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From Dumont d'Urville to Mawson: Retracing Heroic Age Expeditions

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 Cruise Length
27 Days
 Cruise Starts
Lyttelton
 Cruise Finishes
Santiago
27 Day From Dumont d'Urville to Mawson: Retracing Heroic Age Expeditions Itinerary (Ponant)
Countries Explored: New Zealand, Antarctica, Argentina, Chile
Cruise Line
Ponant
Ship
Ship Class
Icebreaker
Passengers
245
Crew
215
Launched
2020
Cruise Code
7NZUSH26.1

Overview

Curiosity, surpassing oneself, being open to the world. Humans have always looked toward what some would call the 'impossible elsewhere'. With Le Commandant Charcot, which is capable of sailing into the very heart of the ice, we can dream even bigger and glimpse new horizons. This polar odyssey at the boundaries of the world follows the path of the first to discover Antarctica and sharpens our senses to let us see all the riches of a long journey marked by the nuances of the ice. In the incredible comfort of an exceptional ship, you will take the time to observe the world around you, the landscapes...read more and the fauna whose radiant beauty makes them seem surreal.

Set off on an all-new half-circumnavigation of Antarctica from the New Zealand shores to Ushuaia, the city at the end of the world. Following in the wake of courageous pioneers, explore the southern seas, including Ross Sea, which is the world's largest marine protected area, a kingdom of prodigious wildlife. As a privileged witness, keep a watchful eye and take the time to observe the Antarctic petrels, whales, orcas, seals and penguins that are to be found here. The attraction exerted by the White Continent's infinite territories and their mythical names will soon intensify further. Adelie Land, Victoria Land, Marie Byrd Land.

The first will plunge you into the heart of the French polar adventure where Paul-Émile Victor founded the Dumont d'Urville scientific station, in honour of the eponymous explorer. The second, claimed by the Australians, is forever linked to the name of the explorer Mawson, who defied the winds in Commonwealth Bay, which may exceed 240 km/h (150 mph). As for the third, it is one of the planet's rare Terra nullius - a territory claimed by no State - whose remoteness and climate have kept it well away from human conquests.

Bordered by the Ross Sea to the west and the Amundsen Sea to the east, Marie Byrd Land will plunge you into a world where nature has raised its own cathedrals of ice. Wonder and contemplation will mark this extraordinary exploration, a journey synonymous with a return to the essential. Your great crossing beyond the Antarctic Circle will continue in the Bellingshausen Sea where the Charcot and Peter I Islands roll out their icy masses. Le Commandant Charcot will attempt to approach their shores, deemed impassable, before your arrival in the Tierra del Fuego. Get insight into your destination with this video: Le Commandant Charcot in the Ross Sea.

Find out more about the world of Le Commandant Charcot here! 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.

Cruise Itinerary

 
Arrive
Depart

Day 1: Lyttelton
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18:00
Day 2: At Sea Aboard Le Commandant Charcot
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Day 3: At Sea Aboard Le Commandant Charcot
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Day 4: At Sea Aboard Le Commandant Charcot
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Day 5: At Sea Aboard Le Commandant Charcot
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Day 6: At Sea Aboard Le Commandant Charcot
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Day 7: Adélie Land
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Day 8: Victoria Land
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Day 9: Victoria Land
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Day 10: The Ross Sea
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Day 11: The Ross Sea
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Day 12: The Ross Sea
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Day 13: The Ross Sea
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Day 13: Cross International Date Line
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Day 14: Marie Byrd Land Exploration
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Day 15: Marie Byrd Land Exploration
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Day 16: Marie Byrd Land Exploration
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Day 17: Marie Byrd Land Exploration
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Day 18: Marie Byrd Land Exploration
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Day 19: Marie Byrd Land Exploration
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Day 20: Amundsen Sea
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Day 21: Exploration Of Peter I Island
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Day 22: Bellingshausen Sea
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Day 23: Exploration Of Charcot Island
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Day 24: Marguerite Bay
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Day 25: Crossing The Drake Passage
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Day 26: Crossing The Drake Passage
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Day 27: Ushuaia - Flight to Santiago
07:00
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Note: Ship ports may not be located in the starting & ending cities listed. Transfers to and/or from the ship port may be required.

Life Onboard Le Commandant-Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot
Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot offers guests small ship luxury expeditions with unique hybrid powered clean technology. Read more

Ocean Facing Staterooms and Suites
Ocean Facing Staterooms and Suites

Choose your home away from home from 135 elegantly appointed outward facing staterooms and suites. Read more

Ponant Wellness and Fitness
Ponant Wellness and Fitness

From the indoor heated pool to the Snow Room and Fitness Centre, relax and rejuvenate as you cruise. Read more

The Lounge Life
The Lounge Life

Combining space for events and cosy corners you will enjoy the social ambience in the luxury lounge. Read more

Built for Polar Expeditions
Built for Polar Expeditions

Built for the environment, you will leave no trace when you break the ice on a polar expedition. Read more

Renowned French Service
Renowned French Service

The French crew will welcome you aboard and ensure your comfort and wellbeing is paramount throughout your voyage. Read more

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Brochure

Luxury Cruises

Ponant Luxury Cruises (2023-24)

Discover our range of incredible luxury expeditions and yacht-style voyages in 2023, exploring Antarctica, the Norwegian Fjords, Caribbean & Latin America, The Indian Ocean & Persian Gulf and Oceania & Polynesia. Includes a range of trailblazing polar explorations aboard Le Commandant Charcot. If you are a travel agent, please email brochures.aus@ponant.com...more with your details and number of copies to be ordered.

Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Ponant. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Ponant. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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