#14: Ponant Le Commandant Charcot

Think you've gone off the grid? Try 90 degrees north.

In this episode of Luxury Cruising, host Krystal Sodaitis chats with Dr. Gretchen Green, a retired radiologist and global traveler who recently fulfilled a breathtaking bucket list dream: cruising to the North Pole on Ponant’s icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot.

Over the course of two weeks (entirely at sea!), Gretchen, her daughter, and her mother journeyed through towering glaciers, endless ice fields, and untouched wilderness to reach the top of the world. Along the way, they encountered polar bears, tasted Arctic snow, attended scientific briefings, and indulged in world-class French cuisine. Yes, that included Veuve Clicquot and macarons on the ice.

She shares how this epic journey came at a transitional moment in her life, how it connected her deeper to her family, and why you don’t have to go to space to feel like you’ve left the planet.

This is more than a cruise story. It’s a testament to resilience, joy, and saying yes to adventure.

About the Guest

Dr. Gretchen Green
A retired radiologist and adventure-seeker, Dr. Green has always had her eyes on the horizon—and beyond. From serving on the board of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center to traveling with three generations of family to the literal top of the world, she lives and breathes exploratory spirit. She also teaches physicians how to launch expert witness businesses through her online course, Expert Witness Startup School.

📍 Website: theexpertresource.com
From the website you can do the medical board case review minicourse anytime, or sign up for waitlist for Expert Witness Startup School Next cohort starts in Sept 2025

FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theexpertresource

About the Host

Dr. Krystal Sodaitis is a pediatrician, executive, and life coach for neurodiverse physicians—and the passionate host behind Luxury Cruising. She brings expert insight and honest excitement to every interview, helping curious travelers elevate their adventures at sea.

📍 Website: luxurycruising.net
📧 Email: [e-mail]
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/krystalsodaitis

Key Takeaways

• A Ship Designed for Extremes
  • Le Commandant Charcot was engineered to reach the North Pole—and it did, with unparalleled safety, luxury, and environmental mindfulness.
• Luxury at 90 Degrees North
  • From champagne and caviar on the ice to snow room spa rituals, fine French cuisine, and daily tea in a solarium, the ship redefines remote indulgence.
• Surreal Wildlife Moments
  • Polar bears. Walruses. Whales. Snow angels. Even a satellite-tracked wooden boat launched by Danish schoolchildren. It was a wildlife lover’s dream.
• The Power of Resilience and Reflection
  • Gretchen shares how she turned a period of personal transition into an unforgettable family celebration and a metaphorical “space shot.”
• You’re Farther from Help Than the Space Station
  • Yes, really. At the North Pole, you’re 3x farther from land than astronauts are from Earth. This adds emotional weight—and deepens the gratitude for good health, smart planning, and each other.