PONANT EXPLORATIONS Plans First Circumnavigation of Antarctica
by Dori Saltzman
Le Commandant Charcot. Photo: PONANT
PONANT EXPLORATIONS will make history in 2028 with the first circumnavigation of Antarctica onboard the icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot. The 62-day voyage will traverse nearly 14,300 miles.
The expedition will unfold in two legs: a 30-day westward journey along Antarctica’s coast from Ushuaia to Hobart, Tasmania, departing in January 2028, followed by a three-day stopover in Hobart, then a 31-day return voyage along Antarctica’s eastern coastline back to Ushuaia.
Highlights of the voyage will include sailing the Ross Sea along the world’s largest ice shelf; visiting little-known islands such as Charcot Island, the islands of Marie Byrd Land, Wilkes Land, Adélie Land, and the Balleny Islands; and seeing Mount Erebus, the southernmost volcano on the planet.
During the voyage, guests will learn more about the adventures of all the legendary polar explorers – Sir Ernest Shackleton, Sir Robert Falcon Scott, Captain Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Mawson and Amundsen – and have the opportunity to visit the remains of their campsites and sail through the area where the Endurance was wrecked.
“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,” said Samuel Chamberlain, CEO, 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…”
The complete 62-day circumnavigation can be booked as a single voyage, or clients can choose to book either leg independently for a half-circumnavigation of Antarctica. Prices for the full circumnavigation start at $147,360 per person.
