Ponant Just Put a 59-Night Antarctic Expedition on Sale

Ponant Explorations has announced its 2028-29 Antarctic season, with 12 expedition itineraries and nearly 30 departures ranging from 10 to 59 nights. Four ships are involved: Le Commandant Charcot, Le Lyrial, Le Boréal and Le Soléal. Fares start from $15,450 per person, and the lineup includes one voyage allied with Smithsonian Journeys and one with The Explorers Club.

The longest sailing is a 59-night itinerary on Le Commandant Charcot departing Ushuaia, Argentina on January 11, 2029. It runs in two segments, with a one-night stay in Hobart, Tasmania on February 9, 2029. Other Charcot trips include a 12-night Weddell Sea and Larsen Ice Shelf voyage on December 16, 2028 and a 14-night trip beyond the Antarctic Circle on December 28, 2028.

The more traditional options run on the smaller ships. Emblematic Antarctica is a 10-night itinerary with 13 departures between November 2028 and February 2029, and The Great Austral Loop is 17 nights with four departures. Le Soléal sails a 14-night New Zealand subantarctic route and a 21-night Ross Sea expedition following Scott and Shackleton, while Le Lyrial heads to the Falklands, South Georgia and Valdés Peninsula for 18 nights starting February 27, 2029.

The partner voyages are an Explorers Club trip into the Weddell Sea on Le Commandant Charcot for 12 nights from November 6, 2028, and a Smithsonian Journeys sailing aboard Le Lyrial for 10 nights from January 28, 2029. Activities include Zodiac excursions, shore landings, kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing and polar plunges, and guests can add a three-night Iguazú Falls stay from Ushuaia.

Sources: Cruise Industry News