Guest of Honour 
Polar Expedition 
The Travel Concierge service 
Photo ambassadors 
Christmas offer 
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
25% Ponant Bonus
20 m²
2
From Dumont d’Urville to Mawson: retracing Heroic Age expeditions
Lyttelton - Ushuaia
Dates:
06/02/2024
to
03/03/2024
days
nights on board
Transfer + Flight Ushuaia/Santiago
With featured guests Ian Dawson and Sue Flood, British Photo Ambassadors.
Curiosity, surpassing oneself, being open to the world. Humans have always looked toward what some would call the ‘impossible elsewhere’. With Le Commandant Charcot, which is capable of sailing into the very heart of the ice, we can dream even bigger and glimpse new horizons. This polar odyssey at the boundaries of the world follows the path of the first to discover Antarctica and sharpens our senses to let us see all the riches of a long journey marked by the nuances of the ice. In the incredible comfort of an exceptional ship, you will take the time to observe the world around you, the landscapes and the fauna whose radiant beauty makes them seem surreal. Set off on an all-new half-circumnavigation of Antarctica from the New Zealand shores to Ushuaia, the city at the end of the world.
Following in the wake of courageous pioneers, explore the southern seas, including Ross Sea, which is the world’s largest marine protected area, a kingdom of prodigious wildlife. As a privileged witness, keep a watchful eye and take the time to observe the Antarctic petrels, whales, orcas, seals and penguins that are to be found here.
The attraction exerted by the White Continent’s infinite territories and their mythical names will soon intensify further. Adelie Land, Victoria Land, Marie Byrd Land. The first will plunge you into the heart of the French polar adventure where Paul-Émile Victor founded the Dumont d’Urville scientific station, in honour of the eponymous explorer. The second, claimed by the Australians, is forever linked to the name of the explorer Mawson, who defied the winds in Commonwealth Bay, which may exceed 240 km/h (150 mph). As for the third, it is one of the planet’s rare Terra nullius – a territory claimed by no State – whose remoteness and climate have certainly kept it well away from human conquests. Bordered by the Ross Sea to the west and the Amundsen Sea to the east, it will plunge you into a world where wild nature has raised its own cathedrals of ice. Set off on a half-circumnavigation of Antarctica from the New Zealand shores to Ushuaia, the city at the end of the world.
Your great crossing beyond the Antarctic Circle will continue in the Bellingshausen Sea where the Charcot and Peter I Islands roll out their icy, almost inaccessible masses. Le Commandant Charcot will attempt to approach their shores, deemed impassable, before your arrival in the Tierra del Fuego.
Get insight into your destination with this video: Le Commandant Charcot in the Ross Sea.
Find out more about the world of Le Commandant Charcot here!
We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Our navigation will be determined by the type of ice we come across; as the fast ice must be preserved, we will take this factor into account from day to day in our itineraries. The sailing programme, outings, activities and observation of fauna cannot be guaranteed and are subject to weather and ice conditions. These experiences are unique and vary with each departure. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while respecting safety instructions and regulations imposed by the IAATO.
Ref : LU035 - CC060224
Your itinerary
With featured guests Ian Dawson and Sue Flood, British Photo Ambassadors. The eye and the advice of our photo ambassadors, a privileged opportunity to immortalise your trip with, in the programme: workshops,...
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Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
- Glazed private balcony for all our staterooms and suites
- Terrace for the Duplex suites and the Owner's suite
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- 3 ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ian Dawson
Ponant Photo Ambassador, Ian, is an award-winning photographer, film maker and guide with a passion for the remote regions of our planet.
A fine art graduate, he has spent his career in the national media, both as a photojournalist and picture editor. He has covered everything from conflict, travel, the Royal Family and celebrities of stage and screen and many other commissions.
When not guiding for Ponant in the Arctic and Antarctic, his love of high and cold places regularly takes him mountaineering around the world. He is a member of The Alpine Club (the world’s first mountaineering club founded in 1857).
He has been active within Scottish Mountain Rescue for over 20 years as a medic with responsibility for training. He was recognised for his work in this field having been awarded both The Queen’s Diamond & Platinum Jubilee Medals.
