Unexplored Eastern Antarctica between Two Continents

Tasmania's capital is a charming little city that blends natural beauty with a rich maritime history. Start at the bustling Salamanca Place, home to galleries, cafés, and the famous Salamanca Market on Saturdays. A short drive takes you to Mount Wellington, offering panoramic views of the city and beyond. The waterfront is perfect for sampling fresh seafood, especially at Constitution Dock, where fishing boats unload their daily catch. Ships dock at Macquarie Wharf.

Spend exceptional moments sailing aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first luxury polar exploration vessel and the first PC2-class polar cruise ship capable of sailing into the very heart of the ice, on seas and oceans which the frozen conditions render inaccessible to ordinary ships. Le Commandant Charcot is fitted with oceanographic and scientific equipment selected by a committee of experts.

Take advantage of the on-board lectures and opportunities for discussion with these specialists to learn more about the poles. Participate in furthering scientific research with PONANT and let us discover together what these fascinating destinations have yet to reveal to us.

Fall under the spell of the immaculate shores of George V Land, a remote region on the eastern coast of Antarctica. Between monumental ice shelves and infinite white expanses, tabular icebergs slowly drift, revealing their turquoise- and azure-tinged walls. Along the shores of this isolated region, the marine life will reveal itself in all its splendour: orcas, rorquals and humpback whales wander these enchanted waters, offering exceptional encounters in this preserved polar setting.

Welcome to the country of blizzards, these violent winds filled with snow flakes. Plunge into the history of the Australian polar expeditions and discover Commonwealth Bay, by slipping into the shoes of the legendary Douglas Mawson, who created his main base in 1911 in Cape Denison. Marking the border with Marie Byrd Land, the Transantarctic Mountains, extending the Andes, offer this Eden of ice some mountainous landscapes.

Adélie Land, a portion of the Antarctic coast claimed by France, offers a unique glimpse into one of the most remote places on Earth. Known for its extreme weather conditions and stunning icy landscapes, this region is home to the French research station, Dumont d'Urville. The station provides insight into scientific studies on climate, wildlife, and glaciology.

Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the large colonies of Adélie penguins, after which the land is named. The sight of these resilient birds in their natural habitat is truly captivating. Although remote, Adélie Land's stark beauty and scientific significance make it a fascinating destination for those interested in polar exploration.

Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, follow in the footsteps of the American explorer Charles Wilkes, during his USS Vincennes expedition undertaken between 1838 and 1842. A veritable mine of information for scientists, this isolated land - where only moss and lichen have managed to adapt and to take hold, forming the tundra - promises a unique moment. Under an immaculate white coat, a secret world comes to life: from the icy mountains defying the sky to the vast glaciers, some of which stretch all the way to the Southern Ocean, and the icebergs drifting silently through frozen waters. These landscapes, unlike any other, are sure to captivate you.

The convergence point for the field lines of the Earth's magnetic field, the Magnetic South Pole attracts the magnetic needle of the compass. While the Geographic South Pole is the Earth’s southernmost fixed point, marking the intersection of the Globe's rotation axis with the Earth’s surface, the Magnetic South Pole moves over time. In fact, it is linked to the Earth's magnetic field which originates in the Earth's outer core, which is made up of molten metal and is subject to convection movements.

It was during the French Dumont d’Urville expedition to Antarctica, aboard the famous ships L’Astrolabe and La Zélée, that the hydrographer and engineer Vincendon-Dumoulin made the first calculation of the magnetic inclination that enabled him to localise this pole in 1838. Set off in search of the Magnetic South Pole, try to get closer to it and, if luck allows it, attempt to reach it!

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing.

This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, follow in the footsteps of the American explorer Charles Wilkes, during his USS Vincennes expedition undertaken between 1838 and 1842. A veritable mine of information for scientists, this isolated land - where only moss and lichen have managed to adapt and to take hold, forming the tundra - promises a unique moment. Under an immaculate white coat, a secret world comes to life: from the icy mountains defying the sky to the vast glaciers, some of which stretch all the way to the Southern Ocean, and the icebergs drifting silently through frozen waters. These landscapes, unlike any other, are sure to captivate you.

Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, follow in the footsteps of the American explorer Charles Wilkes, during his USS Vincennes expedition undertaken between 1838 and 1842. A veritable mine of information for scientists, this isolated land - where only moss and lichen have managed to adapt and to take hold, forming the tundra - promises a unique moment. Under an immaculate white coat, a secret world comes to life: from the icy mountains defying the sky to the vast glaciers, some of which stretch all the way to the Southern Ocean, and the icebergs drifting silently through frozen waters. These landscapes, unlike any other, are sure to captivate you.

Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, follow in the footsteps of the American explorer Charles Wilkes, during his USS Vincennes expedition undertaken between 1838 and 1842. A veritable mine of information for scientists, this isolated land - where only moss and lichen have managed to adapt and to take hold, forming the tundra - promises a unique moment. Under an immaculate white coat, a secret world comes to life: from the icy mountains defying the sky to the vast glaciers, some of which stretch all the way to the Southern Ocean, and the icebergs drifting silently through frozen waters. These landscapes, unlike any other, are sure to captivate you.

During this unique navigation, suspended in time, admire the fantastic spectacle of the Shackleton Ice Shelf. In the luxurious comfort of Le Commandant Charcot, specially designed for polar exploration, the vast icy expanses of the Antarctic will unfold before your astonished eyes.

