Unexplored Antarctica between Two Continents

An unrivaled 31-day half-circumnavigation aboard the luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot, sailing from Argentina to Australia. Explore the Bellingshausen, Amundsen, and Ross Seas, attempt to reach Charcot Island, and follow the footsteps of Shackleton and Scott in the remote Eastern Antarctic.


Ross Sea
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Duration: 31 days / 29 days on board
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ends: Hobart, Tasmania
Language: English Speaking Voyage

Overnight in Santiago + flight Santiago/Ushuaia + transfers
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


This is an all-new and unrivalled 31-day half-circumnavigation to the boundaries of the known world, sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Hobart, Tasmania (Australia), aboard the luxury polar exploration vessel Le Commandant Charcot. The journey retraces the steps of legendary explorers like Charcot, Bellingshausen, Ross, and Scott. The expedition crosses the legendary Drake Passage and the mythic Antarctic Polar Circle (66°33’ south).

The main focus is the exploration of remote Eastern Antarctica. This includes sailing the southern seas of Bellingshausen and Amundsen, approaching Marie Byrd Land—one of the last Terra nullius—and attempting to reach the largely untouched Charcot Island. The expedition spends significant time exploring the Ross Sea, the world’s largest marine protected area and the starting point for the greatest southern expeditions. Guests will follow the footsteps of Shackleton and Scott at their former base camps on Ross Island (Cape Royds, Cape Evans) and witness dramatic features like the Drygalski Ice Tongue and Mount Erebus. Expert guidance is provided by a team including guest Jonathan Shackleton and Photo Ambassador Sue Flood.

Highlights:
Unrivaled half-circumnavigation from Ushuaia to Hobart, via the Antarctic Circle and Ross Sea
Explore Marie Byrd Land and attempt to reach the largely untouched Charcot Island
Follow in the footsteps of Shackleton and Scott on Ross Island (Cape Royds, Cape Evans)
Experience sailing through the Bellingshausen, Amundsen, and Ross Seas, and the Drygalski Ice Tongue
Expert accompaniment by Jonathan Shackleton (descendant of Sir Ernest Shackleton) and Sue Flood (Photo Ambassador)

Itinerary

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

Days 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage
Polar Rite of Passage and Expert Lectures
Use this time to familiarize yourself with the ship and attend lectures on Antarctic history and wildlife. The Expedition Leader will present IAATO rules of conduct and explain Zodiac outings. Look out for albatrosses, cape petrels, and other seabirds.

Day 4: Crossing the Antarctic Circle
The Mythic Line and Midnight Sun
Weather permitting, cross the mythic line of the Antarctic Polar Circle (66°33’ south). This area demarcates the point from which it is possible to view the midnight sun during the December solstice. Crossing this line is an unforgettable highlight known to few people.

Day 5: Expedition to Charcot Island
Untouched Island Exploration
Attempt an expedition to Charcot Island, an enigma discovered by Charcot in 1910 and entirely covered in ice. Very few people have landed on this largely untouched island, whose waters attract numerous seabirds, such as petrels, Antarctic terns and skuas.

Days 6-8: Bellingshausen Sea
Amid Ice Floe and Emperor Penguin Home
Explore the Bellingshausen Sea, named after the Russian explorer who first sighted mainland Antarctica. You will explore this sea amid ice floe and majestic icebergs. The coastal areas are renowned as the home of colonies of emperor penguins.

Day 9: Amundsen Sea
Exploring Roald Amundsen’s Icy Domain
Sail the Amundsen Sea, named after the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. Almost entirely frozen by a thick ice floe, the sea stretches along Marie Byrd Land. Contemplate the vastness and the monumental icebergs from the ship’s exterior decks.

Days 10-16: Marie Byrd Land Exploration
Terra Nullius and Remote Ice-Sculpted Landscapes
Explore Marie Byrd Land, one of the most remote territories and a rare Terra nullius (claimed by no State). The exploration of its ice-sculpted landscapes will plunge you into the infinite Antarctic desert, where penguins, seals, whales and orcas are the only living souls. Depending on conditions, exploration may include Siple Island and Clark Island.

Day 17: Crossing the International Date Line
Changing Dates Across the 180th Meridian
Your itinerary enables you to cross the International Date Line. As the ship travels west, you will need to add a day to the expected date to account for the change in time meridians.

Day 18: At Sea
Onboard Leisure and Services
Enjoy a day at sea, making the most of the many services and activities on board, such as relaxing in the spa, staying in shape in the fitness centre, or enjoying the conferences and shows proposed.

Days 19-22: The Ross Sea Exploration
Shackleton, Scott, and the World’s Largest Marine Protected Area
Explore the Ross Sea, “The last ocean” and the world’s largest marine protected area. Weather permitting, discover emblematic sites like Cape Adare, home to one of the world’s largest Adélie penguin colonies. Visit Ross Island, following in the footsteps of Shackleton and Scott at Cape Royds and Cape Evans. Marvel at the surreal scenery of Taylor Glacier and the Drygalski Ice Tongue.

