Solos save 50%! Single supplement slashed on world’s first luxury icebreaker

Coming face to face with a colony of penguins, witnessing a polar bear in its natural habitat, passing through the land of the midnight sun: is it any wonder that cruises to the world’s polar regions is having a major moment? But for most – and solo travellers in particular due to the pinch of solo supplement charges – the vast expense incurred with such trips makes them sorely out of reach. 

But, despair not! From this week, change is afoot as luxury expedition cruise line Ponant announces it will abolish single supplement charges across select itineraries in 2025 and 2026.

This could reduce fees by up to 50 percent if you are planning to travel alone, with expeditions sailing to Antarctica, the North Pole and Greenland aboard the line’s ultra-luxe Le Commandant Charcot vessel – the world’s first luxury icebreaker. Solo travellers, rejoice! 

 – READ MORE: A guide to cruising as a solo traveller –

Included in the new selection of solo traveller-friendly itineraries is a spring 2025 expedition to ‘Disko Bay’, Western Greenland, where the opportunity to meet Inuits, see the largest icebergs in the northern hemisphere and visit ice-covered villages all beckon intrepid travellers. Under the expert guidance of a polar specialist, you’ll sail onto Baffin Bay – a polar bear hotspot – where the chances of seeing the elusive white bear are higher than anywhere else. 

Slightly later on next year in May 2025, a solo voyage to the remote, icy expanses of north-east Greenland awaits, home to the world’s largest network of fjords in the Ittoqqortoormiit region, plus a silent frozen forest of blue-tinged icebergs. The backdrop of untouched alpine peaks along the Blosseville Coast also guarantees some spectacular photo opportunities. 

On Ponant’s new approach to solo travellers, Andy Marsh, North Pole Cruises founder, said: “We’re delighted to offer a series of unforgettable itineraries for solo travellers, with no additional charges imposed. Intrepid travellers, solo or otherwise, will journey through the most remote and pristine regions of the planet to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of frozen landscapes few have ever seen – all under the guidance of a team of experts who bring these remote regions to life with their extensive knowledge and passion.”

 – READ MORE: Affordable Arctic & Antarctic Cruises –

Ponant cruises are among the frontiers in luxury expedition cruising. Their fleet of small expedition ships (ranging between capacities of 32-245 guests) make for an intimate, personal trip where you can gain the most out of destinations and reach places larger vessels would never be able to. The small size also allows you to really connect with others onboard, whether it’s over dinner, paddling on a zodiac, or warming up in the sauna after a day out on the ice.  

This makes a Ponant cruise a wonderful choice for solo travellers, as experiences are shared with tight-knit groups and there is no risk of feeling overwhelmed by huge swarms of people.  

During an expedition cruise with Ponant, expert specialist guests guide you through regions, bringing each destination to life and revealing all manner of tips and facts. One such cruise which solo travellers can now join without the worry of supplementary charges, sets sail in January 2026 to the Antarctic Peninsula accompanied by renowned nature photographer, Cindy Miller Hopkins. Imagine having a world expert guiding you on how to get that perfect shot of a breaching whale emerging from the water. Pretty cool, huh? 

While the focus on Ponant expeditions is very much on the world outside of the ship, that’s not to say the vessels’ insides aren’t pretty snazzy too. Firstly, everything is all-inclusive so though the initial cost might be slightly eye-watering, you don’t have to worry about spending a penny while there. This includes accommodation, all meals, an open bar, all activities & excursions, access to every public area of the ship (i.e spa, gym, swimming pool…even hair salon!), plus 24-hour wifi. 

Traversing across the far-reaches of the earth definitely leads to working up a substantial appetite, and when it comes to the food on Ponant cruises, it doesn’t get much better. Well, it is a French line after all. Oh, did we mention the free-flowing Verve Cliquot?

Le Commandant Charcot’s two restaurants offer two contrasting yet complementary dining experiences. Gastronomic Nuna is à la carte dining in exquisite French interiors, while Sila lends a more relaxed atmosphere, sometimes putting on themed dinners and buffets. Both offer breakfast, lunch and dinner.