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The Emperor Penguins of Weddell Sea

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Balcony
$45,759
Suite
$47,945
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
14 Days
 Cruise Starts
Santiago
 Cruise Finishes
Santiago
14 Day The Emperor Penguins of Weddell Sea Itinerary (Ponant)
Countries Explored: Chile, Argentina, Antarctica
Cruise Line
Ponant
Ship
Ship Class
Icebreaker
Departures
Passengers
245
Crew
215
Launched
2020
Cruise Code
USHUSH12

Overview

The theatre of the greatest expeditions, a refuge for the rarest wildlife and an endless ice desert, the Weddell Sea promises you intense emotions during a voyage of exploration aboard LeCommandant Charcot, an enveloping cocoon that is widely open onto the exterior polar setting. This place is home to emperor penguins, these majestic birds endemic to the Antarctic, rarely observed and only in the most southern latitudes. The ultimate quest and the promise of all-new, unforgettable encounters.

From Drake Passage, as the wind blows and the waves crash against the stem of your ship, you...read more will enter the southern seas, to the extreme and captivating Weddell Sea. Ice floe as far as the eye can see and gigantic tabular icebergs form the horizon of the colonies of Adelie penguins that populate this expanse. Contemplating these curious and quirky birds is a real privilege and the guarantee of an equally fascinating and touching show. Yet the ultimate challenge of this exploration is the search for and the encounter with their majesties, the emperor penguins.

In this season, as the winter gradually makes way for the southern spring, you will perhaps witness a magical show, that of the largest penguins in the world waddling along the ice floe or the younger penguins learning to swim. It is rare to discover their elegance, so the encounter will be priceless. During your exploration of the Weddell Sea, you will follow in the footsteps of the great polar epics like that of Sir Ernest Shackleton. Our passionate naturalists will also share the history of the gigantic tabular icebergs with you, including their birth in the heart of the immense Larsen Ice Shelf.

The ice here boasts all possible shades and the white takes different forms in the surrounding reliefs. Let yourself be guided and set off on an adventure into the heart of incredible and unexpected nature. Your Captain and the expert naturalists humbly seize these moments to give you an experience that will remain unique. It is a challenge and a privilege to sail upon the Weddell Sea; welcome to an extraordinary universe with compelling appeal. 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: The Weddell Sea Exploration
--
--
Day 7: The Weddell Sea Exploration
--
--
Day 8: The Weddell Sea Exploration
--
--
Day 9: The Weddell Sea Exploration
--
--
Day 10: The Weddell Sea Exploration
--
--
Day 11: The Weddell Sea Exploration
--
--
Day 12: Crossing The Drake Passage
--
--
Day 13: Crossing The Drake Passage
--
--
Day 14: Ushuaia - Flight to Santiago
08:00
--
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

Exclusive Savings
Thursday 30 Oct 2025
Wednesday 12 Nov 2025
Ship Le Commandant-Charcot
Balcony
$45,759
View Cabins
Suite
$47,945
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Tuesday 11 Nov 2025
Monday 24 Nov 2025
Ship Le Commandant-Charcot
Balcony
$49,816
View Cabins
Suite
$52,306
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Sunday 23 Nov 2025
Saturday 06 Dec 2025
Ship Le Commandant-Charcot
Balcony
$45,759
View Cabins
Suite
$47,945
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Thursday 30 Oct 2025
Wednesday 12 Nov 2025
Ship Le Commandant-Charcot
Balcony
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Suite
$51,512
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Tuesday 11 Nov 2025
Monday 24 Nov 2025
Ship Le Commandant-Charcot
Balcony
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Suite
$56,630
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Sunday 23 Nov 2025
Saturday 06 Dec 2025
Ship Le Commandant-Charcot
Balcony
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Suite
$51,512
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Thursday 30 Oct 2025
Wednesday 12 Nov 2025
Ship Le Commandant-Charcot
Balcony
$55,481
View Cabins
Suite
$58,323
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Tuesday 11 Nov 2025
Monday 24 Nov 2025
Ship Le Commandant-Charcot
Balcony
$60,763
View Cabins
Suite
$63,987
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Sunday 23 Nov 2025
Saturday 06 Dec 2025
Ship Le Commandant-Charcot
Balcony
$55,481
View Cabins
Suite
$58,323
View Cabins
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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