HIGHLIGHTS
- The all-new 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, Peter I Island and the Marie Byrd Land Islands.
- 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 with an 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 seals, leopard seals, Weddell seals, humpback whales, orcas, royal penguin, king penguins and Adelie penguins.
- Many activities: kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing, polar plunge without suit, polar swim with drysuit, participative science. Discover all the activities in the “Ponant Activities” tab.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
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Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
ITINERARY
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…
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.
From the ship’s bridge, you will experience exceptional
sailing moments before joining the naturalist-guides on your
ship’s exterior decks to look out for albatrosses, cape
petrels, and other seabirds flying over the Drake Passage.
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.
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.
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.
EXPEDITION TO PETER I
ISLAND
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
LYTTELTON
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.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
For your serenity, PONANT has organised the following included
programme for you, which starts the day prior to embarkation.
The day before
embarkation – Santiago
- Transfer from airport to PONANT selected hotel.
- In order to organise your transfer, please inform your
travel agent 60 days before departure, your flight number as well as
your arrival time and day.
- Meet and greet at the hotel by our local representative.
Check-in from late morning.
- Lunch on your own and time at leisure in the afternoon.
- Dinner.
- Overnight at the hotel.
Embarkation Day
– Santiago/Ushuaia
- A light morning breakfast will be served before leaving for
the airport for your Santiago/Ushuaia flight.
- Transfer to the airport.
- Flight Santiago/Ushuaia selected by PONANT in economy class.
- Seats in business class may be available, please contact
your travel agent.Approximate flight duration: 3 hours
- Meet and greet at Ushuaia airport (English-speaking
assistance).
- Transfer to Le Commandant-Charcot.
- Embarkation.
– Cruise on board your ship –
Your programme includes:
- Transfer from airport upon flight arrival.
- 1-night accommodation at the Ritz Carlton Santiago 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.
- 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.
Your programme does not
include:
- Tips for the local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Other meals and 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.
- If case PONANT has not received your full flight details,
services start at the hotel in time for check-in.
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 WATER ACTIVITIES
Experience the unrivalled sensations of immersion in cold water. Whether you take a polar plunge in a swimsuit or a dip in a dry-suit* that allows you to float, you will enjoy a unique experience in an exceptional setting, surrounded by ice. Feel intense thrills and enjoy the energy boost you get as your body warms back up after the swim!
*with limited places available
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
PARTICIPATIVE SCIENCE
Le Commandant Charcot is fitted with the most modern oceanographic equipment and all the facilities necessary to support a scientific team in its research. Guided by naturalists trained in participatory science, you will have the opportunity to make a direct contribution to the global scientific effort. Depending on the opportunities provided by the sailing, weather and ice conditions, you will be able to assist research by taking part in a turbidity study using a Secchi disk, counting wildlife, studying the state of the pack ice or taking water samples. Thanks to simple protocols, you’ll be able to discover part of the scientific adventure in the polar regions and contribute to improving the knowledge of biodiversity, marine mammals or glaciology and better understand climate/ecosystem/man interactions.
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