violation of French taste to use the word ostentatious, but this expansive suite definitely makes a statement. 

Tastefully designed with a warm neutral color palette, punctuated with color pop here and there, through hand-selected accent pieces, the space provides a calm reflective sanctuary on board. Considering the locations the occupants will be visiting during their stay. Guests will likely benefit from design features like outward-facing views from the marble bathroom jacuzzi, stylish flameless fireplace, dining space for 6, private bedroom, and a sprawling terrace that spans the entire aft-beam of the ship. The practical additions of two dressing areas, one and a half bathrooms, a minibar, and designer amenities show that Ponant designed this suite so that guests are not deprived of a single comfort during their stay.

Additional Amenities

On top of the physical space and luxury of the actual Owner’s Suite, Ponant will lavish guests with a list of additional inclusions and services to ensure that passengers will live like royalty both in and out of the suite. Take a glance at all of the benefits of booking the Ship Owner’s Suite:

• Private return transfer

• Priority boarding

• Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival

• Service of a steward Butler service

• An assortment of sweet or savory canapés and a basket of fruit every day

• A bedroom with a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and a TV

• A living room with armchairs, two sofa beds, a steam fireplace, and a TV

• A desk and bookcase

• A Samsung tablet connected to Wi-Fi

• A dining room with a 6-seater table

• A minibar with RIEDEL crystal glasses

• A bathroom with shower and balneo bathtub

• One-hour spa care for one person in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer

• A private 186 m² terrace: outdoor lounge with deckchairs, hot tub, 2 sofas, and a dining table

• Two panoramic sliding bay windows

• Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars

• A Swarovski Optik ST VISTA telescope

One can imagine the experience of toasting a glass of champagne under the northern lights in the terrace jacuzzi or the thrill of spotting a mink whale from the Swarovski Crystal viewing telescope, all while Le Commandant Charcot motors through the soft, pack-ice. Inside your Owner’s Suite, your butler sets the table, and chills your favorite beverages, as you await the arrival of the new friends you made earlier on a zodiac landing in the Weddel Sea. 

These dreams can be a reality for those with the means and the spirit of exploration. Le Commandant Charcot and Ponant have something truly special and word has already spread. The most luxurious accommodation on the only ship that can carry guests to these locations will be one, if not, the premier expedition cruising experience. Guests who intend to book Suite de L’Armateur must seek the advice of a seasoned Travel Professional to secure their investment and the quality of experience for a potentially life-changing expedition.