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The Weddell Sea & Larsen Ice Shelf

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 Cruise Length
13 Days
 Cruise Starts
Santiago
 Cruise Finishes
Santiago
13 Day The Weddell Sea & Larsen Ice Shelf Itinerary (Ponant)
Countries Explored: Chile, Argentina, Antarctica
Cruise Line
Ponant
Ship
Ship Class
Icebreaker
Passengers
245
Crew
215
Launched
2020
Cruise Code
USHUSH11.4

Overview

Antarctica, a land of infinite mysteries and possibilities, will plunge you into the heart of an extraordinary adventure, where time is suspended and memories become eternal, where the silence transforms into loud noises, into surprise cracks and curious growls. What inevitably comes to mind when we think about the sixth continent are expanses of ice stretching as far as the eye can see and an arid polar desert. What is less well known is the huge diversity of its ice forms and their shape-shifting existences. Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, a real jewel of technology and comfort, you will set off...read more on a 12-day exploration of the White Continent and journey towards the immense and fascinating Larsen Ice Shelf.

Crossing the Drake Passage will bring you into the turbulence of the Southern Ocean until the much anticipated appearance of the lands of the Antarctic Peninsula. The sight of this territory will be enough to generate a deep respect for this wild nature as it unfolds before you. With the insight of passionate experts, observe Adelie, Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins and allow yourself to be swept away by the naked beauty of the world. Gradually, as you sail on towards the Larsen Ice Shelf, the conditions will become increasingly extreme, and the limitless power of the Weddell Sea will captivate you. The ice floe which stretches to the horizon and the tabular icebergs - among the largest ever observed - drift around you.

They come from the calving of this famous ice shelf, real walls of ice along the eastern coast of the Antarctic Peninsula that extend the inlandsis (ice sheet) into the sea. Although their size is impressive, this journey will also make us aware of their fragile existence and the need to protect them. The Antarctic is a land without an indigenous people, entirely dedicated to science, research and peace. Here, you will be seized by humility and conquered by calm. If you are lucky, you will even glimpse the kings of the ice, the rare and majestic emperor penguins. The emotion here is pure and powerful, just like these immaculate landscapes that unfold endlessly.

In the heart of this universe, as magnificent as it is hostile, the exploits of the legendary expeditions of the past take on a whole other meaning. They suddenly come to life before your eyes: imagine Shackleton's Endurance sailing through this frozen sea. Its wreck was miraculously found very close to here in 2022, almost a century after this mythical expedition, evidence that the polar adventure continues... 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: Santiago
--
--
Day 2: Santiago - Flight to Ushuaia
--
18:00
Day 3: Crossing The Drake Passage
--
--
Day 4: Crossing The Drake Passage
--
--
Day 5: North Antarctic Peninsula
--
--
Day 6: Sailing Toward Larsen Ice Shel
--
--
Day 7: Sailing Toward Larsen Ice Shel
--
--
Day 8: The Weddell Sea Exploration
--
--
Day 9: The Weddell Sea Exploration
--
--
Day 10: The Weddell Sea Exploration
--
--
Day 11: Crossing The Drake Passage
--
--
Day 12: Crossing The Drake Passage
--
--
Day 13: Ushuaia - Flight to Santiago
07:00
--
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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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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