World premiere: Complete circumnavigation of Antarctica in 2028

Two half-circles, a unique journey

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World premiere: Complete circumnavigation of Antarctica

From Ushuaia, Argentina to Ushuaia, Argentina

62 days (60 nights on board)

Le Commandant Charcot

Experience Antarctica in a way that’s more comprehensive than ever before:
This exclusive combination of two complementary half-circular routes takes you all the way around the white continent—from South America along the the spectacular Antarctic west coast with its massive icebergs and penguin colonies all the way to Tasmania. And in the second part of the journey through Tasmania, along the lonely, the largely untouched eastern coast of Antarctica with its endless ice shelf landscapes all the way back to South America.

You will visit regions that few travelers have ever experienced: the Ross Sea, also known as the last ocean, George V Land, Wilkes Land, Queen Maud Land, and the Shackleton Ice Shelf. You will also cross the International Date Line, approach the South Magnetic Pole, and head for the wreck site of the legendary Endurance.

You will travel aboard the luxury icebreaker Le Commandant-Charcot, accompanied by an experienced expedition team of polar experts, biologists, glaciologists, and historians. Experience Antarctica as closely as possible with Zodiac excursions, landings, and a wide variety of wildlife viewing: emperor penguins, Adélie penguins, orcas, humpback whales, southern minke whales, elephant seals, leopard seals, and many more species live along this special route.

Between exciting shore excursions and scientific lectures on board, there is plenty of time for relaxation, enjoyment, and admiring the endless expanse of ice and sea. The combination of both routes turns two extraordinary Antarctic voyages into one of the most impressive circumnavigations currently possible.

Stephanie Gräf

Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in travel to the Arctic and Antarctic.

I am your contact person for questions and bookings relating to the Arctic and Antarctic, and I am delighted that you are one of the few people who are traveling to the ends of the earth.

You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de

Select consultation appointment

Good to know

Arrival and departure: We offer various individual arrival and departure packages including flights, hotels in Santiago de Chile and Hobart, as well as transfers and activities. We are also happy to suggest pre- and post-programs in Argentina, Chile, or Uruguay to extend your trip.

Entry requirements: German citizens need only a passport (valid for at least 6 months after their return date) to enter Argentina and Australia.

Insurance: Proof of international health insurance covering medical repatriationmust be provided.

Medical questionnaire:You are required to completea medical questionnaire before departure.

HIGHLIGHTS

Combination of two coordinated half-circles to form an almost complete circumnavigation of Antarctica
This journey takes you across three continents: South America, Antarctica, and Australia.
You will travel aboard Le Commandant Charcot – one of the most modern and luxurious polar expedition ships in its class.
Expedition to Marie Byrd Land – one of the most remote and least explored regions on Earth
Exploration of the protected Ross Sea with Cape Adare and the historic huts of Shackleton and Scott
Discover rarely visited places such as Queen Maud Land, George V Land, Adélie Land, Wilkes Land, Commonwealth Bay, and the remote Balleny Islands.
Trips to the magnetic South Pole region – scientifically significant but virtually inaccessible to tourists
Crossing the International Date Line
Crossing the wreck site of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton's legendary Endurance
Lectures and information sessions on board with passionate experts, specialists in the fauna, flora, and history of the polar regions
Maximum biodiversity thanks to complete circumnavigation, including emperor penguins, crabeater seals, leopard seals, Weddell seals, humpback whales, orcas, Adelie penguins, and Schlegel's penguins.
Many optional activities: Zodiac rides, hikes, snowshoe hikes, and scientific lectures

route

Your itinerary for the first part of the trip: Santiago, Chile – Ushuaia – Drake Passage – Antarctic Circle – Marguerite Bay – Charcot Island – Marie Byrd Land – International Date Line – Ross Sea – Balleny Islands – Hobart, Tasmania

Your route in the second part of the journey: Hobart, Tasmania – George V Land – Commonwealth Bay – Adélie Land – Wilkes Land – South Magnetic Pole – Wilkes Land – Shackleton Ice Shelf – Queen Maud Land – Antarctic Peninsula – Endurance wreck – Ushuaia – Santiago

