Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot Makes Forbes Guide Edge List

Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s only luxury icebreaker, has been selected for the inaugural Forbes Travel Guide Edge List, a new distinction recognizing revolutionary travel experiences that go beyond conventional luxury ratings.

The prestigious recognition was announced last week during Forbes Travel Guide’s annual Summit in Monaco, an invitation-only gathering of more than 750 travel professionals exploring the future of high-end travel.

The 2025 Edge List celebrates exceptional travel experiences that redefine luxury through exclusivity, adventure, and purposeful exploration. Le Commandant Charcot shares this inaugural distinction with NIHI Sumba, the acclaimed Indonesian resort renowned for its ultra-exclusive experiences.

Le Commandant Charcot earned her Edge List for her exploration prowess, combining unprecedented access to remote regions with responsible environmental stewardship. The ship features the only Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea, expansive observation decks, wellness center, and intimate lounges, all supported by a nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio. Notably, Alain Ducasse was also recognized at the event with a Forbes Travel Guide Award of Excellence by Baccarat.

“It is an honour to receive this recognition for Le Commandant Charcot,” said Hervé Gastinel, CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer of Ponant Explorations Group. “This extraordinary vessel was conceived as more than just a ship—it is a vessel of discovery, embodying responsible exploration and bridging luxury with purpose. This award is especially meaningful as it recognizes exclusive, immersive experiences that go beyond the traditional, fostering a deeper connection to the world around us.”

“We are delighted to name Le Commandant Charcot to our inaugural Edge List, which represents luxury without limits—celebrating pioneering companies that are redefining expedition travel,” said Hermann Elger, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. “Whether it’s boarding Le Commandant Charcot to forge a path to the poles on an electric-hybrid ship or swimming with the horses on Nihiwatu Beach at NIHI Sumba, this designation recognizes travel companies that redefine the boundaries of adventure while delivering uncompromising luxury.”

Le Commandant Charcot is the first high polar exploration ship, featuring a PC2 hull that enables navigation through pack ice while minimizing environmental impact through hybrid electric propulsion powered by liquefied natural gas. Designed as a floating research platform, it houses both wet and dry scientific laboratories, providing dedicated workspaces for scientists studying the polar regions.

Onboard, staterooms and common areas serve as havens open to breathtaking landscapes and extreme environments. Setting new standards for more sustainable expedition travel, Le Commandant Charcot offers guests privileged access to destinations including the geographic North Pole and Antarctica’s most remote areas.

For more information on Ponant Explorations, travellers can contact their preferred travel advisor, 1-833-889-0800 or visit