Ian is a member of the Guild of Picture Editors, the British Association of Ski Patrollers, the Royal Photographic Society and the UK Mountain Leader Board. His photographic work is represented by Getty Images.
When not sharing his love of wild places, Ian lives with his family in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Scotland.
Language spoken: English.
Photo credit: Sue Flood.
Sue Flood
Sue Flood is an award-winning photographer, filmmaker and public speaker. Her work takes her all over the world but she has a special passion for the wildlife and icy beauty of the Polar regions and is one of the very few women who chooses to return again and again to Earth’s harshest and most demanding environments.
A zoology graduate, Sue spent 11 years with the BBC Natural History Unit, working on series including The Blue Planet and Planet Earth as well as the Disneynature movie Earth with Sir David Attenborough, before turning her focus to photography. Her images have appeared in National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, Geo and other distinguished publications. Her most recent book is Emperor, The Perfect Penguin with a foreword by Sir Michael Palin.
Sue’s work has won multiple awards and in recognition of her photographic achievements, Sue was invited to meet Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace. In May 2022 Sue received an Honorary Master of Science degree from The University of Chester.
Her adventures in the Arctic and Antarctic include diving with narwhals and leopard seals, living with Inuit hunters on the floe edge and camping for several weeks in Antarctica’s most southerly emperor penguin colony.
Sue is a member of the Explorers Club, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Royal Photographic Society and of the North American Nature Photography Association.
When she is not in some far-flung location, Sue lives on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales.
Sue is honoured to have been appointed as one of Ponant’s Photo Ambassadors.
Language spoken: English
Photo credit: Ian Dawson
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Ian Dawson
Ponant Photo Ambassador, Ian, is an award-winning photographer, film maker and guide with a passion for the remote regions of our planet.
A fine art graduate, he has spent his career in the national media, both as a photojournalist and picture editor. He has covered everything from conflict, travel, the Royal Family and celebrities of stage and screen and many other commissions.
When not guiding for Ponant in the Arctic and Antarctic, his love of high and cold places regularly takes him mountaineering around the world. He is a member of The Alpine Club (the world’s first mountaineering club founded in 1857).
He has been active within Scottish Mountain Rescue for over 20 years as a medic with responsibility for training. He was recognised for his work in this field having been awarded both The Queen’s Diamond & Platinum Jubilee Medals.
Ian is a member of the Guild of Picture Editors, the British Association of Ski Patrollers, the Royal Photographic Society and the UK Mountain Leader Board. His photographic work is represented by Getty Images.
When not sharing his love of wild places, Ian lives with his family in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Scotland.
Language spoken: English.
Photo credit: Sue Flood.
Sue Flood
Sue Flood is an award-winning photographer, filmmaker and public speaker. Her work takes her all over the world but she has a special passion for the wildlife and icy beauty of the Polar regions and is one of the very few women who chooses to return again and again to Earth’s harshest and most demanding environments.
A zoology graduate, Sue spent 11 years with the BBC Natural History Unit, working on series including The Blue Planet and Planet Earth as well as the Disneynature movie Earth with Sir David Attenborough, before turning her focus to photography. Her images have appeared in National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, Geo and other distinguished publications. Her most recent book is Emperor, The Perfect Penguin with a foreword by Sir Michael Palin.
Sue’s work has won multiple awards and in recognition of her photographic achievements, Sue was invited to meet Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace. In May 2022 Sue received an Honorary Master of Science degree from The University of Chester.
Her adventures in the Arctic and Antarctic include diving with narwhals and leopard seals, living with Inuit hunters on the floe edge and camping for several weeks in Antarctica’s most southerly emperor penguin colony.
Sue is a member of the Explorers Club, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Royal Photographic Society and of the North American Nature Photography Association.
When she is not in some far-flung location, Sue lives on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales.
Sue is honoured to have been appointed as one of Ponant’s Photo Ambassadors.