Antarctic semi-circumnavigation—discovery of the west coast—route map—©Ponant

itinerary

Part 1 of the complete circumnavigation from Santiago de Chile along the Antarctic west coast to Hobart, Tasmania

Day 1 | January 10, 2028 | Arrival in Santiago de Chile

Welcome to Santiago de Chile – your first stop on the way to Antarctica. After landing, you will be welcomed by our local expedition team and accompanied to your reserved 5* hotel. Your room will be available from late morning.

Use the afternoon to get a feel for this vibrant metropolis between the Andes and the Pacific. Whether it's a leisurely stroll, first impressions of the city's neighborhoods, or a drink with a view, we'll create the perfect setting. We'll organize lunch and dinner for you at the hotel or at a selected restaurant so that you can start your big trip feeling relaxed.

Day 2 | January 11, 2028 | Ushuaia and embarkation on Le Commandant Charcot

From Santiago, you fly to Ushuaia, Argentina's southernmost city. Nestled between rugged mountains and the Beagle Channel, it is considered the legendary gateway to Antarctica. The name "El fin del mundo"– the end of the world – is impressively evident here.

In the afternoon, you will board Le Commandant-Charcot (approx. 4:00–5:00 p.m.), with departure at around 6:30 p.m. As soon as you step aboard, it is clear that modern polar technology meets generous comfort here. Spacious decks, light-filled lounges, and stylish suites—almost all with private balconies or verandas —will be your home at sea for the coming weeks.

You will meet the expedition team, toast the start of your extraordinary circumnavigation with your fellow travelers, and enjoy the first views of the Beagle Channel before the ship sets sail for the high seas.

Days 3–4 | January 12–13, 2028 | Crossing the Drake Passage

As Le Commandant-Charcot crosses the famous Drake Passage, your intensive preparation for Antarctica begins.

Your expedition leader will introduce you to the IAATO Code of Conduct—the basis for responsible landings and Zodiac excursions. Exciting lectures will teach you about the wildlife, geology, and history of the "White Continent."

Our nature guides will accompany you on the outer decks, where you can join them in searching for albatrosses, petrels, and other seabirds that cross the ship's path. Between briefings, a thirst for discovery, and your first wildlife sightings, your anticipation for the ice world that lies ahead will grow.

Day 5 | January 14, 2028 | Crossing the Antarctic Circle

Today marks a symbolic moment in your journey: conditions permitting, Le Commandant Charcot will cross the Antarctic Circle at 66° 33′ south latitude.

This special parallel marks the region where the midnight sun can be experienced during the summer solstice – a world where the light never fades. Crossing this invisible line is celebrated on board and is often one of those moments that many guests will remember forever.

Day 6 | January 15, 2028 | Marguerite Bay

Marguerite Bay is considered one of the most impressive regions in Antarctica. Deep blue water, enormous glacier fronts, and bizarrely shaped icebergs paint a panorama that looks like a stage made of ice.

The bay, named after Jean-Baptiste Charcot' s wife, is also home to numerous animal species. With a little luck, you may spot Adélie penguins and leopard seals in their natural habitat. Zodiac excursions (weather and ice permitting) bring you closer to the mighty ice formations and offer ever-changing perspectives on this extraordinary landscape.

Day 7 | January 16, 2028 | Exploration of Charcot Island

Charcot Island is one of the most remote regions of West Antarctica. When Jean-Baptiste Charcot discovered it in 1910, he could only approach the island, surrounded by thick ice, from a distance.

To this day, the island remains characterized by steep ice flanks, high cliffs, and only a few exposed rocks. Its remoteness makes it a refuge for countless seabirds, including petrels, Antarctic terns, and skuas.

If ice conditions permit, approach this largely untouched world by ship and Zodiac. The combination of rugged landscape, changing light, and absolute silence impressively conveys how pristine Antarctica is far from the beaten track.

