Unexplored Antarctica Between Two Continents – Icebreaker Cruise

Ushuaia, often referred to as the "End of the World," is a charming city nestled on the southern tip of Argentina. It is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery, adventurous spirit, and unique cultural heritage.

Despite its remote location, Ushuaia is a vibrant and lively city, with a thriving culinary scene, eclectic shops, and lively nightlife. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by exploring museums, attending traditional performances, and sampling regional delicacies.

Embarkation from 16:00 to 17:00

Departure at 18:00

For travelers embarking on expeditions to Antarctica, crossing the Drake Passage is an exhilarating experience. While the journey can be rough at times, it offers a sense of adventure and anticipation as adventurers make their way to the frozen continent. Many expedition cruises include lectures and activities during the crossing, providing passengers with opportunities to learn about the wildlife, geology, and history of the region.

Should the weather permit, we'll embark on a remarkable journey as we cross the legendary Antarctic Polar Circle, positioned at 66°33' south of the Equator. This mythical boundary marks the southernmost point where the midnight sun can be observed during the December solstice. Within this circle, the sun shines continuously above the horizon for a full 24 hours at least once each year. Crossing this boundary, an adventure reserved for a select few, promises to be a truly unforgettable highlight of your polar cruise experience.

Spanning from the western reaches of the Antarctic Peninsula to the expansive Amundsen Sea, the Bellingshausen Sea derives its name from the Russian admiral and explorer who laid eyes on mainland Antarctica in 1820, marking a significant moment in exploration history. Enveloping two of Antarctica's largest islands, Alexander Island and Thurston Island, this sea offers a captivating landscape of ice floes, sea ice blocks, and grand icebergs for exploration. Along its coastal areas, colonies of emperor penguins thrive, adding to the region's allure. Depending on the timing of the southern summer months, you may have the privilege of observing solitary adults, maturing adolescents, or newly independent young adults among these majestic creatures, creating a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

The Amundsen Sea, situated in the Southern Ocean, is a vast expanse of water bordered by West Antarctica, including the Antarctic Peninsula and Marie Byrd Land. Named after the famed Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, this sea holds a significant place in polar exploration history.

Stretching from the western Antarctic Peninsula to the Ross Ice Shelf, the Amundsen Sea is characterized by its icy waters and floating ice shelves. It is known for its immense icebergs, towering glaciers, and expansive ice fields, making it a captivating yet challenging environment to navigate

Covering an area of approximately 620,000 square miles (1.6 million square kilometers), Marie Byrd Land is one of the least visited and most inaccessible regions of Antarctica. Its landscape is dominated by the massive West Antarctic Ice Sheet, which blankets much of the landmass and extends out into the surrounding sea as floating ice shelves.

The exploration of Marie Byrd Land has been limited due to its remote location and challenging environmental conditions. However, scientific research expeditions continue to uncover valuable information about the region's geology, glaciology, and climate dynamics, contributing to our understanding of Antarctica's role in the Earth's climate system.

Overall, Marie Byrd Land remains a pristine and mysterious wilderness, offering a glimpse into the awe-inspiring beauty and scientific importance of Antarctica's vast and remote interior.

Embarking on our voyage, we'll have the extraordinary chance to cross the International Date Line, a fascinating concept that spans the Earth's surface along the 180th meridian in the vast Pacific Ocean. As we navigate this symbolic boundary, the Earth's curvature and the need for standardized time meridians will prompt us to adjust our dates accordingly. If we're journeying westward, we'll add a day to our expected date; conversely, when heading eastward, we'll subtract a day. This intriguing paradox, observed by the crews of Magellan during their historic circumnavigation, has sparked curiosity and inspired literary works such as Jules Verne's iconic novel "Around the World in Eighty Days."

Renowned as "the last ocean," this expansive bay running along the edge of Antarctica between Marie Byrd Land and Victoria Land holds a special place in scientific circles worldwide. In a landmark move in 2016, the Ross Sea was designated as the world's largest marine protected area, marking a significant step in preserving its pristine marine ecosystem. This region has been the starting point for countless historic expeditions to the South Pole, most notably by James Clark Ross in the 19th century. Ross's exploration revealed the imposing barrier of a massive ice shelf extending into the open sea, from which colossal icebergs break off.

Weather and ice conditions permitting, our voyage will offer opportunities to explore several iconic sites in the region. Among the potential ports of call, Cape Adare, situated at the northernmost point of the Borchgrevink Coast, hosts one of the world's largest colonies of Adelie penguins. We'll also endeavor to visit Terra Nova Bay, home to the breathtaking Drygalski Ice Tongue. This ancient ice formation, over 4,000 years old, stretches an impressive 70 km (43 miles) from the David glacier into the sea, reaching a width of 24 km (15 miles) at its widest point.

These remote islands are named after English mariner John Balleny, who first sighted them in 1839 during a sealing expedition. The archipelago consists of four main islands: Young, Buckle, Sturge, and Sabrina, along with several smaller islets and rocks.

Characterized by rugged and glaciated terrain, the Balleny Islands are predominantly covered in ice and snow, with towering cliffs rising abruptly from the sea. The islands are uninhabited and devoid of permanent human presence, making them a pristine and untouched wilderness.

Despite their harsh and remote environment, the Balleny Islands are home to diverse wildlife, including seabirds such as albatrosses, petrels, and skuas. Marine mammals such as seals and whales also frequent the surrounding waters, attracted by the nutrient-rich currents that flow through the region.

Engage with onboard lectures and discussions led by renowned specialists, delving deep into the mysteries of the polar regions. From climate dynamics to wildlife conservation, these sessions provide unique insights into the delicate ecosystems of the poles. Join hands in advancing scientific research with PONANT, contributing to our collective understanding of these remote and captivating destinations.

Together, let us embark on a journey of exploration and enlightenment, as we uncover the secrets hidden within these mesmerizing polar landscapes.

Macquarie Island, located in the Southern Ocean, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most isolated islands in the world. Situated approximately halfway between Antarctica and New Zealand, it is part of the Australian state of Tasmania. The island is characterized by its rugged terrain, dramatic cliffs, and diverse wildlife.

Covering an area of about 128 square kilometers, Macquarie Island is primarily composed of oceanic crust uplifted by tectonic activity. Its landscape features rolling hills, rocky plateaus, and coastal cliffs that rise steeply from the surrounding sea.

While access to the island is restricted, those who have the opportunity to visit are rewarded with breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and a profound sense of isolation in one of the world's most remote and pristine environments.

Spend exceptional moments sailing aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first luxury polar exploration vessel and the first PC2-class polar cruise ship capable of sailing into the very heart of the ice, on seas and oceans which the frozen conditions render inaccessible to ordinary ships.

Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania, Australia, is nestled at the foot of Mount Wellington and overlooks the sparkling waters of the Derwent River. With its charming blend of colonial architecture, vibrant arts scene, and natural beauty, Hobart offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern sophistication.

The city's rich maritime history is evident in its well-preserved historic waterfront precinct, where 19th-century warehouses have been transformed into trendy restaurants, cafes, and galleries. Salamanca Place, lined with sandstone buildings, is particularly famous for its bustling Saturday market, where locals and visitors alike gather to browse artisanal crafts, fresh produce, and gourmet delights.