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Breaking Ice, Making History: A Journey Beyond Boundaries on Le Commandant Charcot

Writer's picture: DEAN NELSON (he/him) CRDE, LLDDEAN NELSON (he/him) CRDE, LLD

Updated: 11 hours ago

Stepping aboard PONANT EXPLORATIONS' Le Commandant Charcot felt like embarking on a journey to the edge of the world—and beyond. This luxury Class 2 Icebreaker, the first of its kind to explore Canada’s St. Lawrence River during winter, is a stunning blend of cutting-edge engineering and refined elegance.



From the breathtaking sauna views overlooking icy expanses to the ship's awe-inspiring ice-breaking power, every moment on board was unforgettable. Although my stay lasted just 17 hours, I made the most of every second, speaking with fellow passengers who had been part of her remarkable journey and soaking in the ship’s unparalleled experiences. The sense of history unfolding before us was palpable—this wasn’t just travel, it was exploration in its purest form.

“Hearing the ice crunch under the hull as we navigated frozen waters was surreal,” recalled Captain Patrick Marchesseau, who expertly guided the vessel through blizzards and glacial channels. "This was a historic voyage—the first international winter cruise on these waters—and everyone aboard could feel the significance."


Ponant Expedition ship - Le Commandant Charcot: Deluxe Suite 702 room tour

Le Commandant Charcot seamlessly fused indulgent luxury with a profound connection to nature. Imagine soaking in a massive hot pool on the aft deck, surrounded by a shimmering Arctic wonderland, or immersing yourself in a Nordic-inspired hydrotherapy snow cave. Even the ship's “chicest mudroom ever seen” became a conversation starter, designed for guests gearing up to step into the icy wilderness.



Yet the true magic of this voyage lay in its spirit of discovery. One evening, under the vivid glow of searchlights, passengers snowshoed across glistening pack ice—an experience akin to walking on another planet. “That ice landing wasn’t even planned,” Captain Marchesseau explained with a smile. “But the ice conditions were so perfect that we decided to gently park the ship and let our orange-clad guests explore frozen water. The excitement was incredible.”

A standout moment came in the Saguenay Fjord, where guests marveled at Mars shining its brightest in years while standing on the frozen river. Later, a surprise fireworks display lit up the night sky, drawing gasps of wonder.


Night photo of Ponant Expedition Class 2 Icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot on the frozen St. Lawerence River with passengers on the frozen ice flow in awe of the dark sky with beams of light from the ship
A surprise ice landing for Le Commandant Charcot passengers in Saguenay Fjord made a huge impression PHOTO: PONANT PHOTO AMBASSADOR MIKE LOUAGIE

“It was pure magic,” one traveler shared. “The cold biting your cheeks, the pristine ice stretching endlessly, and then—fireworks. It felt like a dream.”

The journey also offered deep cultural encounters. Guests connected with First Nations communities, learning about their traditions and sharing meaningful stories. Hervé Gastinel, CEO of PONANT Explorations Group, described these exchanges as “mind-blowing,” noting how the warmth and hospitality of the Mi’kmaq and Innu communities left a lasting impression.

As the ship carefully navigated narrow ice channels near Baie des Ha! Ha! to protect local ice fishing practices, it was clear this voyage was about more than just exploration—it was about fostering respect and connection.


The most chic mud room of any Expedition ship - Le Commandant Charcot knows how to do it right

“To witness this community embracing winter tourism with such strength and pride was incredibly moving,” said René Trépanier, a leader in the winter cruise initiative. "We showed the international market that Quebec is open, warm, and welcoming—even when temperatures plunge below zero."


This groundbreaking expedition not only made history but charted a bold course for future winter tourism along the St. Lawrence River. With two exclusive cruises planned for 2027, it marks the dawn of a new era in polar exploration.

As Captain Marchesseau reflected, “The polar world has always been reserved for the brave and bold. Now, we’re inviting guests to experience it in comfort and style, without losing that awe and sense of discovery."





The future of exploration looks brighter—and bolder—than ever.


Enjoying the heated bench and fire pit on Deck 9 of Le Commandant Charcot

Are you ready to go beyond? Book your Le Commandant Charcot expedition. Click here to set up a consultation or to book today. Click here to view your exclusive Limited Time Offer. Book by April 1, 2025 for exclusive preferred rates and extra perks!


departuresXdean - an independent agent with Personal Travel Mgmt BC Tour registration #2806, TICO #50025786 proud members of the IGLTA and the Ensemble Travel Group.

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