PONANT plans full Antarctica circumnavigation for 2028

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A new world first is on the cards for PONANT EXPLORATIONS as it confirmed its luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot will embark on a full circumnavigation of Antarctica between January and March 2028. The voyage will depart westward from Ushuaia, traversing remote, uncharted regions before reaching Hobart, Tasmania after 30 days. Then, after a two-day stopover, the vessel will depart again towards its starting point, this time following the eastern coast of Antarctica over 34 days, navigating nearly 18,000 kilometres of coastline along the White Continent in total. Specifically designed for expeditions in extreme environments, Le Commandant Charcot features a PC2 polar hull, allowing her to navigate polar regions while minimising any environmental impact thanks to a hybrid electric engine powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). This unprecedented itinerary, flagged at Virtuoso’s ANZ Forum in Perth, was designed by Captains Etienne Garcia and Patrick Marchesseau who will jointly command Le Commandant Charcot during this exclusive voyage. “PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ spirit is about those moments of shared awe as we witness the immense forces of nature at play,” Garcia said. “As one of the originators of this project and personally involved, I am deeply committed to guiding guests in uncovering the secrets of this new maritime route. It’s a privilege to help them experience how we humbly engage with the elements – the wind, the sea, the ice – bringing us as close as possible to the marvels of the natural world.” Sales for this exclusive trip are scheduled to open in December 2025.

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