Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
20 m²
2
The theatre of mythical expeditions and a refuge for fascinating wildlife that is among the wildest on the planet, East Antarctica is still home to unexplored regions. Enjoy many moments of intense emotions on this 29-day half-circumnavigation of Antarctica, connecting Tasmania to the south of Africa, from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, aboard Le Commandant Charcot, an enveloping cocoon shaped for the highest polar latitudes.
In these preserved lands, the icebergs drift majestically in sparkling waters, while the glaciers slowly flow, revealing the millennia-old secrets they have long kept. An ultimate quest and the promise of unforgettable and novel encounters in the footsteps of the greatest explorers, like Jules Dumont d’Urville, Erich von Drygalski or Douglas Mawson, the Australian legend of polar expedition who wintered at Cape Denison. Throughout your journey, our team of passionate experts will go over all the details of these historic exploits with you while sharing their knowledge of the wildlife and landscapes.
From Hobart, the departure point of many an emblematic polar expedition, set off on a unique polar odyssey, at the boundaries of the world, to admire all this singular territory’s natural treasures. During this unforgettable exploration, paced by the ice conditions between coastal ice floe, drifting icebergs and the largest polar icecap in the world - the Inlandsis in East Antarctica -, you will journey into this isolated region and make your way past the Australian research stations, Casey and Davis. Fascinating, bewitching, dizzying... there is no shortage of superlatives to describe Antarctica! In the icy depths of the Southern Ocean, mountains of ice rise like eternal sentinels, and Adelie penguins watch over the ice floe while humpback whales and orcas seem to guide the spirits towards unexplored horizons.
As you sail on to explore the eastern side of the White Continent, the ice floe and the ice disappear to make way for open-water navigation. Le Commandant Charcot will leave the Southern Ocean behind and you will perhaps have the chance to reach the French Southern and Antarctic Lands, in the wake of the great explorers who came from Europe in search of Terra Australis Incognita, such as Julien Crozet, Marc Marion Dufresne, Yves de Kerguelen or James Cook. During this all-new cruise in Antarctica, your senses will sharpen and you will be magnetised by the spectacle of the sparkling ice floe, the majestic tabular icebergs, the monumental ice shelves and the spectacular polar icecap. A unique moment, suspended in time, where the beauty of the White Continent is revealed in its full splendour.
We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Our navigation will be determined by the type of ice we come across; as the fast ice must be preserved, we will take this factor into account from day to day in our itineraries. The sailing schedule and any landings, activities and wildlife encounters are subject to weather and ice conditions. These experiences are unique and vary with each departure. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while respecting safety instructions and regulations imposed by the IAATO.
Ref : CC170226
The all-new half-circumnavigation of the eastern part of the Antarctic, an unforgettable trip into the heart of the ice and the protected zones of the White Continent, between the Pacific, Southern and Indian...
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Shore Excursions, Overlands & Pre/Post Programmes
To complete your voyage, PONANT can organise a range of shore excursions, pre & post cruise activities and packages, plus transfers.
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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
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Expedition programmes include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, position of ice, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to polar/isolated regions is an exhilarating experience in remote areas: please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
Accessories:
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
For men:
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
For men:
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
INSULATED BASE LAYER:
WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER:
HEALTH CARE:
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
ACCESSORIES:
PONANT activities
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
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
* Each departure is unique. The itinerary, landings, wildlife encounters and activities are subject to weather and ice conditions.
Embarkation 17/2/2026 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 17/2/2026 at 6:00 pm
Hobart occupies a wonderful location at the mouth of the Derwent River, overseen by majestic Mt Wellington and surrounded by natural bushland. The Tasmanian capital is Australia's second-oldest city, after Sydney, and the picturesque waterfront is bordered by 19th-century warehouses and colonial mansions. Salamanca Place is packed with shops, galleries and restaurants and the fascinating Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is a short ferry ride from the quay. Hobart is within easy reach of some of Tasmania's best-known destinations, from historic Port Arthur and the rugged Tasman Peninsula to Bruny Island, the Huon and Derwent Valleys and Mount Field National Park.
Arrival 18/2/2026
Departure 21/2/2026
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.
Arrival 22/2/2026
Departure 23/2/2026
Adelie Land covers around 400,000 km2 (around 250,000 square miles) of the White Continent between the 136th and 142nd meridians longitude East. These lands claimed by France in Antarctica are home, on Petrel Island, to Dumont-d’Urville station, which is named after the eponymous French explorer who investigated the region in 1840. Here, the few resident scientists share the Antarctic desert with Adelie penguins, seals and orcas, as well as emperor penguins during the winter. The extreme climate of this land at the edge of the world, characterised by its very low temperatures and its violent winds or blizzards, make it difficult to access its shores, which are protected by thick ice floe. Be among the rare people to discover this unique place where you will be captivated by the polar silence and the ice reflecting the rays of the sun as you experience the Southern Continent’s powerful fragility.
