The world’s only luxury icebreaker arrived in Hobart in an Australian first as Ponant Explorations revealed the brand’s inaugural full Antarctic Circumnavigation itinerary aboard Le Commandant Charcot in 2028.
The next-generation polar vessel, Le Commandant Charcot, arrived in Hobart on 14 February 2026 after a landmark half-circumnavigation of Antarctica, marking a significant moment for polar exploration in Australia and reinforcing Hobart as a global gateway to Antarctica.
Le Commandant Charcot Captain Stanislas Devorsine said: “This is a deeply personal moment for me. I spent many years in Hobart and had the privilege of commanding L’Astrolabe for a decade at the heart of the long-standing French-Australian collaboration in Antarctica.”
“When Ponant Explorations launched this project in 2018, I was proud to share my icebreaker experience as Le Commandant Charcot was being designed. To stand here, on board this extraordinary ship, is truly a fantastic moment,” he said.
Ponant Explorations CEO Asia Pacific Deb Corbett added: “With Australia now firmly positioned within Ponant Explorations’ most ambitious journeys, it is an honour to welcome a ship that is truly unique and emblematic of a new era of Antarctic exploration.”
2028 Antarctic Circumnavigation
The new 62-day, 23,000km Antarctic Circumnavigation signals another milestone for Ponant and wider polar expeditions with a full journey around the White Continent – a feat few vessels have achieved.
It represents one of the most ambitious commercial polar voyages ever announced, retracing the routes of explorers Shackleton, Scott and Amundsen.
Departing Ushuaia in January 2028, the journey will unfold in two phases with a stopover in Hobart before continuing eastward back to South America.
There is also an option to book as two independent itineraries for a shorter voyage: Ushuaia to Hobart or Hobart to Ushuaia.
Passengers will sail some of the world’s most inaccessible coastlines, such as Ross Sea, the world’s largest marine sanctuary; Charcot Island; Marie Byrd Land; Wilkes Land; Adélie Land and the remote Balleny Islands.
Highlights include encounters with penguins, whales and seals; Zodiac and kayak excursions; snowshoe hikes and retracing the routes of legendary explorers.
Captain Devorsine said he has dreamed of circumnavigating Antarctica for more than 20 years with the 2028 voyage representing a pivotal moment for both Ponant and polar exploration.
“Seeing Le Commandant Charcot poised to complete a full circumnavigation of the White Continent isn’t just a milestone for us, it’s a turning point in the story of modern polar exploration,” he said.
For more information, visit ponant.com
