Ocean Voyage: Cape Town - Brest ~ Cruise Norway

PONANT invites you to spend several days aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the first hybrid electric polar exploration ship, enjoying an immersive interlude during an Ocean Voyage. Leaving from Cape Town, you will set sail north for a five-day voyage, without ports of call, to Brest.

The sea exercises an undeniable power of attraction. Infinite time and space take on their full meaning in the heart of the elements, inviting you to humbly enter the here and now. As lovers of the sea, experienced observers and curious explorers of the planet, you can make the most of this rare opportunity and, alongside those who bring the ship to life, discover the soul of Le Commandant Charcot, which is fitted out for polar exploration. During this voyage with the ocean as the horizon, you will share an on-board experience that follows the pace of the ship and its crew. You will feel the majesty and the power of this ship, whose design is a genuine technological achievement.

Alongside the naturalists who will share their knowledge of the polar regions with you, you will understand the challenges of scientific knowledge and gain awareness about the actions of the company, which is committed to preserving biodiversity. Following in the wake of Commandant Cousteau, we are convinced that people only really protect what they know.

The interior design, entrusted to the architects Jean-Michel Wilmotte and Jean-Philippe Nuel, provides a precious cocoon in which it feels good to warm up and take shelter so as to get more out of the exterior. Noble materials, soft tones, subdued lighting, refined decoration. The gastronomy symbolises French-style luxury and will offer you fine epicurean escapades, thanks to the menus imagined by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse and the signature dishes served in his restaurants.

Let yourself be tempted by a dip in the Blue Lagoon while you enjoy the light over the sea. The indoor pool, the gym and the fitness classes, the Biologique Recherche spa, with its treatment rooms, massages and sauna, the snow room and the hair salon will also allow you to unwind without a care in the world.

Enjoy this crossing aboard Le Commandant Charcot, like a prelude to the infinite possibilities of knowledge and openness to the world that it promises, between a conscious adventure and new explorations.

Highlights

A journey without ports of call, for sailing enthusiasts wishing to take their time and recharge your batteries, while admiring the endless horizons, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Access to the different amenities available on board: spa, swimming pool, gym.

Discover the daily life of a crew as well as sailing instruments and techniques.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Cape Town

Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world's most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town's weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.

Day 21 | Brest

Ships

Le Commandant Charcot

Exploring the most remote and inaccessible regions of our planet involves a considerable amount of responsibility: the responsibility of limiting the traces we leave behind. More than just a commitment, respecting the ecosystems is the fundamental condition for these unprecedented voyages in these regions to take place.

Le Commandant Charcot is paving the way in this respect. It is the first deep polar exploration cruise ship to be equipped with a hybrid liquefied natural gas (currently the cleanest energy available) propulsion system and a bank of high-capacity batteries.

This new propulsion system is also combined with the use of the latest available green technologies, resulting in an all-round approach designed with a single aim in mind: to minimise the impact of your polar odyssey on the planet and make a positive contribution to the peoples and lands visited and encountered.

What's included

An All-Inclusive Offer (Excluding Spirit of Ponant)

INCLUDED SERVICES ON ALL OUR CRUISES

Full board from arrival to departure day
High-end gastronomy in all restaurants
All beverages in restaurants, bars, and minibars. All drinks are included² (a selection of champagnes, wines and spirits, beers, cocktails, water, soft drinks, hot beverages)
24-hour room service
Butler service for certain suites³
Unlimited internet access onboard
Evening events, shows, and other entertainment
Access to the fitness area and hammam or sauna, depending on the ship
All port and security charges

²Excluding premium à la carte beverages.

³Butler service is available for the following suites:
Le Boréal, L'Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial: All suites on Deck 6;
PONANT Explorers: Owner’s Suites, Grand Deluxe Suites, Privilege Suites, and Prestige Suites on Deck 6;