The world's most EXCLUSIVE cruise ship! - you have to see Ponant Le Commandant Charcot!

#cruiseships #ponant #lecommandantcharcot
Ponant have designed a unique ship with exclusive features that have never been seen on a cruise ship before. Le Commandant Charcot is one of the world's greatest passenger ships and we got to spend a couple of nights on board. come and let us show you WHY this ship is the greatest expedition ship, and possibly the greatest cruise ship ever built!
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Voluntary Disclosure:
We were invited on board as guests of Ponant. We paid for our own transport to the embarkation port and received no fees or remuneration for producing media during and after this voyage from either of the aforementioned companies. Any resulting videos have been produced without influence or expectation from Ponant and we had complete editorial and artistic freedom. Ponant have had no prior preview of this content and are watching for the first time along with you. All our videos contain our personal and unbiased opinion. Please ask us if you want to know more or visit www.asa.org.uk for more information on blogger/vlogger disclosure requirements. Thank you and we hope you enjoy the content as much as we did creating it. Rich and Helen.
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[@visitwithus]

Thank you so much for watching! It really does mean the world to us! Please give this video a THUMBS UP, please SUBSCRIBE and please leave us a comment too as that's extremely important to us (and it also encourages KZbin to suggest it with other viewers who might be interested), and also we’d LOVE to hear from you. R&H x

[@gilliantill1214]

I loved your voice.! Not like the usual screeching or loud.I could watch and listen happily.Thank you.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you so much Gillian. Hopefully you’ll subscribe to our channel where you’ll find many relaxing narratives on some pretty special cruises. ❤️

[@randysmitchell4810]

The MusicMeister deserves a shout-out - DELIGHTFUL.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you Randy 😊

[@stephenwinter4611]

So glad you enjoyed your all too brief stay with us on Le Commandant Charcot , Rich & Helen. And this is a really beautiful video you put together! Bravo et Merci!!

[@visitwithus]

Thank you for taking the time to watch Stephen. It was a pleasure meeting you and we’re glad we had the time to film what we could, despite the rocky sea and the empty pools. 😆 We’ve got a suite guide to come too so we hope you enjoy that. Le Commandant Charcot is everything we imagined it to be. An absolute marvel. 😍

[@visitwithus]

Hi Stephen. We didn't have your email address, but we've just released the second and final video in our brief Charcot series. If Nabil doesn't forward it to you, here's the link - kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3mqnml5ZreDh9E We hope you like it! All the best, Rich

[@ManWhoLovesTheMary]

Had no idea the Aranui existed. I know cargo crossings and cruising has been around for decades - but one with BALCONIES!? The interior, I’ve never seen on any other cruise ship. The atrium is original and all that, but those MIRRORED chrome-ish window trims in the port side lounge areas! They really draw your eye out to the view and I want to see it incorporated in other cruise ships! Kara and Nate sailed aboard this ship to Antarctica, I believe. Got to vicariously see the ship in ice action. But didn’t get the cruise ship aficionado look into the ship that Rich & Helen provide. What a trailblazer of a ship.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you for watching and your kind comments 😊

[@susanssi2012]

What an incredible ship! Going on a Ponant cruise is definitely on my bucket list, maybe I’ll go on Le Commandant one day? ❤

[@visitwithus]

She's a mini marvel Susanna. A true once in a lifetime experience! :D

[@sharonwhite1985]

Gorgeous ship. Love the clean lines and the thought for passengers comfort with heated seats etc

[@visitwithus]

Would love to give the heated seats a real run for their money 😁 Thanks for watching Sharon 👍

[@subha.y.t1040]

These days, I’ve been dreaming about cruising and traveling once again. It inspired me to update this post and include more than 50 cruise travel quotes that I find inspiring, and I hope you do too

[@chriswilliams6568]

Where are the quotes. Thx

[@christinethys7977]

Wow what an amazing innovative ship

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching Christine 👍

[@diogocatalano9557]

Indeed, absolutely amazing ship with features that I never even though before. Your videos are a pleasure to watch !

[@visitwithus]

Thank you Diogo 😊

[@richarddavis4954]

What a truly beautifully designed small ship, looking forward to a cabin tour

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching Richard 😊

[@lizdyson3627]

Just booked my first cruise, HALlelujah

[@visitwithus]

Yay 😀 Thanks for joining us Liz 👍

[@keldonlemon]

How much for a week on this beauty?