Language spoken: English
Photo credit: Ian Dawson
Expedition programmes include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, position of ice, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to polar/isolated regions is an exhilarating experience in remote areas: please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
- A PONANT polar water-resistant parka is offered on board for all departures with an expedition programme (no children sizes, in case of consecutive cruises, only one complimentary parka).
- Half calf rubber boots with non-slip soles, which will allow you to go ashore in 20 cm of cold water, keeping your feet dry for walks and visits on steep paths. Boot rental will be offered onboard (for adults only) on Expedition cruises.
- Comfortable trousers: classic Winter trousers, warm cotton tracksuit, wool leggings
- Waterproof and windproof over-trousers – MANDATORY
- Winter trousers with waterproof over trousers are the ideal combination: water-resistance and comfort of trousers are essential
- Pullover, sweat-shirt or fleece jacket
- Woollen or thermolactyl Thermal underwear
- A warm hat, woollen ear muffs or fleece ear muffs, fleece or woollen neck warmer (avoid scarves that do not stay in place)- MANDATORY
- Wool or silk glove liners, water-resistant and supple gloves
- Thick warm socks (ideally woollen)
Accessories:
- Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
- Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
- Highly protective sunglasses.
- Walking poles (highly recommended).
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
INSULATED BASE LAYER:
- Wool or thermolactyl technical underwear
- Polar or technical jacket
- Polar sweater or sweatshirt
- Silk or wool glove liners
- Wool leggings
- Warm hiking socks
WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER:
- Waterproof over-trousers - Mandatory
- Waterproof parka - Offered on board (not available in children’s sizes)
- A warm woollen hat covering your ears
- Polar or woollen neck warmer
- Waterproof technical gloves
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen
- Lip protection balm
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
ACCESSORIES:
- Highly protective sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Walking poles
- Small waterproof backpack
- Swimsuit (for the spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
PONANT activities
Kayaking - Le Commandant Charcot
You will make the most of the sailing opportunities and weather and ice conditions to glide along on the clear waters or between the ice floes and get as close as possible to the immaculate nature of the poles. Supervised by licenced expert guides, you will try your hand in a kayak- a craft favoured by the Inuits for at least 4,000 years. The kayak was initially used for hunting and fishing; for you, it will be a means of making the most of your adventure on the White Continent or in the Far North.*
*with limited places available
Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables
Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, depending on the opportunities provided by the sailing, weather and ice conditions, a fleet of 14 zodiacs expedition dinghies will be used for outings and shore visits. Getting closer to a glacier calving huge icebergs, setting foot on a sheet of ice floe, observing the fauna up close: so many unforgettable moments that very few people will ever have the chance of experiencing in these regions that are hostile to man and home to unique wildlife.
Hiking or snowshoeing
During shore landings, depending on the ecological resilience of the biome, we will propose hikes at different levels, in the company of your experienced naturalist guides. From a simple stroll along the coast to walks lasting several hours to reach particular viewpoints or historical sites, you will make the most of the opportunities provided by the weather and ice conditions. When the itineraries allow, you’ll put on snowshoes* to set off like the explorers of old and discover areas that have barely known Man.
*with limited places available
Highlights
- With featured guests Ian Dawson and Sue Flood, British Photo Ambassadors.
- The eye and the advice of our photo ambassadors, a privileged opportunity to immortalise your trip with, in the programme: workshops, conferences and personalized advice to improve your photographic skills.
- The half-circumnavigation of the Antarctic, an unforgettable trip into the heart of the ice and a continent full of extremes.
- A dive into the history of the French and Australian conquests of the South Pole, with the approach to Adelie Land and the Dumont d’Urville scientific station and the exploration of Victoria Land.
- Attempt to reach the Magnetic South Pole.
- Set off in the footsteps of the famous Sir Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott on Ross Island, which still guards vestiges of the time they spent there.
- The crossing of five southern seas: Dumont d’Urville, Somov, Ross, Amundsen and Bellingshausen.
- The exploratory approach to some of the most little-known islands in the world: Charcot Island, the Islands of Marie Byrd Land and, if conditions allow it, Peter I Island.