Arrival 24/2/2026
Departure 24/2/2026
The convergence point for the field lines of the Earth's magnetic field, the Magnetic South Pole attracts the magnetic needle of the compass. While the Geographic South Pole is the Earth’s southernmost fixed point, marking the intersection of the Globe's rotation axis with the Earth’s surface, the Magnetic South Pole moves over time. In fact, it is linked to the Earth's magnetic field which originates in the Earth's outer core, which is made up of molten metal and is subject to convection movements. It was during the French Dumont d’Urville expedition to Antarctica, aboard the famous ships L’Astrolabe and La Zélée, that the hydrographer and engineer Vincendon-Dumoulin made the first calculation of the magnetic inclination that enabled him to localise this pole in 1838. Set off in search of the Magnetic South Pole, try to get closer to it and, if luck allows it, attempt to reach it!
Arrival 25/2/2026
Departure 26/2/2026
Adelie Land covers around 400,000 km2 (around 250,000 square miles) of the White Continent between the 136th and 142nd meridians longitude East. These lands claimed by France in Antarctica are home, on Petrel Island, to Dumont-d’Urville station, which is named after the eponymous French explorer who investigated the region in 1840. Here, the few resident scientists share the Antarctic desert with Adelie penguins, seals and orcas, as well as emperor penguins during the winter. The extreme climate of this land at the edge of the world, characterised by its very low temperatures and its violent winds or blizzards, make it difficult to access its shores, which are protected by thick ice floe. Be among the rare people to discover this unique place where you will be captivated by the polar silence and the ice reflecting the rays of the sun as you experience the Southern Continent’s powerful fragility.
Arrival 27/2/2026
Departure 28/2/2026
Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, follow in the footsteps of the American explorer Charles Wilkes, during his USS Vincennes expedition undertaken between 1838 and 1842. A veritable mine of information for scientists, this isolated land - where only moss and lichen have managed to adapt and to take hold, forming the tundra -, promises a unique moment. Under an immaculate white coat, a secret world comes to life: from the icy mountains defying the sky to the vast glaciers, some of which stretch all the way to the Southern Ocean, and the icebergs drifting silently through frozen waters. These landscapes, unlike any other, are sure to captivate you.
Arrival 1/3/2026
Departure 1/3/2026
During this unique navigation, suspended in time, admire the fantastic spectacle of the Shackleton Ice Shelf. In the luxurious comfort of Le Commandant Charcot, specially designed for polar exploration, the vast icy expanses of the Antarctic will unfold before your astonished eyes. The air here is imbued with solemn serenity, only broken by the distant cracking of icebergs drifting along the shelf. You will perhaps have the chance to observe the many mammals, such as the whales, seals and penguins, which prosper in these icy waters.
Arrival 2/3/2026
Departure 4/3/2026
On the eastern shores of Antarctica, between Cape Filchner and Cape Hordern, admire the captivating landscapes of Queen Mary Land, recounting stories of legendary explorations. In the heart of this region, discovered in 1912, during Douglas Mawson’s Antarctic expedition, mountains of ice rise like giant sculptures, sparkling beneath the rays of the southern sun. The glaciers wind their way like rivers of glass, shaping sumptuous scenery. In this frozen kingdom, colonies of emperor penguins gather on the shores and leopard seals bask on the ice floe while whales slip graciously through its waters.
Arrival 5/3/2026
Departure 7/3/2026
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.
Arrival 8/3/2026
Departure 9/3/2026
In the icy immensity of the Antarctic, between the 37th and 50th parallels south, the French Southern and Antarctic Lands encompass the largest emerged lands in the southern Indian Ocean, from the Crozet archipelago to the Kerguelen Islands. In the wake of the greatest European explorers, like Julien Crozet, Marc Marion Dufresne or James Cook, who sought out Terra Australis Incognita, you will explore these volcanic lands, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In these sanctuaries of biodiversity which represent unique terrain for scientific research, majestic icebergs stand like ephemeral sculptures, silent witnesses of the passing of time, while king penguins or elephant seals, the lords of these inhospitable lands, populate the beaches with their gigantic colonies.
Arrival 10/3/2026
Departure 10/3/2026
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.
