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The Emperor Penguins of the Weddell Sea

Ponant · Le Commandant Charcot

Voyage 20.11.2027–02.12.2027
Duration 12 nights
Route From Ushuaia to Weddell Sea via Drake Passage Polar Icebreaker Onboard Polar Science
from 25.535 € p. P.
Virtual voyageExperience this voyage as a storyScroll the route port by port — with map, images and highlights.Start virtual voyage →
Life on board
In the warm water on deck while the glaciers drift past outside.

Interested in this voyage?

Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.

The Voyage

Round trip from Ushuaia

Twelve nights to find the Emperor Penguins of the Weddell Sea. The Emperors are the largest and most southerly of all penguin species, and they breed on the fast ice in places very few ships can reach. From Ushuaia, Le Commandant Charcot crosses the Drake Passage and turns south-east into the Weddell ice. The exact route depends on conditions; the goal is the colony, and the voyage is built around it.

PONANT in Motion

© PONANT

This PONANT film offers a vivid impression of life aboard Le Commandant Charcot - onboard laboratories, panoramic observation areas and the extraordinary destinations that only this icebreaker reaches. This voyage follows the same spirit of polar discovery.

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.

Day by day

The Route

Departure

Ushuaia

12 nights

Arrival

Weddell Sea

The exact route is set by the expedition team on site, depending on ice and weather:

Ushuaia Drake Passage Weddell Sea
3 ports · route · approx. 1,270 nautical miles
  • 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.

  • At sea
  • Antarktische Halbinsel

    The Antarctic Peninsula is the northernmost reach of the white continent and the classic goal of expedition voyages. Amid glaciers, drifting icebergs and black volcanic shores live gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap penguins, seals and whales.

  • Entdeckung des Weddell-Meers
  • Nördlich der Antarktischen Halbinsel
  • Entdeckung des Weddell-Meers
  • At sea
  • Ushuaia · Disembarkation

Destination

The Ship

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.

2021
Built
150 m
Length
245
guests
123
Cabins
Full ship profile →

The Ship

Accommodation

Cabins

Owner Suite

115 m² · 6 guests · Deck 8

Duplex Suite

94 m² · 4 guests · Deck 6

Privilege Suite

48 m² · 4 guests · Decks 6/8

Grand Suite

42 m² · 2 guests

Prestige Suite

40 m² · 4 guests · Decks 7/8

Deluxe Suite

28 m² · 2 guests

Privilege Stateroom

20 m² · 2 guests · upper decks

Prestige Stateroom

20 m² · 2 guests · lower deck

Deck plan · Le Commandant Charcot
Le Commandant Charcot Deck 3
Le Commandant Charcot Deck 3
Le Commandant Charcot Deck 5
Le Commandant Charcot Deck 5
Le Commandant Charcot Deck 6
Le Commandant Charcot Deck 6
Le Commandant Charcot Deck 7
Le Commandant Charcot Deck 7
Le Commandant Charcot Deck 8
Le Commandant Charcot Deck 8
Le Commandant Charcot Deck 9
Le Commandant Charcot Deck 9
Prices & Availability

Cabin prices

Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.

Category Price p.P. Status
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6 - 6 € 25.975 Available Enquire
Prestige Stateroom Deck 7 - 7 € 26.435 Available Enquire
Prestige Stateroom Deck 8 - 8 € 26.895 Available Enquire
Privilege Stateroom Deck 6 - 6 € 27.575 Available Enquire
Privilege Stateroom Deck 7 - 7 € 28.735 Available Enquire
Privilege Stateroom Deck 8 - 8 € 29.655 Available Enquire
Prestige Suite Deck 7 - € 37.475 Available Enquire
Prestige Suite Deck 8 - € 38.625 Available Enquire
Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 € 39.765 Available Enquire
Privilege Suite Deck 8 - 8 € 42.075 Available Enquire
Duplex Suite - 6 € 57.015 Available Enquire
Owner's Suite - 8 € 78.635 Available Enquire

Prices as of: 14.08.2026

Package Voyage

Included in this package voyage

This voyage is a complete travel package – flights, hotel and transfers are included.

  • 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.

Onboard Standard

Standard inclusions of the ship voyage

On board

  • Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
  • Afternoon tea and pastries
  • Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
  • Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
  • 24-hour cabin service
  • All gratuities for crew and service staff
  • Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
  • Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
  • 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)

Not included

  • Flights
  • Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
  • Some special shore excursions
  • Spa treatments
Frequently asked questions

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 25.535 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 - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.

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.

Antarctica

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 familiar with this voyage and ship.

Le Commandant Charcot · 20.11.2027–02.12.2027 · 12 nights · from € 25.535 See cabin prices →

Non-binding enquiry

We will be in touch shortly with a personal offer.

from € 25.535
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R+V seal: Travel prices insured

Your booking is insured.

All travel payments are protected under German law via R+V Versicherung. Every confirmed booking comes with an official insurance certificate (Sicherungsschein) - your travel funds remain safe, even in unlikely insolvency scenarios.

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