- Outings and shore visits in a zodiac dinghy with a reinforced team of naturalist guides.
- Landscapes: ice shelves, surrealist glaciers, monumental icebergs, immersion in the heart of the ice floe.
- Wildlife: crabeater, leopard and Weddell seals; Adelie penguins; humpback whales and orcas.
- Many activities: kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing. Discover all the activities in the ‘PONANT Activities’ tab.
Each departure is unique. The itinerary, landings, wildlife encounters and activities are subject to weather and ice conditions.
Ports of Call & Excursions
6 February 2024 - Lyttelton
Embarkation 06/02/2024 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 06/02/2024 at 18:00
On the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Lyttelton (or Te Whaka Raupo in the Maori language) served, thanks to its proximity with Ross Island, as the starting point for the British expeditions in the mythical age of the South Pole explorations. It takes its name from George Lyttelton (1709-1773), aristocrat and colonial governor of South Carolina. In this colourful port town full of history, you’ll be able to discover the Time Ball: constructed in 1876, it rang at 1.00 pm every day for 58 consecutive years to give Greenwich meridian time, enabling ship captains to set their chronometer and very precisely calculate their position.
7 February 2024 10 February 2024 - At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot
Arrival 07/02/2024
Departure 10/02/2024
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.
11 February 2024 - Magnetic South Pole
Arrival 11/02/2024
Departure 11/02/2024
The convergence point for the field lines of the Earth's magnetic field, the Magnetic South Pole attracts the magnetic needle of the compass. While the Geographic South Pole is the Earth’s southernmost fixed point, marking the intersection of the Globe's rotation axis with the Earth’s surface, the Magnetic South Pole moves over time. In fact, it is linked to the Earth's magnetic field which originates in the Earth's outer core, which is made up of molten metal and is subject to convection movements. It was during the French Dumont d’Urville expedition to Antarctica, aboard the famous ships L’Astrolabe and La Zélée, that the hydrographer and engineer Vincendon-Dumoulin made the first calculation of the magnetic inclination that enabled him to localise this pole in 1838. Set off in search of the Magnetic South Pole, try to get closer to it and, if luck allows it, attempt to reach it!
12 February 2024 - Adélie Land
Arrival 12/02/2024
Departure 12/02/2024
Adelie Land covers around 400,000 km2 (around 250,000 square miles) of the White Continent between the 136th and 142nd meridians longitude East. These lands claimed by France in Antarctica are home, on Petrel Island, to Dumont-d’Urville station, which is named after the eponymous French explorer who investigated the region in 1840. Here, the few resident scientists share the Antarctic desert with Adelie penguins, seals and orcas, as well as emperor penguins during the winter. The extreme climate of this land at the edge of the world, characterised by its very low temperatures and its violent winds or blizzards, make it difficult to access its shores, which are protected by thick ice floe. Be among the rare people to discover this unique place where you will be captivated by the polar silence and the ice reflecting the rays of the sun as you experience the Southern Continent’s powerful fragility.
13 February 2024 14 February 2024 - Victoria Land
Arrival 13/02/2024
Departure 14/02/2024
Reach the inaccessible by exploring extreme Victoria Land. You will discover part of the history of the Australian polar expeditions: in Commonwealth Bay, slip into the shoes of the legendary Douglas Mawson, who created his main base in 1911 in Cape Denison, where there are still remnants of his wooden cabin. Welcome to the country of blizzards, these violent winds filled with snow flakes. Among the natural marvels of this territory, you will note the glacial tongue of the impressive Mertz Glacier whose wall of ice is cut with immense crevasses. The grandiose sight of absolute nature. Marking the border with Marie Byrd Land, the Transantarctic Mountains, extending the Andes, offer this Eden of ice some mountainous landscapes.