Days 8–10 | January 17–19, 2028 | Days at sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot

During the following days at sea, you will experience Le Commandant Charcot as it was built to be: a highly specialized expedition ship for extreme polar regions.

The reinforced hull of ice class PC2, the innovative hybrid drive with LNG and battery storage, and state-of-the-art navigation and ice detection systems enable voyages deep into the pack ice while reducing emissions. The quiet, low-vibration movement is a bonus for wildlife observation—and for your personal travel comfort.

On board, you will gain exciting insights into the ship's technology and safety concept. This will give you an understanding of the performance behind routes that are otherwise reserved primarily for research vessels – and how travel and environmental protection are responsibly combined here.

Days 11–15 | January 20–25, 2028 | Expedition to Marie Byrd Land

Your route now takes you to one of the most remote regions on the planet: Marie Byrd Land, a vast, almost completely ice-covered landscape between the Ross Sea and the Bellingshausen Sea.

Sheltered by the Transantarctic Mountains, this area is considered one of the least explored territories on Earth. Vast ice sheets, snow-covered mountain ridges, and long glacial streams characterize the landscape. Penguins, seals, whales, and orcas find their habitat in this quiet world.

In expedition style – depending on ice and weather conditions – your captain will take every opportunity to bring you as close as possible to this remote region. Zodiac excursions, observations from on board, and expert input from the expedition team make this section a true "pioneering experience" of your circumnavigation.

Day 17 | January 26, 2028 | At sea: Research aboard Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant-Charcot is not only an expedition ship, but also a research platform.

The ship is equipped with modern laboratories and specialized measuring instruments. International scientists use the ship to study oceanography, marine biology, glaciology, and climate developments in polar regions.

Lectures and discussions will give you exclusive insights into current projects. You can get involved yourself through citizen science programs—for example, by observing animals and birds or recording environmental parameters. This will turn your trip into a personal contribution to a better understanding of these sensitive regions.

Day 17 | January 27, 2028 | Crossing the International Date Line

On its further course, your ship crosses the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean near the 180th meridian.

The date jumps at this imaginary line—an effect that surprised Magellan's crew and was later picked up in literature, for example in Jules Verne's "Around the World in 80 Days." On board, this moment is made tangible: the expedition team explains clearly what is behind this "time jump," while your personal itinerary takes on an additional, unusual dimension.

Days 19–24 | January 18–February 2, 2028 | Exploration of the Ross Sea

You will reach the Ross Sea – often referred to by scientists as "the last ocean." Located between Marie Byrd Land and Victoria Land, it is considered one of the most intact marine ecosystems on Earth and was declared the world's largest marine protected area in 2016.

Some of the most important expeditions to the South Pole started here. James Clark Ross, who gave the sea its name, mapped the area between 1839 and 1843 and discovered the enormous Ross Ice Shelf, from which huge icebergs drift into the open sea.

If ice and weather conditions permit, you will experience several iconic locations:

• Cape Adare, home to one of the world’s largest Adélie penguin colonies
• Terra Nova Bay, featuring the impressive Drygalski Glacier, which extends about 70 km into the sea
• Ross Island, with the historic sites of Shackleton and Scott at Cape Royds and Cape Evans
• Franklin Island, named after Sir John Franklin

Each of these stops combines fascinating history with impressive natural experiences—a core part of your Antarctic experience.

Day 25 | February 3, 2028 | Balleny Islands

North of the Antarctic mainland, the volcanic island chain of the Balleny Islands stretches across the Southern Ocean. The glaciated islands, which rise steeply from the sea, are surrounded by pack ice and drift ice and are rarely visited.

If conditions permit, explore the coastline by Zodiac. Between rugged cliffs, icefalls, and deep blue waters, there are excellent opportunities to observe whales, seals, and large penguin colonies. The remoteness of these islands makes every visit a special privilege.

Days 26–29 | February 4–7, 2028 | Entertainment program on sea days

After intense days in the ice, the days at sea provide a welcome contrast. The onboard program is designed to enhance your experiences without overshadowing the expedition character.

