The Emperor Penguins of the Weddell Sea
Round trip from Ushuaia
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
Ushuaia
12 nights
Weddell Sea
The Route
The exact route is set by the expedition team on site, depending on ice and weather:
Flight included – this voyage is offered as a complete package with charter or scheduled flight, transfers and accommodation. See "Package Voyage" below for details.
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Ushuaia · Embarkation
Ushuaia in Argentina calls itself "the end of the world" and lies on the Beagle Channel, just short of Cape Horn. The town is the most important starting point for Antarctic expeditions and is surrounded by the wild landscapes of Tierra del Fuego National Park.
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Drake Passage
The Drake Passage between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula is regarded as the stormiest stretch of sea on Earth. Here the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern Ocean meet - experiencing the crossing, with wandering albatrosses overhead, is an event in itself.
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Weddell Sea · Disembarkation
The Weddell Sea is a marginal sea of the Southern Ocean on the Atlantic side of Antarctica. It is known for dense ice conditions and extensive ice shelves.
Destination
Le Commandant Charcot
Le Commandant Charcot is the world's only luxury icebreaker carrying passengers. PC2 ice class, LNG hybrid propulsion, 270 guests. The ship reaches the geographic North Pole and penetrates deep into Antarctic pack ice - places previously reserved for research icebreakers.
In Antarctica, Le Commandant Charcot penetrates deep into the pack ice: the Weddell Sea, the Ross Sea, Peter I Island - expeditions beyond the tourist Antarctic routes.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner Suite
The largest category on board. Spacious living area, separate bedroom, designed for up to six guests or as a premium retreat for couples. A private terrace as the central highlight - on Le Commandant Charcot reserved exclusively for the two top categories (Owner Suite and Duplex Suite).
Amenities: private terrace + balcony, air conditioning, minibar, Nespresso, Bose Bluetooth speaker, Diptyque toiletries, safe, Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, concierge service.
Cabin layout
Cabin video
Duplex Suite
Two-storey suite with an impressive sense of space: living area and separate bedroom on two levels, connected by an internal staircase. One of two top categories on board that offers a private terrace rather than just a balcony - the other being the Owner Suite.
Amenities: private terrace + balcony, air conditioning, minibar, Nespresso, Bose Bluetooth speaker, Diptyque toiletries, safe, Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, concierge service.
Cabin layout
Cabin video
Grand Suite
Generous suite with separate living room, bedroom and spacious balcony. 42 m² of living space - one of the most spacious categories on Le Commandant Charcot, above the Prestige Suite.
Amenities: private balcony, air conditioning, minibar, Nespresso, Bose Bluetooth speaker, Diptyque toiletries, electronic safe, Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, concierge service.
Cabin layout
Cabin video
Privilege Suite
Spacious suite with living area, separate bedroom and generous balcony. Privileged location in the residential deck area, for discerning travellers and longer voyages.
Amenities: private balcony, air conditioning, minibar, Nespresso, Bose Bluetooth speaker, Diptyque toiletries, safe, Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, concierge service.
Cabin layout
Cabin video
Prestige Suite
Suite with separate living and sleeping areas, twice the size of a standard cabin. Private balcony. Suitable for families or two travellers wanting more space.
Amenities: private balcony, air conditioning, minibar, Nespresso, Bose Bluetooth speaker, Diptyque toiletries, safe, Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, concierge service.
Cabin layout
Cabin video
Deluxe Suite
Spacious outside cabin with clearly defined living and sleeping areas, private balcony. 28 m² of living space for two guests, ideal for longer voyages with more room than the standard stateroom.
Amenities: private balcony, air conditioning, minibar, Nespresso, Bose Bluetooth speaker, Diptyque toiletries, electronic safe, Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, concierge service.
Cabin layout
Cabin video
Privilege Stateroom
Outside cabin with private balcony on the upper decks. 20 m² of living space for up to two guests. Scandinavian-calm design language by Jean-Philippe Nuel - natural materials, muted colours.
Amenities: private balcony, air conditioning, minibar, Nespresso, Bose Bluetooth speaker, Diptyque toiletries, electronic safe, Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service.
Cabin layout
Cabin video
Prestige Stateroom
Outside cabin with private balcony on a lower deck. 20 m² of living space for up to two guests. Scandinavian-calm design language by Jean-Philippe Nuel - natural materials, muted colours.
Amenities: private balcony, air conditioning, minibar, Nespresso, Bose Bluetooth speaker, Diptyque toiletries, electronic safe, Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service.
Cabin layout
Cabin video
Deck plan – Le Commandant Charcot
© PONANT
Inclusions of the ship voyage
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
Not included
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
Travel Arrangement
Also included in this travel arrangement:
- Included package (Ponant):
- - Includes shore programme with overnight stay in connection with the charter flight - Ushuaia
- Included in the on-board price:
- - Full board with French gourmet cuisine
- - All beverages on board (open bar)
- - Gratuities for the crew
- - WLAN an Bord
- - 24/7 concierge service
- - Landings by Zodiac, kayak and snowshoe equipment
- - Complete expedition programme
Prices shown are per person in a twin cabin, including all package services listed above. Individual supplements on request.
We know the sea — we have sailed many regions ourselves as skippers.
That is what makes our advice different: we know how geographic conditions shape the maritime experience, how that translates for you as a guest depending on your place on the ship, what sea conditions to expect in which season, what makes a quiet anchor bay special, and which cabin on which ship is worth the upgrade. Our recommendations come from the water, not from a brochure.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 12 nights from EUR 22.885 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Commandant Charcot?
A maximum of 245 guests - a deliberately compact size for a more intimate journey. Service and attention remain at a high level.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
Flights and transfers are included in this package voyage. You will find all included services in the "Package" section.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
Travelling to Earth's last untouched continent
Antarctica is the last continent on Earth without permanent human settlement - a unique ecosystem of ice, ocean and wildlife protected by international agreement.
The Antarctic Treaty (in force since 1961) dedicates the continent to peace and science and prohibits any military or commercial exploitation. The IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) translates these principles into practical visitor rules: defined landing sites, maximum group sizes, strict biosecurity, minimum wildlife distances, no souvenirs.
All shipping partners with whom we work in Antarctica are IAATO members and have committed to these rules. Their crews are trained accordingly, expedition teams document each landing, vessels meet ice class and emission requirements.
At the same time, every guest contributes: please follow the briefings, keep your distance from wildlife, leave nothing behind and take nothing - not even a small stone. Only then can we, as visitors, preserve what makes this region unique.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person who knows this voyage and this ship personally.
