Unexplored East Antarctica & French Southern Lands Icebreaker Cruise

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.

Embarkation from 16:00 to 17:00

Departure at 18:00

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.

Adélie Land, situated in East Antarctica, is a region teeming with icy wonders and untamed beauty. Named after the distinctive Adélie penguin, this remote land is characterized by vast expanses of ice, towering glaciers, and rugged mountain ranges. Despite its harsh and unforgiving environment, Adélie Land is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including seals, seabirds, and other Antarctic species.

The landscape of Adélie Land is dominated by immense ice shelves and icebergs, which create a mesmerizing and otherworldly backdrop. Glaciers carve through the terrain, shaping valleys and fjords, while jagged peaks rise majestically against the stark polar sky. The region's coastline is dotted with rocky outcrops and cliffs, providing sanctuary for nesting seabirds and seals.

The Magnetic South Pole, located in Antarctica, holds a scientific intrigue. Unlike the geographic South Pole, which marks the southernmost point on Earth's axis of rotation, the Magnetic South Pole is where the planet's magnetic field points vertically downward. This phenomenon creates a unique and enigmatic region that has fascinated explorers and scientists for centuries.

Situated beneath the icy expanse of Antarctica, the Magnetic South Pole is constantly shifting and migrating due to fluctuations in Earth's magnetic field. This dynamic nature adds to its mystique, making it a subject of ongoing study and exploration.

Visiting the Magnetic South Pole offers a glimpse into the complex workings of Earth's magnetic field and its impact on navigation, communication, and scientific research.

The landscape of Adélie Land is dominated by glaciers, icebergs, and towering ice shelves that extend into the Southern Ocean. These massive ice formations have been sculpted over millennia by the relentless forces of wind, ice, and sea, creating a breathtaking and otherworldly environment.

In addition to its natural wonders, Adélie Land is also of great scientific importance. The region is home to several research stations operated by countries participating in the Antarctic Treaty System. These stations support a wide range of scientific research, including studies on climate change, glaciology, biology, and astronomy.

Exploring Adélie Land is a challenging endeavor, as the harsh climate and rugged terrain present numerous obstacles. However, for those who venture to this remote corner of the world, the rewards are immense. Visitors are treated to stunning vistas of ice-covered mountains, pristine wilderness, and an abundance of wildlife.

Wilkes Land, located in East Antarctica, is one of the largest and most remote regions of the continent, spanning an area of approximately 1.5 million square kilometers (580,000 square miles). Named after the American naval officer Charles Wilkes, who led the United States Exploring Expedition in the 1830s, this expansive territory is characterized by vast ice sheets, towering mountain ranges, and expansive glaciers.

The landscape of Wilkes Land is dominated by the massive East Antarctic Ice Sheet, which covers much of the region and extends for thousands of kilometers inland. This ice sheet is one of the largest in the world and contains a significant portion of the Earth's freshwater reserves. In addition to the ice sheet, Wilkes Land is home to several notable features, including the massive and enigmatic Aurora Subglacial Basin, which is one of the largest known subglacial basins in Antarctica.

Despite its harsh and remote environment, Wilkes Land is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including various species of seals, seabirds, and penguins. The region's coastal areas provide important breeding grounds for these animals, while the surrounding seas are rich in marine life, including krill, which forms the basis of the Antarctic food chain.

Sailing along the Shackleton Ice Shelf entails navigating along the edge of a massive ice shelf named after the renowned explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. This shelf extends from the coast of Antarctica into the surrounding ocean, forming a formidable barrier between the frozen continent and the open sea. As one sails along its edge, they are treated to breathtaking views of towering ice cliffs, mesmerizing ice formations, and the vast expanse of the Antarctic landscape.

For explorers and adventurers, sailing along the Shackleton Ice Shelf offers a profound experience of the Antarctic wilderness. It is an opportunity to immerse oneself in the pristine beauty of the continent while retracing the footsteps of Shackleton and other polar pioneers who ventured into these icy realms in pursuit of discovery and exploration.

Queen Mary Land, nestled between Cape Filchner and Cape Hordern on the eastern coast of Antarctica. This rugged terrain, first sighted during Douglas Mawson's historic Antarctic expedition in 1912, tells tales of legendary explorations. Towering ice mountains stand like majestic sculptures, glistening in the southern sunlight, while glaciers carve their path like flowing rivers of glass, creating magnificent landscapes. Amidst this frozen realm, colonies of emperor penguins gather along the shores, and leopard seals lounge on the ice floes, accompanied by the graceful presence of whales gliding through the icy waters.

Set sail aboard Le Commandant Charcot and immerse yourself in a world of extraordinary amenities during days at sea. From luxurious spa treatments to gourmet dining experiences, indulge in unparalleled comfort and relaxation as you traverse icy waters inaccessible to ordinary ships. Unwind in the onboard sauna, savor exquisite cuisine, and partake in enriching activities, making every moment at sea an unforgettable journey.

In the vast expanse of the Antarctic region, spanning between the 37th and 50th parallels south, lies the French Southern and Antarctic Lands, encompassing the largest emerged lands in the southern Indian Ocean, from the Crozet archipelago to the Kerguelen Islands. Following the footsteps of renowned European explorers such as Julien Crozet, Marc Marion Dufresne, and James Cook, who ventured in search of Terra Australis Incognita, you'll embark on an expedition to explore these volcanic territories, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These lands serve as sanctuaries of biodiversity and provide unique terrain for scientific research.

Here, majestic icebergs loom like fleeting sculptures, bearing witness to the passage of time, while king penguins and elephant seals, the reigning inhabitants of these harsh environments, inhabit the shores in vast colonies.

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.

The French Southern and Antarctic Lands (Terres australes et antarctiques françaises, TAAF) are a group of remote islands in the southern Indian Ocean and the Antarctic. They are a French overseas territory, comprising several islands and archipelagos, including the Kerguelen Islands, the Crozet Islands, the Amsterdam and Saint Paul Islands, and the Adélie Land in Antarctica. These territories are known for their unique ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and important scientific research conducted there. The TAAF are managed by a commissioner appointed by the French government and are primarily used for scientific research, conservation, and monitoring of the environment and biodiversity.

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.

Cape Town, nestled at the southern tip of South Africa, captivates with its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich history. Towering over the city is the iconic Table Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and coastline. The city's diverse neighborhoods showcase a blend of colonial and modern architecture, bustling markets, and lively streets filled with a mix of local and international flavors.

The historic Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a bustling hub of activity, boasts an array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, all set against the backdrop of the picturesque harbor. Nearby, the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets and brightly painted houses, provides a glimpse into Cape Town's multicultural heritage.

Cape Town's rich history is reflected in its landmarks, such as the Castle of Good Hope, the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa, and Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years during the apartheid era. Visitors can also explore the vibrant street art scene in the city's neighbourhoods, showcasing the creativity and resilience of its people.

Disembarkation: 8am