Ponant Explorations will achieve a world-first with its luxury icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot when it completes a full circumnavigation of Antarctica in 2028.
In an unprecedented feat for a cruise ship, Le Commandant Charcot will journey through remote, uncharted regions and navigate nearly 18,000 kilometres of coastline along the frozen continent.
In January 2028, she will set sail from Ushuaia (Argentina) westward to Hobart (Tasmania) in 30 days.
After a two-day stopover, she will depart towards her starting point, following the eastern coast of Antarctica over 34 days.
The itinerary was designed by Captains Etienne Garcia and Patrick Marchesseau, who will jointly command the icebreaker during the exclusive voyage.
Captain Garcia says, “As one of the originators of this project and personally involved, I am deeply committed to guiding guests in uncovering the secrets of this new maritime route”.
“It’s a privilege to help them experience how we humbly engage with the elements – the wind, the sea, the ice – bringing us as close as possible to the marvels of the natural world,” says Garcia.
“We want to allow guests to experience the thrill of exploration during the first circumnavigation of Antarctica. A land where humans have never set foot, a frozen world yet to be discovered.”
Bookings are scheduled to open in December 2025.
For more information, visit Ponant.
