PONANT, the world leader of luxury expeditions aboard small luxury ships, unveils a totally new range of voyages to the ends of the earth for the Antarctic season including two exciting new itineraries from and to New Zealand. With these unprecedented polar odysseys aboard the first LNG-powered hybrid electric luxury polar exploration vessel, Le Commandant Charcot, PONANT invites travellers in search of meaning to weigh anchor for new adventures in the wake of the famous navigator after whom the ship is named.

 

A mythical territory that proved a magnet for the great explorers of the past, the White Continent continues to fascinate us on every level. As the polar expert for over 20 years, PONANT combines its ice navigation experience with the passion for its naturalist-guides to ensure truly immersive experiences. 

 

Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, guests can take their pick from a range of new activities from citizen science to kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing, to polar diving without a wetsuit and polar swimming in a drysuit. More than 20 naturalist-guides will be supervising the activities and taking guests to meet a fascinating array of wildlife during Zodiac and hovercraft outings. 

 

For its second season in the Antarctic with Le Commandant Charcot, PONANT has expanded its offer to include two itineraries providing unforgettable semi-circumnavigations of the Antarctic. 

 

For the very first time, Le Commandant Charcot is inviting guests to follow in the footsteps of the great Antarctic explorers during a truly exceptional semi-circumnavigation, a voyage of exploration linking the southern end of the American continent to New Zealand. This exclusive expedition into the heart of the icefields explores the Bellingshausen, Amundsen and Ross seas, the world's largest marine sanctuary, where whales, orcas, seals and penguins can be seen, as well as Marie Byrd Land, the last Terra Nullius (unclaimed land) on our planet.  

 

This first ever polar odyssey to earth's boundary retraces the steps of early explorers to the White Continent, sharpening the senses during a voyage where all the nuances of the ice come into their own. From the shores of New Zealand to those of Ushuaia, a city at the end of the world, with this itinerary PONANT is offering another semi-circumnavigation of the Antarctic. On the way guests will discover Adélie Land, Victoria Land and Marie Byrd Land, as well as Macquarie Island, a sub-Antarctic Australian island, classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its extraordinary biodiversity. A unique voyage of exploration steeped in French and Australian polar history.

 

 

Le Commandant Charcot is the first high polar exploration ship, a hybrid-electric powered by LNG (liquified natural gas) the most virtuous fuel available today, a major innovation that signals the company's deep commitment to sustainable tourism.  A Polar Class PC2 ship, her design includes all the latest 'green' technologies, such as waste-water treatment, 100% waste sorted on board and no single-use plastics. They symbolise the culmination of PONANT's pioneering efforts to reduce its environmental impact and consolidate its polar expertise based on 20 years of experience in these regions. 

 

Le Commandant Charcot is sailing in the Antarctic this winter 2021-2022. Ten expeditions, all as unique as they are exceptional, are proposed for her inaugural season from November 2021 to March 2022, including six different itineraries,

 

 

Created in 1988, by officers of the French Merchant Navy, PONANT has created a new style of cruising, under the French flag, through a unique conception of sea travel blending a pioneering spirit, French-inspired hospitality and a commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. Accessing exceptional territories aboard small-capacity luxury expedition ships featuring refined design, on which the art of living and excellent cuisine take pride of place: such is the promise of a unique and authentic voyage with PONANT, the world leader of luxury expeditions. 

 

For more information, visit au.ponant.com

 

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Elysée Collective | Alice Moore, Director, Élysée Collective

+61 (0) 402 693 366
alice@elyseecollective.com.au

 

Elysée Collective | Maddy Hall, Account Director, Élysée Collective

+61 (0) 423 134 473
maddy@elyseecollective.com.au