Arrival 11/3/2026
Departure 11/3/2026
In the icy immensity of the Antarctic, between the 37th and 50th parallels south, the French Southern and Antarctic Lands encompass the largest emerged lands in the southern Indian Ocean, from the Crozet archipelago to the Kerguelen Islands. In the wake of the greatest European explorers, like Julien Crozet, Marc Marion Dufresne or James Cook, who sought out Terra Australis Incognita, you will explore these volcanic lands, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In these sanctuaries of biodiversity which represent unique terrain for scientific research, majestic icebergs stand like ephemeral sculptures, silent witnesses of the passing of time, while king penguins or elephant seals, the lords of these inhospitable lands, populate the beaches with their gigantic colonies.
Arrival 12/3/2026
Departure 16/3/2026
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.
Arrival 17/3/2026
Disembarkation 17/3/2026 at 8:00 am
Dynamic and peaceful, cosmopolitan and hip, Cape Town offers its visitors a most unique mix. Here, the locals like to say that their city is “the quintessential melting pot of South Africa”. Located in the heart of one of the most beautiful bays in the world and dominated by the famous Table Mountain, it is graced with extraordinary landscapes including sheer cliffs that plunge into the Atlantic Ocean and vast whitesand beaches. We invite you to discover this incredible city, the South African capital of fashion, the art of living, and gastronomy. Further on, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve awaits you and is home to a wide variety of endemic fauna and flora.
Polar Expedition
Make your dreams of adventure come true, explore the boundaries of the world, and discover wild and legendary territories. The icy immensity of Antarctica, the constantly changing glaciers and icebergs of the North Pole, the mysterious mists of the North European coastlines, the most remote fjords on the planet… Every destination unveils unrivalled landscapes, home to increasingly varied fauna. Our team of naturalist-guides will share their knowledge with you during varied lectures about the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology, the fauna and flora, and will invite you to share special moments with the local populations.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
14/2/2026 - FLIGHTS FROM/ TO PARIS + RELAXING STAY IN HOBART 1N (PRE) + THE CAPE AND ITS PENINSULA (POST)
AU$0
Find out more14/2/2026 - FLIGHTS FROM/ TO PARIS IN BUSINESS CLASS + RELAXING STAY IN HOBART 1N (PRE) + THE CAPE AND ITS PENINSULA (POST)
AU$0
Find out more14/2/2026 - FLIGHTS FROM/ TO PARIS IN PREMIUM CLASS + RELAXING STAY IN HOBART 1N (PRE) + THE CAPE AND ITS PENINSULA (POST)
AU$0
Find out moreEnhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme, which will be a perfect prelude to your cruise.
Day 1 – Hobart
Meet at the airport in the arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the hotel MACq 01 5*.
Day and meals at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 – Hobart
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning at leisure and check out.
Meals at leisure.
You will be transferred to the pier to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
Nestled in the heart of Hobart’s historic wharf, the MACq 01 hotel names itself a “storytelling hotel”. Each of the 114 rooms reflects one of the five Tasmanian character traits through its design. The lounge with its open fire, is trimmed with artefacts representative of the traditional Tasmanian Aboriginal toolkit. The hotel features a restaurant, a bar and a fitness centre.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Contact of your hotel:
MACq 01
18 Hunter Street,
Hobart, TAS, 7000 Australia
Telephone: +61 3 6210 7600
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$550
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organizes your transfer between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Cape Town
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
You will depart the port for the scenic 2-hour drive to Cape Point Nature Reserve.
En route, you will drive along the Atlantic seaboard towards Hout Bay, a small fishing village. From there, you will pass by Chapman's Peak Drive (provided the road is open) and head to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Atlantic and Indian Oceans, along with their diverse ecosystems, are thought to meet over here. This expansive nature reserve occupies 19,150 acres (7,750 ha) of indigenous flora and fauna. Cape Point and its dramatic sea cliffs stand among South Africa's highest ones, and represent the main attraction of the reserve. Upon arrival, you will ride the funicular railway to the top of Cape Point (provided it’s in operation) and take in breath-taking views and photo opportunities.
After lunch served in a local restaurant, a visit will be made to the local penguin colony at Boulders Beach, followed by a drive through the naval base of Simon’s Town. You will then continue your way to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. These gardens spread out over 1,384 acres (560 ha) on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain and contain 4,580 species of indigenous plants. Following a leisurely stroll amidst these lovely surroundings, you will re-board your coach and proceed to Table Mountain to enjoy an amazing panorama over Cape Town.
You will conclude the day with dinner at a local restaurant, before being transferred to Cape Town Airport, in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent ; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$500
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Total : AU$0
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Total : AU$0
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Total : AU$0
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.