[@BINI_BoyBLOOMS]

Stunning

[@francoisrajot1515]

Ponant is an awesome company ❤

[@VsourceEntertainment]

Very well made video, thank you for making my lunch more enjoyable.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you for watching, glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@jorgegeorge3759]

immediately suscribed and looking forward to the next videos from the Commandant Charcot!!

[@visitwithus]

Thank you Jorge and welcome to the channel! ❤️

[@firecop7912]

Absolutely outstanding ship, if I ever I have the opportunity in my life time to cruise on any ship, it would be this one. It's not just an ordinary ship oh, it's a functional expedition ship & and I used to love exploring but I can't anymore do to my legs but I can take in the exploring excitement right on the ship it self.. Thank you for sharing.

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching Fire Cop 😊 It really is a unique and luxurious ship 💙

[@-DC-]

The French always do Luxury to Another Level, Fab Channel Guys.

[@visitwithus]

They do indeed. Thanks DC. Appreciate it. :D

[@chriswilliams6568]

A beautiful ship for sure. I will never be going to the Antarctic or the Arctic, except when I went to Iceland and will go to the North Cape of Norway, but no expedition cruises for me as I have a problem walking. Plus those cruises are so expensive and I hate the snow and am so scared of falling in it. Thx for lovely video.

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching Chris 😊 Hopefully you still enjoy watching about these parts of the world and the ships that sail there from the comfort of your sofa 😁❤️

[@andrewjones-productions]

Cruises and cruise ships do not normally appeal. This one is an exception. I have been lucky to have filmed inside one of the largest cruise ships whilst it was docked in Tokyo. Whilst impressive, the garish interior, the type of entertainment and the restaurants designed more for glutton than fine dining made me thankful that the short time I had onboard was all that I had to spend on that ship. Conversely, the Ponant Le Commandant Charcot espouses quality, a relaxing atmosphere and fine dining that satisfies in every way. Furthermore, the ship will take you to destinations that you cannot otherwise reach so easily. The expeditions seem fascinating and offer an opportunity to learn and not just 'sightsee'.

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment Andrew. Yes, the Charcot certainly is a beautiful ship and you're right, the intention is to learn not sightsee. :D

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Looking very nice. Thank you sharing.

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@journey7continents]

Great video! Looking forward to the next one! Was great to see you on board 😊

[@visitwithus]

Thanks Pryia. Great to catch up with you too! :D

[@accessiblecruise]

Oh Richie and Helen, why do you do this too us? Another ship to add to the must do list!

[@visitwithus]

Haha! We love to tease... :)

[@m.rizadjoeli357]

Absolutely Amazing.....❤❤👍👍

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@robyoungquist5803]

I love the simple understated elegance of the ship … just the ticket for me 😉👍🏻. Looking forward to seeing the accommodations presentation … just might make me have a conversation with my Virtuoso Travel Agent. 🤔

[@visitwithus]

😁😁😁 Thanks for watching Rob 👍

[@annelizebatel6217]

Exquisite! Would love to visit the arctic on her❤

[@visitwithus]

Us too ❤️ Thanks for watching 👍

[@jnolette1030]

Give me the Icon of the Seas. I like the big bling

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@danielcurrie7553]

Simply love your narration and cruise reviews! Upload more videos of the Le Commandant please!

[@visitwithus]

Thank you Daniel. We’ve got one more Charcot video to come soon. 👍😀

[@warrenwolf4690]

Good chatting with you today. Is the alcohol included. , the wine? Can you compare Viking Polaris with Le Commandant Charcot?

[@warrenwolf4690]

I have been a subscriber for a while. This was my first live chat with you two We seem to gravitate to Brits on our cruises, trivia just chatting Would love to meet up with you some day

[@visitwithus]

Hi Warren. Thanks so much for joining us and taking part in the conversation, it was a pleasure to e-meet you 😁 And yes, drinks are included on Ponant. The drinks menu in the bars has prices against the premium drinks which are extra cost but if there’s no price against it then it’s included. We found there were plenty on there for us, and champagne is included - they were serving Henriot on the Charcot, though if it’s a captains welcome or farewell party they will usually bring our the Veuve 🥂

[@broganswan6439]

Helen & Rich. Another fabulous review of such a stunning vessel. We would definitely try this out.

[@visitwithus]

Hi Brogan! Great to hear from you! She's gorgeous and I think you'd both love her! :D

[@JdeJade]

I have been looking forward to your review for this ship. Wonderful review!

