In 2028, Ponant will push the boundaries of expedition cruising with one of the most ambitious itineraries ever offered: a complete circumnavigation of Antarctica aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s only luxury icebreaker. This hybrid‑electric, LNG‑powered vessel will trace almost 23,000 kilometers of Antarctic coastline, visiting some of the most inaccessible shores on Earth and inviting just 245 guests to quite literally sail around the White Continent in the wake of legendary polar explorers.

The world’s first luxury icebreaker circumnavigation

Le Commandant Charcot will be the first ship of its category to complete a full circumnavigation of Antarctica, combining serious polar capability with all the trimmings of a high-end boutique hotel at sea. Ponant’s engineers designed the vessel specifically for deep polar exploration, with an ice-strengthened hull, advanced navigation systems, and a hybrid propulsion system that reduces emissions and noise in fragile environments.

The flagship journey is a 62-day / 60-night Ushuaia–Ushuaia odyssey, departing 11 January 2028, with prices from around USD 205,000 per person for the full circumnavigation. For those who can’t commit to two months at sea, Ponant has crafted two linked half-circumnavigations between Ushuaia and Hobart (and back), each around 31 days, which together complete the loop.

Western Antarctica: Ushuaia to Hobart – in the wake of the pioneers

The western half-circumnavigation sails from Ushuaia (Argentina) to Hobart (Tasmania) over about 31 days, following classic routes of early explorers such as Charcot, Bellingshausen, Shackleton, and Ross. Key elements include:

• Antarctic Peninsula and Marguerite Bay – Rugged peaks, vast glaciers, ice-choked channels, and abundant wildlife, from penguin colonies to humpback whales and leopard seals.
• Marie Byrd Land – One of the last great Terra nullius regions on the planet, seldom seen even by expedition ships.
• Charcot Island – A rarely visited island named for French polar explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot, often locked in heavy pack ice.
• Ross Sea – Home to the world’s largest marine protected area.

Along the way, guests will join Zodiac outings and landings, kayaking, polar hikes, and even polar plunges for the brave.

Eastern Antarctica: Hobart to Ushuaia – across the great ice theater

The eastern half-circumnavigation reverses direction, focusing on the lesser-visited eastern sectors of Antarctica, highlighting the paths of explorers such as Mawson and Scott.

Expect Zodiac cruises, shore landings, guided hikes, kayaking, and polar plunges, all subject to strict safety and environmental parameters.

Wildlife and ice: the real stars of the show

Across both halves, or the full 62-day circumnavigation, the true protagonists are ice and wildlife. Depending on conditions, guests may encounter:

• Multiple species of penguins, including Adelie, emperor, gentoo, and chinstrap colonies.
• Whales such as humpbacks, Antarctic minke whales, and orcas.
• A variety of seabirds, often following the ship in great arcs.

Conclusion: the pinnacle of modern expedition cruising

Antarctica is never a “tick the box” destination, and this 2028 circumnavigation aboard Le Commandant Charcot redefines what adventure means. For those ready to answer the call of the White Continent’s most ambitious circumnavigation yet, this voyage promises an unforgettable experience.