The air here is imbued with solemn serenity, only broken by the distant cracking of icebergs drifting along the shelf. You will perhaps have the chance to observe the many mammals, such as the whales, seals and penguins, which prosper in these icy waters.

Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, follow in the footsteps of the American explorer Charles Wilkes, during his USS Vincennes expedition undertaken between 1838 and 1842. A veritable mine of information for scientists, this isolated land - where only moss and lichen have managed to adapt and to take hold, forming the tundra - promises a unique moment. Under an immaculate white coat, a secret world comes to life: from the icy mountains defying the sky to the vast glaciers, some of which stretch all the way to the Southern Ocean, and the icebergs drifting silently through frozen waters. These landscapes, unlike any other, are sure to captivate you.

Spend exceptional moments sailing aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first luxury polar exploration vessel and the first PC2-class polar cruise ship capable of sailing into the very heart of the ice, on seas and oceans which the frozen conditions render inaccessible to ordinary ships. Le Commandant Charcot is fitted with oceanographic and scientific equipment selected by a committee of experts.

Take advantage of the on-board lectures and opportunities for discussion with these specialists to learn more about the poles. Participate in furthering scientific research with PONANT and let us discover together what these fascinating destinations have yet to reveal to us.

Dive into the heart of Queen Maud Land, a huge expanse where ice and sea merge endlessly. Impressive glaciers move towards the ocean, accompanied by turquoise- and azure-tinged tabular icebergs. In these waters, seals, orcas and penguin colonies roam freely, offering striking scenes of polar life. Explored by Roald Amundsen and Hjalmar Riiser-Larsen, this region remains remote and intact, with each panorama bearing witness to the raw and preserved power of Antarctica.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing.

This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Dive into the heart of Queen Maud Land, a huge expanse where ice and sea merge endlessly. Impressive glaciers move towards the ocean, accompanied by turquoise- and azure-tinged tabular icebergs. In these waters, seals, orcas and penguin colonies roam freely, offering striking scenes of polar life. Explored by Roald Amundsen and Hjalmar Riiser-Larsen, this region remains remote and intact, with each panorama bearing witness to the raw and preserved power of Antarctica.

Spend exceptional moments sailing aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first luxury polar exploration vessel and the first PC2-class polar cruise ship capable of sailing into the very heart of the ice, on seas and oceans which the frozen conditions render inaccessible to ordinary ships. Le Commandant Charcot is fitted with oceanographic and scientific equipment selected by a committee of experts.

Take advantage of the on-board lectures and opportunities for discussion with these specialists to learn more about the poles. Participate in furthering scientific research with PONANT and let us discover together what these fascinating destinations have yet to reveal to us.

Dive into the heart of Queen Maud Land, a huge expanse where ice and sea merge endlessly. Impressive glaciers move towards the ocean, accompanied by turquoise- and azure-tinged tabular icebergs. In these waters, seals, orcas and penguin colonies roam freely, offering striking scenes of polar life. Explored by Roald Amundsen and Hjalmar Riiser-Larsen, this region remains remote and intact, with each panorama bearing witness to the raw and preserved power of Antarctica.

Dive into the heart of Queen Maud Land, a huge expanse where ice and sea merge endlessly. Impressive glaciers move towards the ocean, accompanied by turquoise- and azure-tinged tabular icebergs. In these waters, seals, orcas and penguin colonies roam freely, offering striking scenes of polar life. Explored by Roald Amundsen and Hjalmar Riiser-Larsen, this region remains remote and intact, with each panorama bearing witness to the raw and preserved power of Antarctica.

Dive into the heart of Queen Maud Land, a huge expanse where ice and sea merge endlessly. Impressive glaciers move towards the ocean, accompanied by turquoise- and azure-tinged tabular icebergs. In these waters, seals, orcas and penguin colonies roam freely, offering striking scenes of polar life. Explored by Roald Amundsen and Hjalmar Riiser-Larsen, this region remains remote and intact, with each panorama bearing witness to the raw and preserved power of Antarctica.

Throughout your time in the north of the Antarctic Peninsula, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. You will sail through the Antarctic Sound, named after Swedish explorer Otto Nordenskjöld’s ship, which was trapped by the ice during an important scientific expedition in 1902. The gateway to the Weddell Sea, this sound is filled with gigantic tabular icebergs and plates of sea ice drifting northward from the coastal areas of this vast sea. It is home to Adelie penguins and a great many leopard seals.

In 1915, Endurance, the famous three-masted schooner that transported Ernest Shackleton and his 27-man crew to the Antarctic, became trapped in pack ice and sank into the depths of the Weddell Sea. For 107 years, these waters nicknamed by Shackleton as “the worst sea in the world” kept the wreck’s location secret.

This symbol of polar adventure was rediscovered in 2022, lying over 3,000 metres (almost 10,000 feet) deep. Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, follow the pack ice in the heart of the floe and glide over the seabed on which this legend rests, to relive the great era of the explorers.

The trip to the Peninsula by ship is the shortest distance between Antarctica and South America, (usually Ushuaia in Argentina). The Antarctic Peninsula’s coastline unfolds in a panorama of towering icebergs, glistening glaciers, and serrated mountain peaks, offering one of the most visually arresting cruising experiences on Earth.

Wildlife is abundant - look for breaching humpback whales, leopard seals lounging on floes, and penguins in dense colonies along icy shores. This narrow finger of land reaching toward South America provides unparalleled access to the raw, untamed beauty of the White Continent.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing.

This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.