In the panorama lounges, you can enjoy lectures, photo and film presentations by the expedition and science team. Documentaries and analyses of the last stages help to put what you have seen into context. Subtle live music, a stylish bar, and quiet corners offer space for personal conversations or quiet moments with a view of the sea and sky.

This creates a balanced mix of stimulation and relaxation before the next part of your tour begins.

A harbor with sailing ships, with a city of tall buildings in the background.

Day 30–31 | February 8–9, 2028 | Hobart, Tasmania

On the afternoon of February 8, your ship will arrive in Hobart. The Tasmanian capital is picturesquely located at the mouth of the Derwent River, framed by Mount Wellington and Mount Nelson and surrounded by unspoiled nature.

Hobart is the starting point for several national parks that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city itself is a blend of colonial architecture, maritime history, and a relaxed lifestyle. Between Elizabeth Street and the quays of Sullivans Cove, you can explore both the historical heritage and the modern cultural scene.

Disembarkation takes place on February 9. This marks the end of the first part of your grand circumnavigation of Antarctica – and at the same time the transition to the next stage of the expedition along the northern coast of the continent.

Day 32 | February 10, 2028 | Stay in Hobart

You will spend another day in Hobart and have time to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace.

Historic warehouses and colonial buildings line the waterfront promenade alongside modern cafés and galleries. Salamanca Place is a lively meeting place with boutiques, art, and gastronomy. Art lovers can visit the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), which is easily accessible by ferry and is known for its spectacular location and extraordinary exhibitions.

You will receive further details about your individual program in Hobart with your travel documents.

The city of Hobart atmospherically lit up in the evening

Part 2 of the circumnavigation of Hobart, Tasmania, along the Antarctic east coast to Santiago de Chile

Day 33 | February 11, 2028 | Embarkation and departure for the second part of your circumnavigation

Boarding:February11, 2028, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Departure:February11, 2028, at 6:00 p.m.

In the afternoon, you will board Le Commandant Charcot again in Hobart. At 6:00 p.m., it's time to cast off once more – this time, the second leg of your circumnavigation of the Antarctic coastline begins.

Days 34–37 | February 12–15, 2028 | Days at sea: Enjoy gourmet cuisine on board

On sea days, you can enjoy excellent gourmet cuisine on board. The cuisine follows the French gourmet tradition and is characterized by the signature dishes of 2-star chef Alain Ducasse. Fine, carefully composed dishes, seasonal and high-quality ingredients, and an exquisite wine selection make every meal a moment of pleasure.

Whether it's a relaxed breakfast with a sweeping view, a light lunch between lectures and deck observations, or a multi-course dinner in an elegant setting, the large windows allow the passing polar landscape to become part of your culinary experience.

An orca at the surface of the sea, with the soft light of sunrise in the background

Day 38 | February 16, 2028 | George V Land and Commonwealth Bay

Early in the morning, you will reach the remote coastline of George V Land on the east coast of Antarctica. Monumental ice shelves, endless ice fields, and slowly drifting tabular icebergs dominate the landscape. In this quiet, sheltered habitat, you may spot orcas, fin whales, and humpback whales swimming through the cool waters.

In the afternoon, you will delve deeper into the history of Australian polar research. In Commonwealth Bay, you will follow in the footsteps of Douglas Mawson, who established his base at Cape Denison in 1911 – in a region known for its extreme snowstorms. In the background, the Transantarctic Mountains, an extension of the Andes, form an impressive backdrop and highlight how powerfully the Antarctic ice merges with the mountains.

Day 39 | February 17, 2028 | Adélie Land and Wilkes Land

The day begins in Adélie Land, the sector of Antarctica claimed by France. Here, on Petrel Island, lies the Dumont-d'Urville research station. In this extreme environment, a small number of scientists share their habitat with Adélie penguins, seals, orcas, and, in winter, emperor penguins.