[@visitwithus]

Thank you. Unfortunately, no review this time but hopefully we’ll be able to soon. ☺️

[@loumello8813]

I really enjoyed your live session and your experiences on HAL, very informative.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you. Lou. Oh, and you're in the prize draw ;)

[@loumello8813]

@@visitwithus Yay, love the prizes.

[@debgeisler4568]

Wow! You make me regret I have no children…to trade for a spot on that ship. 😎 Okay, or not…but I did look at the prices. Yowza! Beautiful vessel, and I love the amazing emphasis on being an eco-minded, very green ship. But it would be the height (or depth, more likely) of modern irony to offer cruising to a place being so strongly affected by global warming…if the vessel added insult to injury. Looking forward to the rest of your videos of this incredible experience!

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching and commenting Deb, glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@visitwithus]

Btw, they had scientists on board when we were on who were keen to point out how much the ship is aiding research into areas that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to get to in such a regular basis. There are scientists on board most of the year round carrying out actual research in the two labs on board. In fact if one could afford one of their voyages you could probably be funding some vital research into climate change in Antarctica or the Arctic 👍😁

[@chadr2604]

Are the round openings instead of sharp corners to avoid stress concentrations? Im guessing a carnival cruise ship is not strong enough to sail there.

[@bakabonocat5107]

I watched a documentary of this ship being tested to the extreme breaking 15 meter ice sheet mound with the length of 20 meter. Was shaking and vibrating hard while breaking through the ice. Considering what I see from your video about the luxury interior. Guess they will play it safe with full passengers. After all it's a Cruise ship not a nuke powered Expedition Pole Research ship😊

[@visitwithus]

Interesting 😀 Thanks for watching and commenting 😊

[@bobeden5027]

Makes the SS Canberra look like a Butlin's holiday camp.

[@visitwithus]

😂😂😂 Thanks for watching 😊

[@airspeed_alive]

That is beautiful!

[@visitwithus]

Isn’t she? What a ship!

[@jimroberts7942]

Wow! the ship looks amazing. How was the restaurant? Jim

[@visitwithus]

The reataurant was sublime. The only Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea. (Ducasse has a mere 21 Michelin Stars - TWENTY ONE!) 😍

[@loumello8813]

Very impressive ship, will have to find a way to get on it in the next few years.

[@visitwithus]

Yes, Lou. We were seriously impressed, and we've been on a LOT of ships. :)

[@loumello8813]

@@visitwithus It really looks like a great ship to be on.

[@gregdelong1539]

Would love to know the cost, great video. Looking forward to cabin video.

[@visitwithus]

One word - expensive 😆 Thanks for watching 👍

[@OfficialBigDaddyBC]

$80K USD (for two people).

[@gregdelong1539]

@@OfficialBigDaddyBC Thanks, It looks like I will need to apply for a job on the ship if I want to go.

[@karstenbrandt6850]

A stunning video of a stunning ship! You filmed on the aft of the ship during rough seas - could you please tell more of the "behaviour" of the ship? Is it more calm in the middle, or is it moving all over the ship, because of the small length?

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching Karsten. Well, it's got some pretty advanced stabilisation tech (reinforced fin stabilisers) but even so she's a small ship so you'll always feel a bit of movement. However, stay in a mid ships low deck room and that will definitely minimise the movement. :)

[@karstenbrandt6850]

@@visitwithus Thank you, ok, I will follow your advice.

[@timmyjones1921]

Awesome Video .

[@visitwithus]

Thank you for watching and your kind words. ☺️

[@elainegell1928]

HAL Similar to Seabourn Pursuit we are going on in September

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for joining us Elaine. Interested to hear what you think of Pursuit, we’d love to compare it to Ponant now that we’ve been on Charcot.

[@stuartsmith7973]

Stunning 👌🏼

[@visitwithus]

She really is! Thanks for watching Stuart. :)

[@Kerri6024]

I can only but dream 😥

[@TonSqaud]

Very nice ship, but where are the other guest?

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching. We take guest privacy very seriously, so we video the ship at its quietest so the viewer still gets to see the ship in all her glory, but no guests privacy is compromised. I hope this makes sense. 😆

[@howardshepherdson2925]

Great video and really informative.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you Howard. Really appreciate your kind words. ☺️

[@rameliahmad8407]

nice ship.

[@visitwithus]

Indeed. Thanks for watching 👍

[@brianlivesey981]

Very similar to Viking Ocean ships minimalist luxury.

