The Emperor Penguins of Weddell Sea - 14 days

14-day ultimate quest aboard the Le Commandant Charcot into the mysterious Weddell Sea, the kingdom of ice and polar legends, searching for emperor and Adélie penguins. The unique voyage features special guests and research insights from The Explorers Club.


Weddell Sea
© PON

Duration: 14 days / 12 nights on board
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyage

The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.


Included
Optional


Set off on an ultimate 14-day quest into the heart of the mysterious Weddell Sea, the kingdom of ice and polar legends, aboard the strikingly elegant Le Commandant Charcot. This voyage seeks out unprecedented encounters with emperor penguins, the "guardians of Antarctica" that nest on the ice floe, alongside lively Adélie penguins. The region is characterized by endless ice floe, majestic tabular icebergs, and immaculate silence.

The expedition includes sailing in the wake of great explorers like Charcot, de Gerlache, and Shackleton, and sailing through the Antarctic Sound, the gateway to the Weddell Sea. The experience is enhanced by a collaboration with The Explorers Club, featuring an exciting onboard lecture series on exploration and scientific research, with a Science Grantee utilizing the ship's dedicated laboratories. Expeditions in the Weddell Sea offer the chance to see a rare Ross seal, Weddell seals, and whales.

Highlights:
Explore the nearly inaccessible Weddell Sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot and search for emperor penguins in surreal polar landscapes.
Unforgettable encounters with unique wildlife (whales, orcas, seals, penguins and other seabirds) in spectacular landscapes (ice floes, glaciers, icebergs).
Voyage features special guests and lectures from The Explorers Club, and an onboard Science Grantee utilizing dedicated laboratories.
Attempt polar hiking on foot or snowshoes, kayaking, and experience the Polar Plunge.
Sail through the Antarctic Sound, the gateway to the Weddell Sea, filled with gigantic tabular icebergs.

Itinerary

© PON
© PON

Day 1: Ushuaia Embarkation at the End of the World Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego, is considered the gateway to the White Continent. The city is nicknamed “El fin del mundo” and is situated where the Andes plunge straight into the sea. Embarkation is from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with departure at 6:30 PM.

Days 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage Familiarization and Polar Lectures Use these days to familiarize yourself with the ship and deepen your knowledge of the Antarctic. The Expedition Leader will present the IAATO rules and explain the Zodiac outings. Attend lectures about the history and wildlife and look out for albatrosses and petrels.

Days 4-5: Antarctic Peninsula Glaciers, Wildlife, and Exploration Wake Succumb to the magic of the mythical Antarctic Peninsula, where you will find yourself in a spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white. You may observe exceptional wildlife, including penguins, humpback whales, seals, and orcas. Excursions will be suggested daily, based on ice conditions, to discover glaciers, icebergs, volcanic beaches, and vestiges of the whaling industry.

Days 6-7: The Weddell Sea Exploration Kingdom of the Emperor Penguin and Tabular Icebergs Sail into the impassable, extreme, and captivating Weddell Sea, a challenge and a privilege. This is the kingdom of the emperor penguin, which nests on the ice floe. Sail into the heart of the immaculate ice floe and observe immense tabular icebergs. Look for colonies of Adélie penguins, Weddell seals, Mink whales, orcas, and potentially the rare Ross seal.

Day 8: North Antarctic Peninsula Antarctic Sound and Gigantic Tabular Icebergs Sail through the Antarctic Sound, the gateway to the Weddell Sea. This sound is filled with gigantic tabular icebergs and plates of sea ice drifting northward. It is home to Adélie penguins and a great many leopard seals.

Days 9-10: The Weddell Sea Exploration
Emperor Penguins and Polar Exploration Meaning
The expedition returns to the Weddell Sea, where polar exploration finds its full meaning. Continue the quest towards the South, with highly charged encounters with endemic fauna like the elegant emperor penguin and the Ross seal. Sail into the heart of the constantly changing ice floe and iceberg alley.

Days 11-12: Crossing the Drake Passage
Furious Fifties and Diverse Marine Fauna
Cross the dreaded Drake Passage, situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds. As the Antarctic convergence zone, it harbours a very diverse marine fauna. Look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels.

Day 13: Ushuaia
Disembarkation
Arrive in Ushuaia. Disembarkation is at 8:00 AM.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia Embarkation at the End of the World Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego, is considered the gateway to the White Continent. The city is nicknamed “El fin del mundo” and is situated where the Andes plunge straight into the sea. Embarkation is from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with departure at 6:30 PM.

Days 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage Familiarization and Polar Lectures Use these days to familiarize yourself with the ship and deepen your knowledge of the Antarctic. The Expedition Leader will present the IAATO rules and explain the Zodiac outings. Attend lectures about the history and wildlife and look out for albatrosses and petrels.

Days 4-5: Antarctic Peninsula Glaciers, Wildlife, and Exploration Wake Succumb to the magic of the mythical Antarctic Peninsula, where you will find yourself in a spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white. You may observe exceptional wildlife, including penguins, humpback whales, seals, and orcas. Excursions will be suggested daily, based on ice conditions, to discover glaciers, icebergs, volcanic beaches, and vestiges of the whaling industry.