The coasts are often protected by dense pack ice, which makes access difficult—making it all the more special to experience this area up close. The unique clarity of the light refracting through the ice and the silence of the surroundings make this section an intense nature experience.

In the evening, your ship will set course along the coast of Wilkes Land. Inspired by the expeditions of American explorer Charles Wilkes, you will explore an area where only mosses and lichens have been able to adapt permanently. Beneath the white ice sheet lies a landscape of mountains, long glaciers, and enormous ice masses that extend into the Southern Ocean. The scenery appears like a silent, almost otherworldly world of ice formations that is in constant motion.

Penguins jump from an ice floe into the sea

Day 40 | February 18, 2028 | Magnetic South Pole

Today, you will focus on an invisible but scientifically significant point on our planet: the magnetic south pole.

Unlike the geographic South Pole, the magnetic South Pole changes position over time. It is linked to the Earth's magnetic field, which is generated in the outer, liquid core of the Earth. As early as 1838, Vincendon-Dumoulin helped to locate this pole as part of the Dumont d'Urville expedition.

As you sail as close as possible to this region on Le Commandant-Charcot, the expedition team will explain the physical background and the effects on navigation, research, and technology.

Day 41, February 19, 2028: More highlights on days at sea

Professional photographers accompany excursions and provide practical tips for taking impressive polar and wildlife photos – the days at sea offer an ideal opportunity to visibly improve your own photographic results.

In the onboard boutique, you will find high-quality outdoor clothing, useful accessories, literature on polar and travel topics, and selected souvenirs. Additional services such as reception, medical care, and laundry ensure that everything runs smoothly and that you enjoy a consistently high level of comfort during your long voyage.

Day 42–44 | February 20–22, 2028 | Wilkes Land

Over several days, you will devote yourself intensively to the coasts of Wilkes Land. This remote region is characterized by vast ice shelves and a harsh climate and is one of the less visited parts of East Antarctica.

Beneath the closed snow cover lies a diverse landscape of mountain ridges and glaciers, whose foothills extend to the Southern Ocean. Table-shaped icebergs drift silently through the water, while on land only a few cold-resistant plants such as mosses and lichens form the tundra.

Lectures and observations from the deck and Zodiac clearly show why Wilkes Land is so important to science—and how fragile this largely unspoiled ecosystem is.

Day 45 | February 23, 2028 | Shackleton Ice Shelf

The ice shelf, named after British polar explorer Ernest Shackleton, is surrounded by massive icebergs drifting in the sea. Shackleton shaped the history of Antarctica with his expeditions at the beginning of the 20th century, most notably through the spectacular rescue of his Endurance crew.

Depending on conditions, you will have the opportunity to observe various marine mammals in this region: whales, seals, and penguins use the ice edges and open water areas as hunting, resting, and feeding grounds. The combination of historical significance and vibrant wildlife gives this part of the program a special intensity.

Day 46 | February 24, 2028 | Wilkesland

Another day takes you along the coast of Wilkes Land. Every change of course reveals new impressions: mighty glacier fronts breaking off into the sea, vast pack ice fields, and icebergs in a wide variety of shapes.

As you explore this largely untouched part of Antarctica, the expedition team will explain the importance of this region for the global climate system. You will experience firsthand why research findings from Wilkes Land are crucial to better understanding sea level developments and ice dynamics.

Days 47–49 | February 25–27, 2028 | Spa and wellness during the days at sea

After intense days in the pack ice, the spa and wellness area of Le Commandant-Charcot is the ideal place to recharge your batteries.

In elegant treatment rooms, you can enjoy soothing massages and care rituals tailored to the special climatic conditions of the polar region. Saunas, relaxation areas, and areas with sea views create a peaceful counterpoint to the impressive sights outside.

A modern fitness area and optional courses round off the offering. This allows you to consciously regenerate your body and mind—and continue your expedition feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Zodicas glide across the water, with icebergs in the background

Days 50–56 | February 28–March 5, 2028 | Queen Maud Land

In Queen Maud Land, you will immerse yourself in a world of ice giants and seemingly endless expanses. Glaciers flow from the interior towards the ocean, accompanied by imposing table icebergs with turquoise hues.