[@visitwithus]

Indeed 👍 Thanks for watching 😊

[@fatihvlog3985]

Very nice ❤️👆

[@visitwithus]

She really is! :D Thanks for watching. :D

[@troygreen9321]

Very impressive

[@visitwithus]

She is! Thanks for watching Troy. ☺️

[@tomdarco2223]

Right On

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@lvthud]

Beautiful ship, visiting great places (including the actual North Pole), but won't be getting anywhere near it, Rich you may remember why. Now the Aranui 5, that is peaking my interest.

[@visitwithus]

I am intrigued Dave! And now I'm constantly thinking about why...😂

[@cherifurr3935]

Don’t Viking and Silversea expedition ships also have ice breakers? Definitely the nicest expedition ship mud room!

[@visitwithus]

No, Charcot is the only Ice Breaker. The Viking, Silversea and all the other expedition ships in service are classed PC6 (Polar Class 6) which means they can operate in the summer months and can move ice floes up to a metre thick. They can also get stuck in sea ice if it closes in on them. Charcot is PC2, which means she can not only genuinely break ice up to 2.5 metres thick, but can also get out of trouble if surrounded by ice. She's the only one in the world with a PC2 rating. :)

[@maurieshakespeare5835]

Huge step up from the earlier Ponant ships, thats for sure. I'm not a fan of the line after Le Laperouse cruise in 2018 but this could tempt me.........

[@visitwithus]

Oh no Maurie! What happened? Did they resolve it?

[@maurieshakespeare5835]

@@visitwithus Sorry if I mislead! Really nothing to resolve. I just found the ship and cabin cramped, unfriendly and restaurant offerings below standard to my taste. I was left with the notion that Ponant was not for me.

[@saraalm2494]

@@maurieshakespeare5835 from your experience what’s the best cruise ship you’ve been on? Thanks a lot in advance

[@maurieshakespeare5835]

@@saraalm2494 Tough question. I have three favourites. Crystal Symphony, Seaborn Encore and Seven Seas Explorer

[@patrickb6341]

Nice ship, but in my opinion the Europa 2 is still the most luxurious ship out there.

[@visitwithus]

The Europa 2 is a lovely ship but it’s not an ice breaker like Le Commandant Charcot 😊

[@paulmicelli5819]

They said that about the Titanic too.

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching Paul.

[@RosemullionView]

It looks a magnificent vessel. I have had very poor experiences in dealing with the company though, that has caused me to cancel a booking.

[@visitwithus]

That's a real shame Richard. 😕

[@randyharbour8633]

It’s a tremendous ship as is this vlog/review. Too bad Ponant doesn’t sail it in other areas of the world. How does it compare to the Seabourn and Silversea explorer ships?

[@maurieshakespeare5835]

and don't forget Viking expedition ships

[@visitwithus]

thank you Randy. Ponant DO sail in most of the other parts of the world, but this ship only does the poles, North in our (European) summer, Antarctica in our winter. All the other ships do all the rest. :D

[@visitwithus]

We'd love to try Polaris or Octantis so we could compare.

[@williamdrijver4141]

Perhaps they could have used drones instead of a much more expensive helicopter for reconnaissance flights?

[@visitwithus]

They must have thought of that and decided that the copter was the best option in the environment they are sailing in. Perhaps drones can’t operate in such extreme temperatures and wind etc?

[@OfficialBigDaddyBC]

Wow, $80K USD for two people. This is not for regular working folks.

[@visitwithus]

No, that’s right. It is super premium, top of the cruise food chain stuff. 🙂

[@Andrew-yb1uv]

So many chairs and seats. A floating IKEA.😂

[@visitwithus]

But the question is this - can an IKEA break ice up to 2.5 metres thick? 😂

[@jimmunro4649]

Lotto plz

[@markslowen1411]

Superb report on a superb vessel but i fear you will need some serious $$$$$ to go on a cruise

[@visitwithus]

Thanks. Yes you’re right. This ship is not for the budget conscious. But look at what you’re buying here. Unparalleled. 😍

[@semsemeini7905]

Their ships only have showers in most cabins which I don't like.

