Go on a remarkable expedition with Jonathan Shackleton onboard Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot from Ushuaia to Hobart

• This is a 31-day once-a-lifetime expedition to one of the world’s most remote frontiers.
• You will retrace the footsteps of early explorers accompanied by Jonathan Shackleton.
• You will learn first-hand about the Heroic Age of Antarctic exploration.

Ponant Explorations has appointed Jonathan Shackleton, cousin of famous explorer Ernest Shackleton to accompany guests on a landmark expedition aboard the luxury icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot from Ushuaia to Hobart in January 2026.

Shackleton who is the family historian, will retrace the path of early explorers across one of the world’s most remote frontiers. During the 29-night journey, he will deliver a series of lectures and informal talks where guests can learn about the Heroic Age of Antarctic exploration, the legacy of Ernest Shackleton and the natural history of the region.

The new and unrivalled half-circumnavigation will set sail from the far south of the American continent to Australia. The adventure will cross the legendary southern seas of Bellinghausen and Amundsen, Marie Byrd land and Charcot Island. It will also explore Ross Sea, one of the world’s largest marine protected area, full of unbelievable wildlife where guests can watch in wonder Antarctic petrels, whales, orcas, seals and penguins.

The expedition will end in Hobart, capital of Tasmania.

It departs on 16 January 2026.

For more than 25 years, Shackleton has followed in his ancestor’s footsteps, going on numerous expeditions to Antarctica including a private voyage with actor Tom Hanks and Michael Palin.

When he is not on an expedition, Shackleton lives in County Cavan in Ireland where his family runs an organic farm.

For more information, click here.