World leader in luxury expeditions, French line Ponant will debut new sailings to the White Continent to discover the pristine Antarctic Peninsula to the Falklands including Ross Sea and Chilian Fjords kicking off with the icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot.

Ponant's Le Commandant Charcot as it explores the White Continent
Kayaking in icy waters of Antarctica

Ponant sisterships, Le Boreal, Le Soleal, L’Austral and Le Lyrial will offer eight itineraries with 34 departures. The world’s only luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot will feature six departures. All voyages will commence from October 2025 at the start of the southern summer season until March 2026. After Charcot completes her Arctic 2024-2025 season, she will head for the Antarctic southern summer season.

“This season promises unparalleled opportunities for guests to witness the diverse ecosystems of Antartica, guided by our expedition and natural guides who hold pioneering expertise of this remarkable continent,” said Deb Corbett, Ponant’s general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific.

Onboard Le Commandant Charcot

Intrepid travellers onboard Le Commandant Charcot can follow in the footsteps of explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot to roam the Weddell and Bellinghausen seas to observe Adelie penguins.

Ponant's Le Commandant Charcot in Antarctica
Le Commandant Charcot

Equipped with cutting-edge technology Charcot will be able to cut through the ice and sail into the heart of the icy seas of the White Continent where guests will be taken by Zodiacs to experience what life is like on the White Continent.

When they return onboard, they enjoy Charcot’s heated pools and relax in the observatory lounge to soak up the expansive polar views. They can also dine in fine restaurants with specially curated menus by Alian Ducasse with free-flowing French champagne or on exquisite dishes with sommelier matched wines. Prices for a 12-night expedition voyage from Ushuaia to Ushuaia departing November 2025 start from $36,036 pp.

Where Ponant sisterships will sail

Ponant’s four sisterships will roam highest latitudes from the Falkland Islands to South Georgia via the pristine Antarctica. They will visit dream destinations such as New Zealand’s Subantarctic islands and the Chilian fjords giving intrepid travellers the chance to hike, kayak and observe amazing marine life from king penguins to whales – and navigate through immaculate white scenery, where icebergs glimmer and shine in an explosion of blues, from turquoise to the darkest of tones.

Prices for a 10-night expedition from Ushuaia to Ushuaia in November 2025 start from $18,398 pp.

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