HIGHLIGHTS
- The exceptional presence on board of Jonathan Shackleton,
descendant of Sir Ernest Shackleton and family historian.
- The half-circumnavigation of the Antarctic, an
unforgettable trip into the heart of the ice and a continent full of
extremes.
- The exploratory approach to some of the most little-known
islands in the world: Charcot Island and the Islands of Marie Byrd Land.
- A dive into the history of the conquest of the South Pole,
from the Bay of Whales, a natural harbour that served as a base for
Roald Amundsen’s victorious expedition in 1911.
- The crossing of three southern seas: Bellingshausen,
Amundsen and Ross.
- Outings and shore visits in a zodiac dinghy or hovercraft*
with a reinforced team of naturalist-guides.
- The landscapes: ice shelves, including that of Ross,
surrealist glaciers, monumental icebergs, immersion in the heart of the
ice floe.
- The wildlife: crabeater, leopard and Weddell seals; Adelie
penguins; humpback whales and orcas, Royal penguins.
- Macquarie Island: wild sanctuary and UNESCO World Heritage
Site.
- Many activities*: kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing. Discover
all the activities in the “PONANT Activities” tab.
- Extend your discovery of the White Continent during a
half-circumnavigation of the northern part. Discover the second part of
this half-circumnavigation of the Antarctic here.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Prestige Stateroom-I | Prestige Stateroom-II | Prestige Stateroom-III | Deluxe Suite-I | Deluxe Suite-II | Deluxe Suite-III | Prestige Suite-I | Prestige Suite-II | Grand Prestige Suite | Privilege Suite | Duplex Suite | Owner's Suite |
|---|
| Jan 16, 2026 | Feb 15, 2026 | N/A | 53,810 | 54,810 | 56,300 | 58,800 | 60,790 | 77,740 | 80,230 | 82,720 | 87,700 | N/A | 188,640 |
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Prestige Stateroom-I | (Mid-range)
Prestige Suite-I | (High-end)
Owner's Suite |
|---|
| Jan 16, 2026 | Feb 15, 2026 | N/A | 77,740 | 188,640 |
Day
2 : USHUAIA
Capital
of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the
gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed
“El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this
city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains
surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as
the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes
plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating
places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely
and the inaccessible…
Day
3-4 : CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE
Use
your days spent in the Drake Passage to familiarise yourself with your
ship and deepen your knowledge of the Antarctic. The Expedition Leader
will first present the IAATO rules of conduct that must be observed
during landings in the region and will explain everything you need to
know about the zodiac outings. Lectures about the history and wildlife
of the Antarctic will be an opportunity for you to learn more about
this magical region, where every cruise is a unique
experience. You will experience exceptional sailing moments
on board and join the naturalist-guides on your ship’s
exterior decks to look out for albatrosses, cape petrels, and other
seabirds flying over the Drake Passage.
Day
5 : CROSSING THE ANTARCTIC CIRCLE
Weather
permitting, we'll cross the mythic line of the Antarctic Polar Circle,
located along 66°33’ south of the Equator. This
iconic area demarcates the point from which it is possible to view the
midnight sun during the December solstice. Within this circle, the sun
remains above the horizon for 24 consecutive hours at least once a
year. Crossing this line, an experience known to few people, is sure to
be an unforgettable highlight of your cruise through the polar regions.
Day
6 : EXPEDITION TO CHARCOT ISLAND
When
he discovered this island surrounded by sea ice in 1910 from aboard the
Pourquoi Pas ? as he mapped Alexander Island, Jean-Baptiste Charcot had
not be able to get less than 40 miles away from it. Situated in a zone
that experiences frequent low-pressure systems and regular cloud cover,
the island remains in many ways an enigma. It is entirely covered in
ice and sheer cliffs, with the exception of the rocky outcrops
extending over a dozen kilometres in the far north-west. The ice in the
narrowest part of Wilkins Sound has been cracking in recent times, thus
officially detaching this island from its neighbour, Alexander Island,
lying 50 km away. Very few people have landed on this largely untouched
island, whose waters attract numerous seabirds, such as petrels,
Antarctic terns and skuas.