15 February 2024 18 February 2024 - The Ross Sea
Arrival 15/02/2024
Departure 18/02/2024
‘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. Since 2016, the world’s largest marine protected area has been keeping this last marine ecosystem intact. The theatre of the most impressive expeditions, it was discovered by James Clark Ross between 1839 and 1843. It was then that he discovered the enormous ice barrier formed by a gigantic ice shelf extending out to the open sea and from which titanic icebergs are calved. At a later stage, it was Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott who explored the region and installed their base camp on Ross Island, at the foot of Mount Erebus. Weather and ice conditions permitting, perhaps you will be able to discover one of these two 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. One third of the world’s population of these penguins lives in the area where this barrier breaks into icebergs. The currents maintain polynyas there, vast areas of persistent open water surrounded by sea ice. These give the penguins access to food.
18 February 2024 - Crossing the International Date Line
Arrival 18/02/2024
Departure 18/02/2024
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.
19 February 2024 24 February 2024 - Marie Byrd Land exploration
Arrival 19/02/2024
Departure 24/02/2024
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.
25 February 2024 - Amundsen Sea
Arrival 25/02/2024
Departure 25/02/2024
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.
26 February 2024 - Expedition to Peter I Island
Arrival 26/02/2024
Departure 26/02/2024
You will then head for the legendary Peter I Island. Located 450 km away from the Atlantic coast, it was discovered in 1821 by the Russian explorer Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen, who named it in honour of the Russian tsar Peter the Great. In 1909, Captain Charcot sighted it for the first time from aboard the Pourquoi Pas ?, but was unable to land there: “In the parting mists, one or two miles away, an enormous black mass shrouded in clouds appears suddenly before us: it is Peter I Island.” Surrounded by pack ice and with about 95% of its surface covered by ice, this volcanic island, whose highest peak reaches 1,640 metres, is protected by ice cliffs some 40 metres tall, making any approach difficult.
27 February 2024 - Bellingshausen Sea
Arrival 27/02/2024
Departure 27/02/2024
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.
28 February 2024 - Expedition to Charcot Island
Arrival 28/02/2024
Departure 28/02/2024
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.
29 February 2024 - Marguerite Bay
Arrival 29/02/2024
Departure 29/02/2024
The icebergs are each more majestic than the next and scattered around the deep and intense blue waters of Marguerite Bay, one of the most beautiful regions in the Antarctic. It is delimited in the north by the mountainous Adelaide Island, in the south by George VI Sound and Alexander Island, and in the east by the Fallières Coast. Charcot named it after his wife during his second expedition to the Antarctic between 1908 and 1910. In 1909, in the southern summer when the skies are at their clearest, he led an important scientific mission to map and study this region. The bay is home to a number of cetaceans and you may get the chance to observe leopard seals or Adelie penguins.
1 March 2024 2 March 2024 - Crossing the Drake Passage
Arrival 01/03/2024
Departure 02/03/2024
If there is one place, one sea, one waterway dreaded by tourists, researchers and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to connect Antarctica to South America. Seasoned navigators will tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent! As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, Drake Passage harbours a very diverse marine fauna. Don't forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around your ship.
3 March 2024 - Ushuaia
Arrival 03/03/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 03/03/2024 at 07:00
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…
Le Commandant Charcot
With Le Commandant Charcot, PONANT has imagined and envisaged the cruise voyage of tomorrow. The latest addition to the fleet will take you following in the footsteps of the great polar explorers in refined surroundings complete with the kind of luxury services never before offered in the farthest reaches of the southern and northern hemispheres.
The indoor swimming pool, the conservatory, the panoramic restaurant, the Blue Lagoon outdoor restaurant, the Main Lounge, the Observation Lounge, the lobby… Each of the common areas has been designed to both convey French-style discreet luxury and arouse wonder and amazement. The common thread running through all their designs is the desire to allow the light to penetrate and open everything up the extraordinary polar landscapes and scenery.
This very first hybrid-electric polar exploration ship powered by LNG has been designed with the greatest attention to detail in terms of safety and respect for the environment.
Decks
Transfer + Flight Ushuaia/Santiago
For your serenity, PONANT has selected a flight and provides the following transfers.
Disembarkation Day – Ushuaia/Santiago
Disembarkation.
Meet and greet at the port (English-speaking assistance).
Transfer to the airport in time for check-in of the flight Ushuaia/Santiago selected by PONANT in economy class.