The region, which was explored by Roald Amundsen and Hjalmar Riiser-Larsen, among others, is still rarely visited today. Seals, orcas, and various species of penguins inhabit the surrounding waters—always with the impressive backdrop of bizarre mountain and ice formations in the background.

Depending on weather and ice conditions, your expedition team will undertake Zodiac excursions and landing attempts to give you as many perspectives as possible on this remote and impressively beautiful region.

Day 51 | February 29, 2028 | Panorama on the outer decks on a day at sea

The outer decks of Le Commandant Charcot are a wonderful place to be on board. Spacious areas, some of which are sheltered from the wind, invite you to stay outside for long periods of time, observing and taking photographs.

From here, you can spot whales, seals, and seabirds, as well as the play of light and shadow on the ice and water. Heated whirlpools and comfortable seating ensure that you can enjoy the clear polar air and wide horizons in cozy warmth—an intense contrast that leaves a lasting impression on many guests.

Day 52–56 | March 1–5, 2028 | Queen Maud Land

The following days along Queen Maud Land offer the opportunity to gain deeper insights into this extraordinary region. Depending on conditions, the exact course varies to show you different coastal sections, glacier fronts, and ice formations.

The expedition team supplements the visual impressions with explanations about geology, ice movements, wildlife, and the protected status of the area. This creates an overall picture of the region that goes far beyond the mere backdrop and makes the role of Antarctica in the global system tangible.

Day 57–58 | March 6–7, 2028 | Antarctic Peninsula

At the end of your circumnavigation, you will once again reach the Antarctic Peninsula – a highlight for many travelers. Between icebergs, rugged mountain ranges, and deeply indented fjords, a landscape unfolds that shimmers in countless shades of blue and white.

The wildlife here is particularly diverse: penguin colonies, seals, humpback whales, orcas, and numerous seabirds have their habitat in this region. Every day, your captain and the expedition team decide which Zodiac trips or landings are possible, depending on the ice and weather conditions.

You will experience glacier calving, pack ice fields, quiet bays, historic whaling relics, and research stations —giving you a final, impressive cross-section of the many faces of Antarctica.

Le Commandant-Charcot on an expedition through pack ice

Day 59 | March 8, 2028 | Endurance wreck

Today, you will follow in the footsteps of one of the most famous stories in polar history. In 1915, Ernest Shackleton's ship Endurance got stuck in the pack ice of the Weddell Sea and sank after being trapped in the ice for a long time. In 2022, the wreck was discovered at a depth of over 3,000 meters.

Le Commandant-Charcot follows the pack ice to the region where the wreck now lies. On board, lectures, historical photographs, and maps bring the great era of exploration to life—and show how closely today's expeditions are linked to this past.

Day 60 | March 9, 2028 | Antarctic Peninsula

Another day on the Antarctic Peninsula gives you additional opportunities for wildlife viewing and impressive Zodiac excursions.

Once again, you experience the special atmosphere of silence, crunching ice, and clear air. The images of penguin colonies, whales, and bizarrely shaped icebergs remain etched in your memory and stay with you long after the trip is over.

Sunroom with large panoramic windows, Le Commandant-Charcot

Day 61–62 | March 10–11, 2028 | At sea: Enjoy your time on the outdoor decks

On the way back to Ushuaia, the days at sea invite you to calmly reflect on the experiences of the past weeks.

The outer decks remain a central gathering point: perhaps whales or dolphins will make another appearance, or perhaps the sky will glow with intense colors at sunset. Inside, lectures and discussion groups deepen the many impressions of the journey as you gradually approach the South American mainland.

Day 63, March 12, 2028: Arrival in Ushuaia

As you enter the port of Ushuaia, your grand circumnavigation of Antarctica comes full circle.