Day
7-9 : BELLINGSHAUSEN SEA
Stretching
from the west of the Antarctic Peninsula to the Amundsen Sea, the
Bellingshausen Sea was named after the Russian admiral and explorer who
has been attributed the first confirmed sighting of mainland
Antarctica, in 1820. Among others, its waters surround two of the
Antarctic’s largest islands: Alexander Island and Thurston
Island. You will explore this sea amid ice floe, blocks of sea ice and
majestic icebergs. The coastal areas along the Bellingshausen Sea are
also renowned as the home of colonies of emperor penguins. Depending on
the month of the southern summer, you will perhaps be lucky enough to
observe isolated adults, adolescents seeking emancipation or recently
independent new adults.
Day
10 : AMUNDSEN SEA
The
great Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen – famous as one of
the first five men to reach the geographic South Pole – gave
his name to this southern sea in 1929, following an expedition in its
waters. Almost entirely frozen by a thick ice floe, Amundsen Sea
stretches along Marie Byrd Land in Antarctica, between Bellingshausen
Sea to the west and the Ross Sea to the east. The monumental icebergs
are all that break the monotony of the infinite ice floe here: let
yourself be immersed in a feeling of tranquillity before this vastness.
These privileged moments sailing in the Amundsen Sea are opportunities
to make the most of the original equipment and spaces on Le Commandant
Charcot. Find yourself in this refined cocoon. Nourish
yourself with the knowledge of the scientists and expert naturalists,
who provide unique support during your polar cruise. Or simply
contemplate the fascinating and captivating decor from the
ship’s exterior decks.
Day
11-17 : MARIE BYRD LAND EXPLORATION
Marie
Byrd Land is one of the most remote territories of our
planet’s most inaccessible continent. It is a real privilege
to just be able to contemplate its shores! Between the Ross Sea and its
large shelf to the east and Bellingshausen Sea to the west, the frozen
coastlines of these lands are bordered by the Amundsen Sea, partially
covered by a thick ice floe. Stretching over more than a million km2
(over 620,000 square miles) in Western Antarctica, its ground is also
isolated from the rest of the continent by the Transantarctic
Mountains. It is certainly this geographic remoteness and its harsh
climate that have made it one of our planet’s rare Terra
nullius, a territory claimed by no State. In 1929, Marie Byrd Land got
its name from Admiral Richard E. Byrd, in honour of his wife, following
his expedition to the region. The exploration of its ice-sculpted
landscapes will plunge you into the infinite Antarctic desert, where
penguins, seals, whales and orcas are the only living souls. Depending
on the time and weather conditions, your exploration of the region will
take you towards a string of islands which, although little-known,
remain fascinating: Siple Island and its eponymous mount, resulting
from an old volcano and Clark Island.
Day
18 : CROSSING THE INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE
Your
itinerary enables you to cross the International Date Line. This
imaginary line across the Earth’s surface approximately
follows the 180th meridian in the Pacific Ocean. Because of the
roundness of the Earth and the necessity of having reference time
meridians, we have to change dates when we cross this line. So if your
ship is travelling west, you will need to add a day to the expected
date; conversely, if travelling east, you will take away a day. This
paradox, already noted by Magellan’s crews during his
circumnavigation, serves as dramatic motivation in several novels,
including Jules Verne’s famous Around the World in Eighty
Days.
Day 19 : AT SEA
During
your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities
on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay
in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself
be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey
without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the
conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities
offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT
photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea,
they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire
the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe
marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest
and entertainment.
Day
20-23 : THE ROSS SEA EXPLORATION
“The
last ocean” is what scientists from all around the world call
this deep bay that runs along the edge of Antarctica between Marie Byrd
Land and Victoria Land. In 2016, Ross Sea, the last intact marine
ecosystem, became the world’s largest marine protected area.
The starting point for the greatest southern expeditions - particularly
to the South Pole - it was explored by James Clark Ross between 1839
and 1843. It was then that he discovered the enormous barrier formed by
a gigantic ice shelf extending out to the open sea and from which
titanic icebergs are calved.
Weather
and ice conditions permitting, you will be able to discover several of
the region’s emblematic sites. Among the possible ports of
call, Cape Adare, at the far north of the Borchgrevink Coast, is home
to one of the world’s largest Adelie penguin colonies. We
will also try to get to Terra Nova Bay, home to the stunning Drygalski
Ice Tongue. At least 4,000 years old, it stretches 70 km (43 miles) out
to sea from the David glacier and measures 24 km (15 miles) at its
widest. On Ross Island, at the base of Mount Erebus, you will follow in
the footsteps of the famous explorers Shackleton and Scott who chose
Cape Royds and Cape Evans, respectively, to set up their base camps in
anticipation of their future historic exploits. In the McMurdo Sound,
separating the island from the continent, the scenery is surreal: the
Taylor Glacier stretches its branch into the valleys devoid of snow
above which stand mountains of stratified rock. A little further, in
the Bay of Whales, another tale is told, that of the Norwegian Roald
Amundsen, who left from this point to reach, for the first time, the
South Pole in 1911.