Days 6-7: The Weddell Sea Exploration Kingdom of the Emperor Penguin and Tabular Icebergs Sail into the impassable, extreme, and captivating Weddell Sea, a challenge and a privilege. This is the kingdom of the emperor penguin, which nests on the ice floe. Sail into the heart of the immaculate ice floe and observe immense tabular icebergs. Look for colonies of Adélie penguins, Weddell seals, Mink whales, orcas, and potentially the rare Ross seal.

Day 8: North Antarctic Peninsula Antarctic Sound and Gigantic Tabular Icebergs Sail through the Antarctic Sound, the gateway to the Weddell Sea. This sound is filled with gigantic tabular icebergs and plates of sea ice drifting northward. It is home to Adélie penguins and a great many leopard seals.

Days 9-10: The Weddell Sea Exploration
Emperor Penguins and Polar Exploration Meaning
The expedition returns to the Weddell Sea, where polar exploration finds its full meaning. Continue the quest towards the South, with highly charged encounters with endemic fauna like the elegant emperor penguin and the Ross seal. Sail into the heart of the constantly changing ice floe and iceberg alley.

Days 11-12: Crossing the Drake Passage
Furious Fifties and Diverse Marine Fauna
Cross the dreaded Drake Passage, situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds. As the Antarctic convergence zone, it harbours a very diverse marine fauna. Look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels.

Day 13: Ushuaia
Disembarkation
Arrive in Ushuaia. Disembarkation is at 8:00 AM.


© PON
© PON


INCLUSIONS

Full board from arrival to departure day
High-end gastronomy in all restaurants
All beverages in restaurants, bars, and minibars. All drinks are included¹ (a selection of champagnes, wines and spirits, beers, cocktails, water, soft drinks, hot beverages)
24-hour room service
Butler service for certain suites²
Unlimited internet access onboard
Evening events, shows, and other entertainment
Access to the fitness area and hammam or sauna, depending on the ship
All port and security charges
One included activity per person, per day, and per port, supervised by naturalist guides (hiking, Zodiac outings, etc.)
Exclusive stopovers with limited or no infrastructure will be offered for self-exploration. Passengers will thus be free to explore the area and enjoy independent activities.
Lectures by our naturalist guides or destination experts (excluding Sea Voyages)
Non-motorized water sports (excluding diving), such as kayaking on the Le Commandant Charcot or stand-up paddleboarding depending on the ship, subject to weather and safety conditions, local authorizations, and the Captain's approval
National park and protected area fees
Accompaniment by a team of naturalist guides; on land or, depending on the destination, during Zodiac outings and/or landings

¹Excluding premium à la carte beverages.
²Butler service is available for the following suites: Owner’s Suite, Duplex Suites, Privilege Suites, and Prestige Suites; Le Paul Gauguin: Owner’s Suites, Grand Suites, Veranda A Suites, and Veranda B Cabins.

The itinerary may be modified depending on weather conditions, port authorizations, and applicable government regulations. Landings, activities, and wildlife encounters are provided for information purposes only and cannot be guaranteed. Activities may change depending on weather conditions and navigation opportunities (see each activity’s description for more details).

EXCLUSIONS

Anything mentioned in the programme.
Personal expenses.


Dates & Rates


Ship: Le Commandant Charcot | Date: 26 Oct 2027 - 08 Nov 2027 (4813)
Balcony Stateroom LD
$26,000
Balcony Stateroom UD
$26,460
Deluxe Suite
$27,590
Prestige Suite
$37,370
Grand Suite
$39,640
Privilege Suite
$41,910
Suite Duplex
$56,680
Owner´s Suite
$93,960
Ship: Le Commandant Charcot | Date: 08 Nov 2027 - 20 Nov 2027 (4814)
Balcony Stateroom LD
$26,000
Balcony Stateroom UD
$26,460
Deluxe Suite
$27,590
Prestige Suite
$37,370
Grand Suite
$39,640
Privilege Suite
$41,910
Suite Duplex
$56,680
Owner´s Suite
$93,960
Ship: Le Commandant Charcot | Date: 19 Nov 2027 - 02 Dec 2027 (4815)
Balcony Stateroom LD
$26,000
Balcony Stateroom UD
$26,460
Deluxe Suite
$27,590
Prestige Suite
$37,370
Grand Suite
$39,640
Privilege Suite
$41,910
Suite Duplex
$56,680
Owner´s Suite
$93,960
Ship: Le Commandant Charcot | Date: 15 Dec 2027 - 28 Dec 2027 (4816)
Balcony Stateroom LD
$26,000
Balcony Stateroom UD
$26,460
Deluxe Suite
$27,590
Prestige Suite
$37,370
Grand Suite
$39,640
Privilege Suite
$41,910
Suite Duplex
$56,680
Owner´s Suite
$93,960

* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

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