Approximate flight duration: 3 hours
Seats in business class may be available, please contact your travel agent.
It is highly recommended to have an international inbound flight the day after PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
- Inbound flight Ushuaia/Santiago selected by PONANT, in economy class.
Seats in business class may be available, please contact your travel agent. - Services of local guides in Ushuaia.
- Transfer as mentioned in the programme.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- The local currency is the Chilean Peso. You will be able to make most of your purchases in USD (in small denominations) or by credit card, accepted in most hotels, shopping centres and boutiques. You will also be able to retrieve Pesos from the ATM’s.
- Summer season in Santiago: temperatures may be very hot, but often between 68 °F (20 °C) and 95 °F (35 °C).
- Summer season in Ushuaia: temperatures vary between 41 °F (5 °C) and 65 °F (15 °C)
- We recommend you wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Programme is subject to change.
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Polar Expedition
Realise your dream of adventure in the polar regions ! Discover the icy vastness and the fauna of Antarctica (humpback whales, seals, penguins and more) or the Arctic's fjords, glaciers and icebergs in shifting colours, not to mention the polar bears, the variety of wildlife and the special moments shared with the locals. Our team of naturalist guides share their knowledge with you during varied lectures about the fauna, the flora, the history of great explorations, geology and climatology. Thanks to its conscientiousness and to the responsible approach that is its hallmark, PONANT has been a leader and expert in cruises to these destinations for more than 20 years.
The Travel Concierge service
Our Travel Concierge service is designed to make your trip an unforgettable one by offering services precisely tailored to your individual needs. These include private transfers, access to airport waiting lounges, home services during your absence and personalised stopovers.
Our Travel Concierge team is ready to help with the smallest details of your trip, so you can leave home care-free and enjoy the voyage with complete peace of mind.
Discover all the concierge services by clicking here.
Looking forward to accompanying you,
PONANT Travel Concierge Team
Photo ambassadors
Sharpen your eye and capture the ephemeral! Head out to sea and develop your visual senses alongside our photo ambassadors. The on-board photo ambassadors are committed and renowned professionals who will share their passion and expertise during workshops offered on board or on shore, photography-based discussions and conferences. A recurring theme of PONANT cruises is the sharing of knowledge and culture: this serves to support and highlight our openness to the world. With the help of the photo ambassadors, you will truly participate in your exploration. Take the time to feel and to observe the world around you and keep a lasting imprint of the fleeting moments and intense emotions experienced during this cruise.
Christmas offer
Choosing your destination, dreaming of your departure, preparing to experience exclusive moments... Because travel brings its share of magic, we design them as true enchanted interludes. And what better occasion than the end of year celebrations to treat yourself to some sweet moments? Book your next cruise between November 16, 2023 and January 2, 2024, and take advantage of our Christmas offer: a 10% discount on a large number of departures in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
To benefit from the offer and all your advantages, we invite you to contact PONANT travel advisors or your travel agency by telephone or e-mail, indicating the code XMAS10 when making your reservation.
Offer is non-retroactive and subject to availability. Offer cannot be combined with the Single Supplement offer or any other specific offer. In case of cancellation by the guest, fees will be applied according to the T&Cs at time of booking and offer would not be applicable to any new booking in case of postponement of original date.
Non-retroactive offer, subject to availability and cannot be combined with the Flight Credit, Free Single Supplement, On-board Sale, Webinar or Ponant event offers. The price displayed opposite does not take into account the -10% CHRISTMAS offer.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
03/02/2024 - FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + OVERNIGHT IN CHRISTCHURCH 1N (PRE) + EXCLUSIVE OVERNIGHT IN SANTIAGO 1N (POST)
3.950 €
Find out moreOVERNIGHT IN CHRISTCHURCH (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Christchurch
Meet at the airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the hotel Fable Hotel Christchurch 5*.
Lunch will be served at the hotel.
