PONANT EXPLORATIONS will soon achieve a new world first when its Le Commandant Charcot will embark on a full circumnavigation of Antarctica, departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, from January to March 2028. This polar expedition unlike any before will journey nearly 11,200 miles of remote, uncharted coastline of the White Continent.

© Le Commandant Charcot

“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. 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,” said Captain Étienne Garcia.

The itinerary was designed by Garcia and Captain Patrick Marchesseau for Le Commandant Charcot, with a PC2 polar hull and a hybrid electric engine powered by liquefied natural gas, sailing under the French flag. The ship will sail from Ushuaia westward to reach Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, in 30 days. Following a two-day stopover, the ship sails the eastern coast of Antarctica over 34 days.

© Le Commandant Charcot

“After sailing the Ross Sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot, I had the privilege of following in the footsteps of explorers Ross, Shackleton, and Amundsen, who made history at the South Pole. I was captivated by the majesty of these polar landscapes, as well as the incredible human adventures etched into them. Today, we want to allow guests to experience the thrill of exploration during the first circumnavigation of Antarctica. A land where humans have never set foot, a frozen world yet to be discovered,” said Captain Patrick Marchesseau.

Sales for the trip open in December.