Summary
Short description
Discover rare wildlife and spectacular nature in Antarctica's remote Weddell Sea
Highlights
- Explore the spectacular Weddell Sea, a region of Antarctica rarely visited by commercial cruises
- Look out for Emperor penguins, orcas, minke whales, Ross seals and other Antarctic wildlife species
- Get up close to Antarctica’s majestic ice forms and landscapes on guided Zodiac excursions
- Indulge in exceptional all-inclusive dining and beverages aboard Le Commandant Charcot, a luxurious, custom-built polar expedition vessel
- Enjoy a three-night post-cruise stay in Santiago, including a guided city tour and a full-day winelands excursion
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Expedition cruise
Polar expedition cruises don’t come more epic than this extraordinary journey on Le Commandant Charcot from Ushuaia, at the southern tip of Argentina, to the Weddell Sea, on the east side of the Antarctic Peninsula – an area seldom visited by other Antarctica cruises. As you sail through this otherworldly polar wilderness, you’ll pass a seemingly endless stream of gigantic tabular icebergs, while there’s also the rare possibility of spotting the majestic emperor penguin (the largest penguin species in the world, endemic to Antarctica), as well as Adelie penguins, minke whales, orcas, Ross seals and snow petrels. Zodiac excursions present the opportunity to explore Antarctica’s extraordinary landscapes and ice forms in greater depth, in the company of expert naturalist guides. On board, meanwhile, you’ll be treated to delicious all-inclusive meals and beverages, as well as live entertainment and fascinating lectures. Finally, you’ll cross the Drake Passage back to Ushuaia before concluding your trip with three nights in Santiago, Chile’s cosmopolitan capital, including a guided city tour and a full day winelands excursion.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
Fly to Santiago
Enjoy complimentary airport lounge access before your overnight flight from the UK to Santiago.
Day
2
Santiago
On arrival in Chile’s capital, a transfer will take you from the airport to your city centre hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and recharge, or, if you’ve got the energy, explore your surroundings and get an initial feel for Santiago – which you’ll have the chance to explore in greater depth at the end of your trip.
Stay: The Singular, Santiago (Deluxe)
Day
3
Fly to Ushuaia & embark on expedition cruise
This morning, a transfer will take you back to the airport to catch a flight to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province, where the Andes plunge into the sea. It’s South America’s final frontier and, as such, is nicknamed ‘El fin del mundo’ (the end of the world). This is the gateway to Antarctica and the starting point for your Ponant expedition cruise aboard Le Commandant Charcot, which will set sail in the evening.
Stay: Le Commandant Charcot
Meals: B D
Days
4-5
Drake Passage
Over the next couple of days you’ll sail across the Drake Passage, the body of water that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, separating South America from Antarctica. This is an opportunity to settle into your accommodation, familiarise yourself with the ship and learn about the adventures that lie in wait once you reach the White Continent. The Expedition Leader will tell you all you need to know about the rules of conduct for Zodiac landings, while a series of lectures and presentations will deepen your knowledge of Antarctica’s unique landscapes and wildlife. There will also be opportunities to join naturalist guides on the exterior decks to look out for albatrosses, Cape petrels and other seabirds as you go.
Stay: Le Commandant Charcot
Meals: B L D
Day
6
North Antarctic Peninsula
Your first glimpse of the Antarctic Peninsula is a truly unforgettable moment – but while this is as far as most Antarctic cruises venture, you’ll only be passing by as you head deeper into the seldom-visited regions of this otherworldly polar wilderness. As you sail through the Antarctic Sound, which is filled with gigantic tabular icebergs and plates of sea ice, keep your eyes peeled for Adelie penguins and leopard seals in particular.
Stay: Le Commandant Charcot
Meals: B L D
Days
7-12
Weddell Sea
Over the next few days, you’ll explore Antarctica’s Weddell Sea, an area rarely visited by other commercial cruise ships and exactly the kind of extreme environment that Le Commandant is specially designed to navigate, carving a path between thick sea ice and enormous, tower block-sized icebergs. This is where polar exploration really finds its full meaning; it’s a challenge, no doubt, but the rewards are unparalleled. While the ice formations you’ll encounter here are mesmerising in their own right, you’ll also have the chance to spot a spectacular array of Antarctic fauna species, including orcas, humpbacks, minke whales, Ross seals, Adelie penguins, snow petrels and, if you’re lucky, the majestic emperor penguin (the largest penguin species in the world, endemic to Antarctica). Although you’ll be able to spot plenty from the ship’s decks, shore visits by Zodiac will bring you closer to the region’s extraordinary landscapes and wildlife – always, of course, at a safe distance.
Stay: Le Commandant Charcot
Meals: B L D
Days
13-14
Drake Passage
Leaving Antarctica behind, it’s time to sail back across the Drake Passage to Ushuaia. Take the time to rest, enjoy the ship’s facilities and reflect on the unforgettable adventures of the trip so far.
Stay: Le Commandant Charcot
Meals: B L D
Day
15
Disembark cruise & fly to Santiago
Arriving back in Ushuaia, a transfer will take you to the airport for a northbound flight to Santiago, where you’ll be spending the next three nights. It might not be as renowned a destination as Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires, but it’s a fascinating city that packs a powerful punch in terms of culture, architecture and cuisine. The contrast with the Antarctica portion of your trip, it’s fair to stay, could hardly be more stark.
Stay: The Singular, Santiago (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Days
16-17
Santiago & the winelands
A half-day private guided tour will introduce you to the rich history and vibrant neighbourhoods of Chile’s cosmopolitan capital. The following day, you’ll be treated to a full day excursion from Santiago to the nearby winelands, with a delicious lunch and the chance to taste several of Chile’s finest wines.
Stay: The Singular, Santiago (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Days
18-19
Return to UK
After breakfast, a transfer will pick you up from your hotel and bring you back to Santiago Airport for your overnight flight to the UK.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this cruise can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
19-day luxury expedition cruise holiday
from £24,625 pp incl. flights
October to December 2025 dates
Special Offer
Early booking offer : Save up to £5,700 pp.
Book by: 31 December 2024
Four departure dates between October and December 2025 - cruise dates are below:
- Departure date from the UK 28 October 2025 - cruise departs Ushuaia 30 October 2025
- Departure date from the UK 9 November 2025 - cruise departs Ushuaia 11 November 2025
- Departure date from the UK 21 November 2025 - cruise departs Ushuaia 23 November 2025
- Departure date from the UK 17 December 2025 - cruise departs Ushuaia 19 December 2025
Includes:
- Return scheduled flights from the UK to Santiago de Chile (economy class - upgrades available)
- One-night pre-cruise hotel in Santiago with breakfast
- Return flight from Santiago to Ushuaia either side of the cruise
- 14-night cruise aboard Le Commandant Charcot with all meals, selected drinks, selected excursions and much more
- Special guest of honour on each cruise
- Three-night 5-star hotel stay in Santiago with breakfast
- Half day Santiago city tour with private guide
- Full day private tour to two wineries, with wine-tastings
Price varies by departure date and stateroom availability, please call for details.
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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