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“For many, an expedition to Antarctica is one of those ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experiences, often expressed as life-changing. Well, consider the additional opportunity of being among just a small number of fellow guests to witness the total solar eclipse scheduled on 4 December 2021, while located in the only area on Earth where the eclipse will be 100% visible at this time, the Weddell Sea, deep in Antarctic waters” offers Deb Corbett, PONANT General Manager Sales & Marketing Asia Pacific.

“Imagine the moment when, having disembarked onto the pack ice, you observe this natural phenomenon, as rare as it is exceptional, the moon aligned perfectly in front of the sun, covering it completely with a black disc. Darkness in this icy land beyond the polar circle, where the sun never sets at this time of year.”
“Join PONANT, world leader in luxury and polar expeditions, on board the truly innovative and segment defining Le Commandant-Charcot, for this unique voyage celebrating the ship’s inaugural season of expeditions in Antarctica during the 2021/2022 season.” 
This is a true expedition for modern explorers. In addition to viewing the total eclipse of the sun from the pack ice, this 15-night expedition voyage, departing Ushuaia, Argentina on 30 November 2021, will explore the challenging eastern part of the Weddell Sea. Mostly frozen by a thick and compressed ice floe, the region remains rarely accessible, perfect for the Polar Class 2 rated Le Commandant-Charcot. Guests will also discover the imposing Larsen ice shelves with immense tabletop icebergs, among the largest ever seen.
In addition to regular outings and shore visits in Zodiac® inflatables with the expert polar Expedition Team and Naturalist Guides, there will be plenty of opportunity to take advantage of inclusive innovative activities including hovercraft, hot air ballooning and electric powered snowmobiles, when appropriate, to provide additional exploration and perspectives of the surroundings.
Deb Corbett adds, “Carrying a maximum of just 270 guests, this segment-defining environmentally responsible hybrid-electric polar exploration vessel propelled by LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), has another unique aspect to it – luxury. Le Commandant-Charcot provides previously unheard levels of comfort and facilities in a ship capable of reaching the geographic North Pole … or deep inside the challenging reaches of the Weddell Sea.”
“I really love the concept of not just following in the footsteps of the great explorers but exploring further in this wonderland, only made possible by the extraordinary capabilities of our new ship, Le Commandant-Charcot, with its twin five-blade Azipod® propulsors and highly rated PC2 ice strengthened hull configuration. The concept of toasting the early explorers with French champagne at night while sharing our own day’s adventures, really appeals to me. An extraordinary ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity indeed,” adds Deb.
Voyage summary
 Total Eclipse in the Weddell Sea
On board Le Commandant-Charcot 
15 nights – Departs Ushuaia 30 November 2021. 
Staterooms and Suites available starting at A$25,340* twin share in a Deck 7 Prestige Stateroom. Includes o/n in Santiago prior to embarkation day, return charter flight Santiago to Ushuaia, all meals and Open Bar, lectures, Zodiac outings and shore excursions.
For more details on PONANT’s Total Eclipse in the 
Weddell Sea voyage: https://au.ponant.com/antarctica-total-eclipse-in-the-weddell-sea-o301121-10 
*This pricing is currently available reflecting the Ponant 30% Bonus but is subject to yield management adjustment. 
A selection of other inaugural 2021/2022 Antarctic voyages also available on Le Commandant-Charcot include:
  • Expedition to Charcot & Peter 1 Islands 14-night voyage departs Ushuaia 14 December 2021, 08 January, 02 and 17 February 2022 – Staterooms and Suites available starting from AU$23,020 per person twin share in a Deck 6 Stateroom.
  • Weddell Sea & Larsen Ice Shelf 11 nights departs Ushuaia 18 November and 27 December 2021 plus 13 March, 24 March 2022 – Staterooms and Suites available starting from AU$19,520 per person twin share in a Deck 6 Stateroom
  • The Ross Sea 24 nights departs Ushuaia 15 February 2022 – Staterooms and Suites available starting from AU$43,360 per person twin share in a Deck 6 Stateroom
Register to hear more during PONANT’s upcoming Live Online Event!
Join PONANT’s Head of Expeditions and Sustainability, Nicolas Dubreuil, and Head of Expeditions Asia Pacific Mick Fogg live on Thursday 19 November, to find out more about Le Commandant-Charcot and the extensive range of 2021/2022 Antarctic polar voyages available. 
  • Thursday 19 November 2020 at 2pm AWST, 5pm AEST and 7pm NZST
  • Prior registration is required to join the event, available by linking to https://event.webinarjam.com/register/59/ok1p2am7   
  • There will be live Q&A time at the end of the presentation, as well as prizes to win and an exclusive offer on the day.
Le Commandant-Charcot – an exceptional ship designed to minimise its environmental impact: the first hybrid electric polar explorer ship powered by LNG (Liquid Natural Gas), a major innovation marking
PONANT’s ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism. This eco-sensitive PC2 Polar Class ship is designed to safely sail in extreme polar regions while consuming the cleanest energy available.
An opportunity for scientific research and conservation: Le Commandant-Charcot will be made available to the scientific community. With laboratories, equipment, dedicated staterooms and personnel, the ship will offer a platform for observation, research and analysis, thereby participating in the global effort to study and conserve the poles. Thanks to its cutting-edge technology, Le Commandant-Charcot will be able to
access remote areas that were previously difficult for scientists to reach.
Additional information regarding the PONANT fleet
  • With over 30 years of expedition voyage experience, PONANT’s purpose built luxury expedition ships
    provide the same high operational standards as operated in the Arctic and Antarctica across all voyages – polar and tropical – reflective of PONANT’s position as the world leader in luxury expeditions.
  • All PONANT expedition voyages are accompanied by an experienced Expedition Team, experts in their fields, keen to share their knowledge and enthusiasm both while exploring ashore and back onboard to give guests a greater understanding of these unique destinations.
  • Recognised and awarded for its commitment to environmental preservation, PONANT has a zero-impact disembarkation protocol, aimed at preserving delicate environments and cultures. Purpose-built small expedition ships provide the opportunity to get closer to shore and explore areas inaccessible to larger ships. Enjoy experiences far from the mainstream cruise highway, with intimate experiences you will
    remember for a lifetime.
  • 2020 has seen the last two of six new Explorer class ships in the PONANT fleet delivered –  Le Lapérouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont-D’Urville, Le Bellot and Le Jacques-Cartier, reinforcing
    PONANT’s position of having the world’s most modern fleet of expedition ships.
Information & reservations 
Details of all PONANT voyages including cruises, expeditions, pricing and shore excursion highlights are available at https://au.ponant.com
Contact your travel agent, or PONANT’s Cruise Consultants on 1300 737 178 (Australia) or 0800 767 018 (New Zealand), or email reservations.aus@ponant.com to obtain assistance and information.