Ponant has made its return to the Antarctic continent with a new hybrid-electric, LNG-powered expedition cruise ship.
The ice-class Le Commandant Charcot sailed a 16-day voyage from Punta Arenas, Argentina. Indeed, it was the first luxury expedition vessel to return to the white continent this season.
Delve deeper with Ponant’s Antarctic return
The inaugural Antarctica expedition took guests deeper into the icy wilderness than ever before. Indeed, they observed extraordinary wildlife including humpback whales, penguins, seals and seabirds.
“Our guests were even fortunate enough to observe emperor penguins from the first days of our cruise, an extremely rare encounter.”
Captain Patrick Marchesseau.
Indeed, Le Commandant Charcot explored the remote Bellingshausen Sea with a 20-strong team of naturalist guides. They shared their insights and understanding with Le Commandant Charcot’s excited guests.
So, it is hardly surprising Ponant’s Antarctic return season is more popular than ever. In fact, the French expedition company have 33 southern sailings over the coming season.
New semi-circumnavigations of Antarctica
In addition, Ponant have revealed two 30-day, semi-circumnavigations of the Antarctic continent next season.
Sailing on Le Commandant Charcot, these entirely new itineraries will explore the ice fields of the Bellingshausen, Amundsen and Ross seas, from South America to New Zealand. The marine park spanning these seas is home to whales, orcas, seals and penguins. Not to mention Marie Byrd Land, the last Terra Nullius (unclaimed land) on planet Earth.
For more information about Ponant’s Antarctic return and upcoming season visit the Ponant website.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