Enjoy day and dinner at your leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Christchurch/Lyttelton
After check-out, your morning guided visit will begin with a panoramic city tour. Christchurch is known as the “Garden City” and is considered one of the most English-style cities outside of England. You will drive past the Canterbury Museum, housed in a beautiful 19th-century stone building. See the glittering, all-glass facade of the Christchurch Art Gallery and drive by Hagley Park, the city's largest urban open space. You will also pass the Cardboard Cathedral, a transitional cathedral several blocks away from the damaged Christchurch Cathedral where you will have the opportunity to get off the coach and walk through one of New Zealand's most beautiful streets – New Regent Street.
Continue visiting some of the areas affected by the earthquakes, including a trip by the Canterbury Earthquake Memorial to learn how Christchurch is now preserving some of its iconic heritage buildings. Your guide will share aspects of the exciting vision and plan to rebuild and restore the inner city.
Enjoy a stroll through the Mona Vale Gardens. From the beginning, the gardens at Mona Vale have featured significant English and European trees, rhododendrons, camellias, conifers and maples. Stroll through the alley alongside the Avon River, which is lined with annual bedding displays.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant
You will then be transferred to the pier of Lyttelton to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
Ideally located near several cafés and restaurants on Manchester Street, the Fable Christchurch Hotel is a contemporary hotel. The rooms are tastefully decorated and offer comfort and space. It features a local restaurant and bar.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
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1-night accommodation in Superior King room at Fable Christchurch Hotel 5*, local standard (or similar), breakfast included.
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Meals as mentioned in the programme.
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Beverages package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee or tea).
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Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
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The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
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Dinner on day 1.
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Personal expenses.
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
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Early check-in.
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Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
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It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
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Official hotel check-in time is 2:00 p.m.
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Late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.
Contact of your hotel:
Fable Christchurch Hotel
Pacific Tower 166 Gloucester Street
Christchurch, New Zealand 8011
Telephone number: +64 3 943 3888
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : 600 €
EXCLUSIVE OVERNIGHT IN SANTIAGO (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Pier of disembarkation/Santiago
Meet and greet upon arrival of the flight to Santiago selected by PONANT by our local representative.
You will be transferred to The Singular Santiago, Lastarria Hotel 5*.
Lunch and afternoon at leisure.
Dinner at leisure.
Optional activity for dinner:
Wine cellar dinner
In a historic and intimate space, enjoy a gastronomic expericence combine with a fine selection of Chilean wines.
Limited seats, contact your travel agent for more information.
Day 2 - Santiago
Breakfast followed by check-out.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotel:
Located in the cultural and historical hub of Santiago, The Singular Santiago, Lastarria Hotel invites guests to embody its unique spirit through relaxation and singular satisfaction. Providing excellent service in an elegant atmosphere, the hotel offers perfectly balanced architecture, distinctive design and gastronomy which integrates the essence of the area.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
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1-night accommodation at The Singular Santiago, Lastarria Hotel 5* local norm (or similar), including breakfast.
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Transfers mentioned in the programme.
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Services of a local English speaking local guide.
Your programme does not include:
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Tips for the guide and the driver.
-
Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.
-
The lunch and dinneron your arrival day.
-
Optional dinner experience
Please note:
The official currency is the Chilean peso. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, city centre shops and boutiques, or you can change euros in the foreign exchange outlets, or take out Chilean pesos from cash-points and banks. US dollars are also accepted (make sure you have some small denomination notes with you).
It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
Contacts of your hotel:
The Singular Santiago, Lastarria Hotel
Merced 294,
Santiago, Región Metropolitana,
Chile
Tel +56 2 2306 8800
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Travellers are advised to check all the information with the authorities concerned prior to the departure date. CDP advises Travellers to consult the country factsheets relating to the chosen destinations. CDP specifically draws Travellers' attention to the fact that the information provided may change up until the departure date, and they are advised to consult that information up until the time of departure. CDP invites Travellers to adjust their behavior to the visited country, to exercise vigilance and to avoid carrying valuable objects during their travel.
Total : 370 €
FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + OVERNIGHT IN CHRISTCHURCH 1N (PRE) + EXCLUSIVE OVERNIGHT IN SANTIAGO 1N (POST)
Total : 3.950 €