From Ushuaia to Ushuaia · South America & Antarctica · 12 nights
The world’s first electric hybrid polar expedition ship, Le Commandant Charcot may be the most exciting addition yet to the Ponant fleet.
Jean-Baptiste Charcot was a true polar pioneer, and Ponant’s
icebreaker explores the parts of the Arctic and Antarctica that
other expedition vessels can’t reach. On board you can expect
Ponant’s customary French flair, and the ship is also designed to
have a minimal effect on the environment, with technological
innovations such as hybrid propulsion and an advanced waste water
treatment system.
Ushuaia is sometimes described as 'the city at the end of the world', though its rugged beauty is far from apocalyptic. Perched on the ragged southern edge of Argentina, where the snow-capped Andes fall away into the churning sea, the city has a frontier town feel to it, and serves as the base for expeditions into the icy waters of Antarctica. There are also plenty of outdoor pursuits on offer here, including hiking, skiing and fishing, and the Tierra del Fuego National Park is home to spectacular scenery and wildlife including penguins, guanacos, sea lions and condors.
Antarctica is the world’s last great wilderness, an alien landscape of snow-covered mountains, jagged icebergs and extraordinary wildlife. Visiting at the beginning of the cruise season in October or November means bigger icebergs and pristine snowy landscapes, along with the chance to see breeding elephant seals. There may still be sea ice around the Antarctic Peninsula, and temperatures are cold.
Perched on the ragged southern edge of Argentina, where the snow-capped Andes fall away into the churning sea, Ushuaia has a frontier town feel to it, and serves as the base for expeditions into the icy waters of Antarctica.
