PONANT EXPLORATIONS has opened bookings for its 2027–2028 Antarctic season, offering 28 polar expeditions. With over 25 years of experience in cold-climate navigation, the line’s upcoming program combines scientific exploration, environmental responsibility and access to regions reached by few travelers.
The new collection features four PONANT EXPLORATIONS vessels sailing in Antarctica, including three expedition ships operating the company’s signature itineraries, and Le Commandant Charcot—the world’s only luxury icebreaker. The PC2-rated ship can navigate deep into pack ice, powered by a hybrid liquefied natural gas system designed for reduced environmental impact. Two itineraries aboard this vessel will venture into Southern Hemisphere latitudes accessible only by an ice-strengthened ship.
PONANT Expands Polar Reach
Here’s a look at the 27/28 voyages for Le Commandant Charcot:
- In the Wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot retraces the early Antarctic routes charted by the French explorer. The itinerary departs Ushuaia on Dec. 2 and Dec. 28, 2027, sailing for 16 days/14 nights toward the Bellingshausen Sea and Charcot Island.
- The Emperor Penguins of the Weddell Sea introduces travelers to remote colonies amid vast pack ice. Departures from Ushuaia operate Oct. 27, Nov. 8, Nov. 20, and Dec. 16, 2027. This is a 14-day/12-night voyage.
Four additional itineraries focus on the varied geography and wildlife of the southern tip of South America and the White Continent.
- Emblematic Antarctica—offered aboard Le Boreal and Le Lyrial—includes 12 departures from Nov. 2027 through Feb. 2028 (12 days/10 nights). After crossing the Drake Passage, travelers can expect to see icebergs, penguins, seals and whales during landings along the Antarctic Peninsula.
- The Great Austral Loop spans the Antarctic Peninsula, the Falkland Islands,and South Georgia, with departures on Dec. 17, 2027, on Le Lyrial, and on Jan. 28 and Feb. 24, 2028, on Le Boreal. This is a 19-day/18-night itinerary.
- The Best of Chilean Fjords follows a route from Valparaiso to Ushuaia, featuring Cape Horn, Tierra del Fuego and the glaciers of the Strait of Magellan. Departures are Oct. 28, 2027, on L’Austral and Nov. 3, 2027, on Le Lyrial, lasting 15 days/14 nights.
- Falklands, South Georgia & Valdes Peninsula: In the Heart of the Wilderness departs Ushuaia Mar. 3, 2028, aboard Le Lyrial, ending in Buenos Aires. The 20-day/18-night voyage includes stops at the UNESCO-listed Valdes Peninsula, the Falklands and South Georgia.
Each sailing integrates field lectures, wildlife encounters and environmentally focused expedition experiences designed around responsible exploration.
For more information, visit us.ponant.com.