Day
24 : BALLENY ISLANDS
The
Balleny Islands are an extremely remote series of islands extending for
about 160 kilometres in a northwest-southeast direction straddling the
Antarctic Circle some 270 kilometres north of the Antarctic mainland.
The volcanic islands are heavily glaciated and have received few human
visitors since their discovery in 1839. Their isolated location within
the rich waters of the Southern Ocean has resulted in a species
diversity rivalling the entire Ross Sea region. Humpback, fin and minke
whales are regular visitors to the rich feeding grounds along with
Crabeater, Weddell, elephant and leopard seals. Several of the islands
are home to significant colonies of Adélie and Chinstrap
penguins. If time and weather permit, guests will have the opportunity
to explore the spectacular coastal environments and view the prolific
wildlife from our fleet of zodiac.
Day
25-26 : AT SEA ABOARD LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
Spend
exceptional moments sailing aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the
world’s first luxury polar exploration vessel and the first
PC2-class polar cruise ship capable of sailing into the very heart of
the ice, on seas and oceans which the frozen conditions render
inaccessible to ordinary ships. Le Commandant Charcot is fitted with
oceanographic and scientific equipment selected by a committee of
experts. Take advantage of the on-board lectures and opportunities for
discussion with these specialists to learn more about the poles.
Participate in furthering scientific research with PONANT and let us
discover together what these fascinating destinations have yet to
reveal to us.
Day
27 : MACQUARIE ISLAND
Long
celebrated as one of the wonder spots of the world, Macquarie Island is
an island of great beauty and outstanding natural diversity, a breeding
place for more than 3.5 million seabirds, most of which are penguins.
There are four species breeding on Macquarie Island: Royals, Kings,
Gentoos and Rock Hoppers. There are also three types of fur seals and
one seventh of the world's population of elephant seals breeding on the
Island. In 1948 The Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions
(ANARE) established its expedition headquarters on Macquarie Island. If
time and weather permit, guests will have the opportunity to land
ashore and view the prolific wildlife that resides here.
Day
28-30 : AT SEA ABOARD LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
Spend
exceptional moments sailing aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the
world’s first luxury polar exploration vessel and the first
PC2-class polar cruise ship capable of sailing into the very heart of
the ice, on seas and oceans which the frozen conditions render
inaccessible to ordinary ships. Le Commandant Charcot is fitted with
oceanographic and scientific equipment selected by a committee of
experts. Take advantage of the on-board lectures and opportunities for
discussion with these specialists to learn more about the poles.
Participate in furthering scientific research with PONANT and let us
discover together what these fascinating destinations have yet to
reveal to us.
Day
31 : HOBART, TASMANIA
Hobart
occupies a wonderful location at the mouth of the Derwent River,
overseen by majestic Mt Wellington and surrounded by natural bushland.
The Tasmanian capital is Australia's second-oldest city, after Sydney,
and the picturesque waterfront is bordered by 19th-century warehouses
and colonial mansions. Salamanca Place is packed with shops, galleries
and restaurants and the fascinating Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is
a short ferry ride from the quay. Hobart is within easy reach of some
of Tasmania's best-known destinations, from historic Port Arthur and
the rugged Tasman Peninsula to Bruny Island, the Huon and Derwent
Valleys and Mount Field National Park.
Le Commandant Charcot (Luxury Expedition, 270-guests)
Le Commandant-Charcot welcomes you to an intimate and refined atmosphere. Equipped with just 135 staterooms including 31 suites with balconies and outside views, the ship offers outstanding gastronomy in its two restaurants, relaxation in the indoor pool surrounded by its winter garden, relaxation in the well-being area with sauna and Snow Room... Like on a private yacht, each of our guests is unique.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Transfer from airport upon flight arrival.
- 1-night accommodation in a 5* hotel the night before
embarkation.
- Your hotel will be confirmed few weeks before your cruise.
- Early check-in available from late morning.
- Hospitality desk at the hotel in Santiago.
- Return flight Santiago/Ushuaia selected by PONANT, in
economy class.
- Seats in business class may be available, please contact
your travel agent.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme and beverage package.
- Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
Excluded
from your voyage:
- Tips for the local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Other meals and services not mentioned in the
programme.
