Ponant’s ice-breaking cruise ship Le Commandant Charcot will make its first visit to Australia as part of its new 2026 Antarctica itinerary from Ushuaia to Hobart.
The 31-day ‘Unexplored Antarctica between Two Continents’ journey will be joined by historian, author and guide Jonathan Shackleton, cousin of the famed Antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Jonathan has accompanied 44 groups in the Antarctic, including a private voyage in 2016 with Tom Hanks, Michael Palin and Jools Holland.
Award-winning photographer, polar specialist and author of Emperor – The Perfect Penguin, Sue Flood will also be onboard as photo ambassador.
The journey is a half-circumnavigation of the Antarctic, visiting the largely untouched Charcot Island, and Marie Byrd Land – one of the most remote territories on Earth.
The cruise also takes guests to the heavily glaciated volcanic Balleny Islands, home to Humpback, Fin and Minke whales and the Adélie and Chinstrap penguins.
Onboard choose from 123 suites and staterooms including four split-level suites with private terraces and jacuzzis.
There’s also an open-air bar, theatre, boutique, wellness lounge including massage cabins and sauna, and two restaurants.
The cruise departs on 16 January 2026 from Ushuaia and arrives in Hobart on 15 February 2026.
For more information, see PONANT.