The city, often referred to as the "end of the world," nestled between mountains and the sea, has been familiar to you since the beginning of the journey—yet now it seems different: you return with a rich treasure trove of impressions, images, and insights. After disembarking, you will continue your journey home or onward from here—with the feeling of having had one of the most comprehensive Antarctic experiences of our time.

Ushuaia at night with snow-capped mountains in the background

Day 64 | March 13, 2028 | Return to Santiago

Arrival in Santiago de Chile. The local team will drive you to your reserved 5* hotel.

We recommend that you book your return flight no earlier than one day after your return to Santiago.

The daily programs described here are for your guidance. The itinerary may vary considerably due to local ice and weather conditions, last-minute permit procedures, and local authorities, but also to respond to current conditions regarding wildlife viewing.Theexpedition leader on board will determine the final itinerary and daily program. Flexibility is of utmost importance during our expedition-style voyages.

Information

Included services:

1 night in a 5-star hotel in Santiago, including airport transfer before departure to Ushuaia and 1 night after your return from Ushuaia
Economy class flight Santiago/Ushuaia, selected by the organizer, including airport transfer and return
Transfer to the pier for embarkation
Meet & Greet at the hotel/airport by a local English-speaking representative on site
Cruise and overnight stays on board the booked ship according to the published itinerary
Support in English

Including optional activities: 

Please register when you make your booking. Places are limited.

kayaking
Participatory science
Trips and landings with Zodiac
snowshoe hiking
hiking

Not included in the price:

Tips for the local guide
Personal expenses
Any other service not mentioned in the program

formalities

Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip and contain at least two blank pages for each visa required. Pages that are stained or stamped with stamps from previously used pages are not acceptable. Travelers who deviate from the planned ports of embarkation and disembarkation should inform themselves about the entry requirements of the respective country. If you do not have the necessary identification documents, the organizer is required by law to refuse you boarding and you will not be entitled to a refund of the cruise price.
The information provided is currently valid. However, changes may occur at any time without prior notice from the relevant government agencies. Please contact your local authorities for information on visa and health regulations.
We would like to draw your attention to the fact that although there is a doctor and medical facilities on board our ships, the treatment options on board are often limited and cannot be compared to a hospital or similar facility on land. As the ship is often far from the mainland for several days on certain voyages and the safety of all passengers is a top priority for the organizer, it is essential that every passenger completes a health questionnaire and returns it to us at least 45 days before departure.
Important note on the use of drones: The use of drones is strictly prohibited on board, both during the voyage and in ports or at moorings. In the Arctic and Antarctic, the use of drones is also strictly prohibited on land by international polar regulations. In other regions, the use of drones is subject to obtaining a permit from the competent authorities of the individual countries and areas crossed, as well as the possession of a drone license, which the user must obtain in their country of origin. Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits. The permits must be available for inspection at any time. Passengers who violate this permit requirement are liable to prosecution.
In this extraordinary situation, your safety remains our top priority. Efficient protocols, state-of-the-art medical equipment, and the small size of our ships ensure maximum safety, so you can enjoy your cruise safely and carefree. Information about the relevant changes and our enhanced health measures can be found on our special page at click here.
Activities: Please note that an EKG (electrocardiogram) from your family doctor is required for the Polar Plunge and ice swimming. In addition, persons under the age of 18 who wish to participate in these activities as well as kayaking must provide a sworn statement from their parents or legal guardians that they can swim. A parent or legal guardian must be present at the time of the activity.

Your ship during the voyage

Your ship: Le Commandant-Charcot

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Le Commandant-Charcot on an expedition

Dramatic ice formations off the coast of Antarctica

Ice formations - Antarctica - AdobeStock - 218810835 - Arne

Bizarre icebergs

Lake Bellinghausen

moonrise

Endless drift ice

Jumping whale

Adelie penguins

seals

Penguins on an iceberg

Zodiac excursion

Kayaking in Antarctica

Explore Charcot Island

Photographing an ice landscape

Hike in the ice landscape

Zodiac passes an ice floe, where two seals are chilling out.

Zodiac excursion

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