Ponant Explorations is planning a world-first circumnavigation of Antarctica aboard the cruise company’s luxury icebreaker, ‘Le Commandant Charcot’ – a journey the company calls an “unprecedented feat” that will take place between January and March 2028.

Departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, the ship, sailing under a French flag, will journey through remote, uncharted regions and navigate nearly 18,000 km. of coastline along the White Continent – roughly one and a half times the size of the United States.

Ponant promises the circumnavigation of Antarctica will be “a polar expedition unlike any before” – one that will travel westward to Hobart (Tasmania) in 30 days, then after a two-day stopover, will then depart again towards her starting point, this time following the eastern coast of Antarctica over 34 days.

“Ponant Explorations’ spirit is about those moments of shared awe as we witness the immense forces of nature at play. 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,” says states Captain Étienne Garcia. “It is 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.”

The unique voyage will also serve as a bridge between the past and the future, reviving the legacy of the great polar explorers Ross, Shackleton, and Amundsen, who made history at the South Pole.

Specifically designed for expeditions in extreme environments, Le Commandant Charcot features a PC2 polar hull, allowing her to navigate polar regions while minimizing her environmental impact. Sales for this exclusive trip are scheduled to open in December 2025.

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