Ponant Explorations Announces Major 2028–29 Antarctic Cruise Season With Twelve Exciting Itineraries

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Ponant Explorations has announced the 2028–29 Antarctic cruise season. Ponant Explorations will offer twelve expedition itineraries. Ponant Explorations will schedule 30 departures with voyages lasting from 10 to 59 nights. Ponant Explorations’ expanded programme will guide travellers to some of Antarctica’s remote destinations, including the Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea and Ross Sea aboard four expedition vessels. Ponant Explorations highlights a 59‑night journey, around Antarctica. Ponant Explorations aims to give travel choices immersive wildlife experiences and exclusive polar adventures strengthening Ponant Explorations’ luxury expedition cruise offerings.

Ponant Explorations Expands Antarctica Cruise Offerings for 2028–29

The forthcoming Antarctic season will offer travellers an expanded range of immersive expeditions, creating new opportunities to explore the remote landscapes and extraordinary wilderness of the world’s southernmost continent.

With nearly 30 departures planned, Ponant will offer everything from shorter Antarctic Peninsula cruises to extended expeditions exploring distant polar regions.

The programme will feature four expedition vessels: Le Commandant Charcot, Le Boréal, Le Lyrial and Le Soléal.

Departures will operate primarily between November 2028 and February 2029, with the longest expedition continuing into March.

The diverse itineraries are designed to appeal to first-time Antarctic visitors, wildlife enthusiasts and experienced polar travellers seeking destinations beyond traditional cruise routes.

Le Commandant Charcot to Operate 59-Night Antarctic Circumnavigation

One of the season’s most significant highlights is a 59-night expedition aboard Le Commandant Charcot, marking the vessel’s second complete circumnavigation of Antarctica.

The voyage will depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, on 11 January 2029 and operate in two segments.

A scheduled overnight stop in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, on 9 February 2029 will connect the expedition’s two stages.

Unlike conventional Antarctic cruises, which generally focus on the Antarctic Peninsula, this ambitious journey will cover a much broader geographical area.

The itinerary will offer travellers opportunities to experience remote coastal landscapes, extensive ice formations and contrasting environments across Antarctica’s surrounding waters.

Smithsonian Journeys and The Explorers Club Enhance Polar Experiences

Ponant’s 2028–29 programme will include two specialist expeditions developed with established exploration and educational organisations.

The 12-night Setting Sail for the Ice of the Mythical Weddell Sea expedition will depart aboard Le Commandant Charcot on 6 November 2028 in alliance with The Explorers Club.

Another voyage, Antarctica: The White Continent, will operate aboard Le Lyrial from 28 January 2029.

This 10-night expedition, organised in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, will emphasise Antarctic landscapes, wildlife and educational discovery.

Both departures are intended to provide deeper insights into the continent’s natural environment and exploration heritage.

Ponant Unveils 13 Antarctic Peninsula Sailings for an Unforgettable Polar Adventure

For travellers seeking a shorter expedition, Ponant will introduce 13 departures under its Emblematic Antarctica programme.

These 10-night voyages will operate aboard Le Boréal and Le Lyrial between November 2028 and February 2029.

The itineraries will focus on the Antarctic Peninsula, a region celebrated for its icebergs, glaciers, penguin colonies and dramatic coastal scenery.

Meanwhile, The Great Austral Loop will offer four 17-night departures aboard the same vessels during the season.

The longer itinerary will provide additional opportunities to explore Southern Ocean destinations and observe the region’s diverse wildlife.

Ponant Unveils Extraordinary Polar Voyages Exploring the Weddell Sea and Beyond the Antarctic Circle

Ponant will introduce a 12-night The Weddell Sea & Larsen Ice Shelf expedition aboard Le Commandant Charcot, departing on 16 December 2028.

The journey will explore a region known for immense ice formations, challenging navigation conditions and striking polar scenery.

Another departure, Beyond the Antarctic Circle – In the Wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, will begin on 28 December 2028.

This 14-night expedition will take travellers towards more southerly Antarctic environments, subject to prevailing weather and sea-ice conditions.

Both itineraries offer alternatives for passengers seeking experiences beyond conventional Antarctic Peninsula routes.

Ross Sea and Subantarctic Islands Feature in Extended Expeditions

Le Soléal will operate two 14-night voyages to New Zealand’s subantarctic islands between December 2028 and January 2029.

These isolated destinations are recognised for their distinctive ecosystems and important seabird habitats.

Between January and February 2029, Le Soléal will also embark on two 21-night Ross Sea expeditions inspired by the historic Antarctic journeys of Scott and Shackleton.

The Ross Sea voyages will combine remote polar landscapes with the historical significance of early Antarctic exploration.

Additionally, Le Lyrial will depart on 27 February 2029 for an 18-night expedition connecting the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Argentina’s Valdés Peninsula.

Antarctic Adventures Include Kayaking, Zodiac Excursions and Hiking

Throughout the season, Ponant’s expedition teams and naturalist guides will provide opportunities for activities such as Zodiac excursions, shore landings, kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing and polar plunges.

Experiences will vary according to itinerary, weather conditions, safety requirements and environmental restrictions.

Travellers can also extend selected journeys with an optional three-night visit to Iguazú Falls, adding a South American nature experience to their Antarctic holiday.

Antarctica Cruise Fares Start at $15,450 Per Person

Fares for Ponant’s 2028–29 Antarctic season start at US$15,450 per person, with final prices depending on the vessel, itinerary, departure date and accommodation category.

The expanded programme provides travellers with more options to compare expedition lengths, destinations and onboard experiences.

With nearly 30 departures and an extensive geographical range, Ponant’s upcoming season strengthens its position in luxury polar expedition cruising while creating new opportunities to discover Antarctica and the wider Southern Ocean.

Ponant Explorations has announced its 2028–29 Antarctic cruise season. Ponant Explorations offers twelve expedition itineraries. Ponant Explorations has 30 departures. Ponant Explorations plans voyages that last, from 10 to 59 nights. Ponant Explorations gives travellers chances to explore remote polar places. Ponant Explorations does this through luxury trips and wildlife experiences.