PONANT EXPLORATIONS Opens Bookings for Circumnavigation of Antarctica

PONANT EXPLORATIONS is giving travelers the opportunity of a lifetime in January 2028, when its luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot embarks on a 62-day circumnavigation of  Antarctica.

Bookings for the 14,300-mile voyage are now open. Le Commandant Charcot will depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, then make 30-day westward journey along Antarctica’s coast to Hobart, Tasmania.

After a three-day stopover in Hobart, the ship will make a 31-day return voyage along Antarctica’s eastern coastline back to Ushuaia.  

The complete circumnavigation can be booked as a single voyage (starting at $147,360 per person ), or travelers can choose to book either leg independently for a half-circumnavigation of Antarctica (starting at $74,470 per person). 

“PONANT EXPLORATIONS was born from a pioneering spirit, and Le Commandant Charcot represents the pinnacle of exploration, providing travelers with experiences that were once deemed impossible,” (such as the circumnavigation of  Antarctica) says Samuel Chamberlain, chief executive officer of PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP Americas.

“As the only passenger ship with a PC2 rating, it’s well-suited to embark on this rare milestone voyage representing the essence of polar discovery—all in a way that’s safe and respectful of the ecosystems across this pristine region, while embracing guests in comfortable elegance and French refinement,” Chamberlain continued. 

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse, with additional content from us.ponant.com.

Contact My Journey Begins Travel to plan and book your Antarctic exploration.

About Ponant: Passion for exploration

Ponant, the world’s only French-flagged cruise company, offers luxury small-ship cruising on 12 distinctive yachts. Ponant, based in Marseilles, France, is a subsidiary of CMA CGM, the world’s third-largest container shipping company.

Captains

Your captain ensures every aspect of your journey runs smoothly. A seasoned navigator in both polar and tropical waters, their announcements guide the rhythm of your day. When wildlife is spotted on the horizon, they’ll invite you to step out onto the decks for unforgettable moments of observation. Gala dinners also offer a special opportunity to meet your captain and share in a mutual passion for exploration.

Expedition leaders

Working alongside the captain, the expedition leader manages your journey. They oversee the team of naturalist guides, ensure the safety of every experience, and adapt each day’s highlights to the navigation conditions—revealing the full wonder of these extraordinary ecosystems.

Photo ambassadors

On select voyages, having renowned photographers on board offers a unique opportunity to participate in workshops, attend lectures, and receive personalized guidance to help you capture and elevate every image.

Activity guides

Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, polar hikes on foot or snowshoes, cross-country skiing, dog sledding—whether you’re trying something new or refining your skills, each immersive experience is led by certified guides—true ambassadors of local cultures and communities.

Guests and partners

Dancers, musicians, writers, journalists, researchers, adventurers—throughout your journey, these distinguished guests and partners share their passions—artistic and scientific alike. Think Radio Classique, Cuisine et Vins de France, Paris Match, Le Point, the Quai Branly Museum – Jacques Chirac, even the Louvre Museum and so much more offer you privileged moments to enhance your journey.

Speakers

Art historians, journalists, ethnologists, naturalists—each voyage offers a rare opportunity to deepen your understanding of the regions you explore.