Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot Named One of the World’s 100 Most Beautiful Hotels

High-end cruise ships are increasingly assimilated to the world’s best luxury hotels today. A trend confirmed not only by the international awards assigned to the cruise sector, but also by the strategies of brands like Explora Journeys, which in its communication campaigns places the concept of “Luxury Hospitality at Sea” at its core, highlighting how the onboard experience can compete with that of the most prestigious hotel establishments.

In this context, the new important recognition obtained by Ponant Explorations, a French luxury company marketed in Italy by the Genoese cruise operator Gioco Viaggi, is fitting. Le Commandant Charcot, the first and only luxury icebreaker cruise ship with hybrid electric propulsion powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), has indeed been included in the selection of the 100 most beautiful hotels in the world, securing second place in the “Prestige” category of the Hôtel & Lodge Awards 2026.

Considered one of the most authoritative international events dedicated to excellence in hospitality and luxury travel, the Hôtel & Lodge Awards are organized annually by Hôtel & Lodge Magazine with the aim of showcasing extraordinary establishments capable of combining luxury, distinctive design, and quality of service. The awards encompass various types of hospitality, from traditional hotels to private residences, from chalets to luxury resorts, honoring establishments that stand out for their elegance, exclusivity, and ability to offer memorable experiences.

The recognition follows the significant successes achieved by the French company in 2025, when, on the occasion of the 17th edition of the Cruise Critic Best in Cruise Awards, it won the Best Itineraries and Best in the Arctic awards in the Expedition category.

The next voyage aboard Le Commandant Charcot will be the ”Polar Odyssey“: a 16-night journey departing from Reykjavik (Iceland) on September 28th. The ship will call at Greenland (Denmark) and Svalbard (Norway): the return is scheduled for Tromso (Norway) on October 14th. Prices starting from 27,330 euros per person. The cruise can be purchased with the support of Gioco Viaggi.