[@visitwithus]

Tbf, most cruise ship bathrooms onky have showers with many choosing to take out baths as most guests prefer showers. However, we too like sometimes to choose a suite with a bath and there are some lovely ones in the larger Ponant suites. Watch out for our suite guide coming out in the next few days and you’ll see which categories have baths in them 👍

[@ThomasBeckerFrankfurt]

Eclipse II is the best ship in the world 🌎

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@cwilkinsoncwcw]

If there's only 200 people on board it's got to be expensive

[@visitwithus]

Yes. One of the most expensive in the world. 😲

[@cwilkinsoncwcw]

@@visitwithus do you know how much it costs

[@visitwithus]

@@cwilkinsoncwcw You would have to look that up as prices vary according to itinerary, dates etc. But on a scale of 1 to 10, it’s definitely a 10! 😀

[@cwilkinsoncwcw]

@@visitwithus thanks

[@OfficialBigDaddyBC]

$80K USD for 2 people.

[@bar10ml44]

Who says money can’t buy happiness

[@visitwithus]

😁 💰 Thanks for watching 👍

[@francoisrajot1515]

Ponponp

[@PachinkoMedia]

It really is very well - designed. I just wish all new luxury design wasn't just "beige everything"

[@visitwithus]

Haha! I get that. 😆

[@Wkmor]

Good content but the narrator should enunciate more clearly as the non standard accent is hard for the North American ear to catch.

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching. I’m afraid I can’t be more accent-less if I tried. If I enunciated any more, I’d sound like a posh robot. 😆

[@scottharper9645]

Too bad I can’t appreciate 99% of this food. I was raised as a midwestern boy. I’m happy with a steak or rib dinner. I also don’t enjoy mixed drinks. I would rather sit in front of our fireplace in our library drinking an American beer. The wife and I do enjoy stepping over the pond for a few months a year driving around Europe with a well educated guide explaining the history of what ever country I’m in for 6 too 8 hours a day and stopping off to visit castles and grand church.

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching Scott

[@karlsmith7016]

Symphony of the seas is more unique

[@visitwithus]

Yes but can it break ice up to 2.5 metres thick? No, i don’t think so! 😂

[@karlsmith7016]

@@visitwithus true but then it doesn't do sailings where there is much ice lol

[@gwcrispi]

Not much of a Lido deck... LOL!

[@visitwithus]

I believe her sister ship will have a full aqua park and a go kart track. 😂

[@arafjan7488]

As a French ship just hope it isn't Racist!😊

[@visitwithus]

It certainly isn't Araf. Thanks for watching. :)

[@yabbadabbadoo8225]

I hate to say this but the local private Hospital looks exactly like this ship, so sterile

[@visitwithus]

What a great hospital you have! Do they also serve champagne in demand? 😆

[@yabbadabbadoo8225]

@@visitwithus I made a comment re the decor. The main public spaces were the exact same tones and finish By doctors consent as long as the treatments don't clash with the meds yes booze is available. cheers

[@Dr.Pepper001]

I'm overwhelmed with 2 colors...brown and tan. Dang, couldn't they throw in some yellow, green, red, and blues to break up he blandness of those 2 boring colors? Sheesh.

[@visitwithus]

Personally we like it and think it tends to age better than adding in colours but understand what you mean with so many ships interiors going down this Scandi design route. Thanks for watching 👍

[@Sushi2735]

I do not travel by ship! Packed in with people I neither know nor like does not sound fun to me! I refuse to travel in a pack or pod of strangers! Forced to dine with them at the same table, tour with them on a bus, or otherwise be forced into close proximity for 12 hrs a day! You could not gift me with a trip on any cruise ship or ocean liner! I would rather have dental work done! And you? What will you do for a pound?? Anything it seems!

[@visitwithus]

If I give you a pound, will you watch more of our videos about cruises that you hate? Yes please!!! I would do lots for a pound, like swap it for a 50p coin or a penny chew. Or anything less than a pound!

[@PQV-8898]

Meh. Nothing to write home about. It's no more luxurious than the best RCI and Celebrity ships.

[@visitwithus]

Call me when a RCI ship can break through 2.5m thick ice. Write home about THAT. 🙂

[@dougdavis8986]

Even if you're on a cool ship, you are still on a cruise. Yuck. Basically, it's a hotel you're locked in for 18 hours per day. No thanks.

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching Doug. Maybe you haven’t found the right cruise for you? They’re a lot more varied than the kind of experience you’re suggesting. 🙂

[@dougdavis8986]

Even if you're on a cool ship you are still on a cruise. Yuck

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching anyway Doug.

[@cj28739]

What a wast of time and money, video and ship!!!!!!!!!!!

[@visitwithus]

Really? Thanks for watching and sorry if we wasted your time. We completely disagree of course. 🙂