PONANT EXPLORATIONS has announced that polar historian and lecturer Jonathan Shackleton, cousin of famed Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, will again join an upcoming expedition voyage to Antarctica and South Georgia departing in February 2027. The voyage will explore some of the most remote and historically significant regions of the Southern Ocean, combining immersive exploration with expert-led storytelling on board.
Legacy continues
Sir Ernest Shackleton is widely regarded as one of the greatest leaders of the Heroic Age of Antarctic exploration. He is best known for his leadership during the 1914 Endurance expedition, a remarkable tale of survival after his ship became trapped and crushed in the ice of the Weddell Sea. His 800-mile journey to secure rescue for all 28 crew members remains one of the greatest feats in polar exploration history.
More than a century later, that legacy continues through Jonathan Shackleton, who has spent over 25 years working across Antarctica as a historian, guide, photographer and Zodiac driver. Having now completed 44 expedition voyages to the White Continent, he has built a deep lived connection to the region’s landscapes and history.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Jonathan back onboard one of our shipsl,” said Deb Corbett, CEO Asia Pacific PONANT EXPLORATIONS. “His deep connection to Antarctica, combined with his family’s extraordinary place in polar history, creates a truly special experience for our guests. At PONANT, we are constantly seeking new ways to elevate the guest experience through thoughtfully curated encounters that cannot be found elsewhere. Bringing world-leading experts such as Jonathan on board reflects our ongoing commitment to exploring uncharted worlds while delivering enriching, meaningful and unforgettable journeys that continue to set PONANT apart.”
Reflecting on his return to PONANT, Jonathan said he is “very much looking forward to the next journey,” following previous voyages he describes as marked by “excellent staff, exceptional facilities and itineraries that reach places I had never visited before.” His most recent experience aboard Le Commandant Charcot he called “a trip of a lifetime, despite having visited Antarctica many times before.”
A return to a place of deep significance
The itinerary holds particular significance through its inclusion of South Georgia, a destination of deep personal resonance for Jonathan Shackleton. Returning for his 15th time, Jonathan describes the island as “one of my favourite places in the Antarctic region,” noting that each return is “emotional and inspiring.” This upcoming visit will include a return to Grytviken, where Sir Ernest Shackleton is laid to rest after his death in 1922 on his last “Quest” expedition. Jonathan’s presence adds a deeply personal dimension to the journey connecting guests not only with the history of exploration but also with an enduring family legacy that continues to resonate across the polar world.