Day 23: Balleny Islands
Volcanic Islands and Prolific Wildlife
The Balleny Islands are an extremely remote series of volcanic islands straddling the Antarctic Circle. Their isolated location within the rich waters of the Southern Ocean results in high species diversity, attracting humpback, fin and minke whales, along with four types of seals and Adélie and Chinstrap penguins. Explore the spectacular coastal environments and view the prolific wildlife from our fleet of Zodiacs.

Days 24-29: At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot
Luxury Polar Sailing and Scientific Research
Spend exceptional moments sailing aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the PC2-class luxury vessel capable of sailing into the very heart of the ice. Take advantage of the on-board lectures and opportunities for discussion with specialists, and participate in furthering scientific research.

Day 30: Hobart, Tasmania
Disembarkation
Arrival in Hobart, Tasmania, early morning. Disembarkation is at 8:00 AM.

Itinerary

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

Days 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage
Polar Rite of Passage and Expert Lectures
Use this time to familiarize yourself with the ship and attend lectures on Antarctic history and wildlife. The Expedition Leader will present IAATO rules of conduct and explain Zodiac outings. Look out for albatrosses, cape petrels, and other seabirds.

Day 4: Crossing the Antarctic Circle
The Mythic Line and Midnight Sun
Weather permitting, cross the mythic line of the Antarctic Polar Circle (66°33’ south). This area demarcates the point from which it is possible to view the midnight sun during the December solstice. Crossing this line is an unforgettable highlight known to few people.

Day 5: Expedition to Charcot Island
Untouched Island Exploration
Attempt an expedition to Charcot Island, an enigma discovered by Charcot in 1910 and entirely covered in ice. Very few people have landed on this largely untouched island, whose waters attract numerous seabirds, such as petrels, Antarctic terns and skuas.

Days 6-8: Bellingshausen Sea
Amid Ice Floe and Emperor Penguin Home
Explore the Bellingshausen Sea, named after the Russian explorer who first sighted mainland Antarctica. You will explore this sea amid ice floe and majestic icebergs. The coastal areas are renowned as the home of colonies of emperor penguins.

Day 9: Amundsen Sea
Exploring Roald Amundsen’s Icy Domain
Sail the Amundsen Sea, named after the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. Almost entirely frozen by a thick ice floe, the sea stretches along Marie Byrd Land. Contemplate the vastness and the monumental icebergs from the ship’s exterior decks.

Days 10-16: Marie Byrd Land Exploration
Terra Nullius and Remote Ice-Sculpted Landscapes
Explore Marie Byrd Land, one of the most remote territories and a rare Terra nullius (claimed by no State). The exploration of its ice-sculpted landscapes will plunge you into the infinite Antarctic desert, where penguins, seals, whales and orcas are the only living souls. Depending on conditions, exploration may include Siple Island and Clark Island.

Day 17: Crossing the International Date Line
Changing Dates Across the 180th Meridian
Your itinerary enables you to cross the International Date Line. As the ship travels west, you will need to add a day to the expected date to account for the change in time meridians.

Day 18: At Sea
Onboard Leisure and Services
Enjoy a day at sea, making the most of the many services and activities on board, such as relaxing in the spa, staying in shape in the fitness centre, or enjoying the conferences and shows proposed.

Days 19-22: The Ross Sea Exploration
Shackleton, Scott, and the World’s Largest Marine Protected Area
Explore the Ross Sea, “The last ocean” and the world’s largest marine protected area. Weather permitting, discover emblematic sites like Cape Adare, home to one of the world’s largest Adélie penguin colonies. Visit Ross Island, following in the footsteps of Shackleton and Scott at Cape Royds and Cape Evans. Marvel at the surreal scenery of Taylor Glacier and the Drygalski Ice Tongue.

Day 23: Balleny Islands
Volcanic Islands and Prolific Wildlife
The Balleny Islands are an extremely remote series of volcanic islands straddling the Antarctic Circle. Their isolated location within the rich waters of the Southern Ocean results in high species diversity, attracting humpback, fin and minke whales, along with four types of seals and Adélie and Chinstrap penguins. Explore the spectacular coastal environments and view the prolific wildlife from our fleet of Zodiacs.

Days 24-29: At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot
Luxury Polar Sailing and Scientific Research
Spend exceptional moments sailing aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the PC2-class luxury vessel capable of sailing into the very heart of the ice. Take advantage of the on-board lectures and opportunities for discussion with specialists, and participate in furthering scientific research.

Day 30: Hobart, Tasmania
Disembarkation
Arrival in Hobart, Tasmania, early morning. Disembarkation is at 8:00 AM.


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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: 16 Jan 2026 - 15 Feb 2026 (4797)
Prestige Stateroom D8
$71,660
Privilege Suite
$115,520

* 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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