STYLE: Small Ship Luxury Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACPOEPUS
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Santiago, Chile
Finish: Santiago, Chile
SHIP: Le Commandant Charcot
Weddell Sea, Antarctica, Antarctic Peninsula
19/12/2025
Dinner & Breakfast at Hotel, All Meals & Beverage Package Whilst On board the Ship
Group transfers throughout & return flights from Santiago to Ushuaia
The Emperor Penguins of Weddell Sea
Daily Antarctica Excursions in location, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team
NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather & ice conditions
The Weddell Sea, a vast and icy expanse, serves as a sanctuary for some of the rarest wildlife on Earth. A voyage aboard Le Commandant Charcot offers an unparalleled exploration of this remote region, where emperor penguins, native to the Antarctic and rarely seen, can be observed in their natural habitat. The journey begins at the Drake Passage, where the ship navigates through turbulent waters into the captivating southern seas. The endless ice floes and towering tabular icebergs provide a stunning backdrop for encounters with Adelie penguins, a unique and endearing species. The ultimate highlight of the trip is the chance to witness the majestic emperor penguins in their element, possibly catching sight of young penguins learning to swim as the Antarctic spring emerges.
Exploring the Weddell Sea also means retracing the steps of legendary polar explorers like Sir Ernest Shackleton. With the guidance of passionate naturalists, you will uncover the history and formation of the massive icebergs, born from the Larsen Ice Shelf. The ice takes on various forms and hues, creating a breathtaking landscape. Your journey through this extraordinary environment is both a challenge and a privilege, promising a once-in-a-lifetime experience amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of one of the world's last frontiers.
*package price includes a pre-night accommodation in Santiago and flights from Santiago to Ushuaia return with transfers to/from the ship.
Prices are correct at time of publishing (26 August 2024) but are subject to change at any time until the time of booking and terms and conditions apply. Please contact us for more information and enquire for details and availability.
Arrive in Santiago and spend the night exploring before your voyage tomorrow.
Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible…
Use your days spent in the Drake Passage to familiarise yourself with your ship and deepen your knowledge of the Antarctic. The Expedition Leader will first present the IAATO rules of conduct that must be observed during landings in the region and will explain everything you need to know about the zodiac outings. Lectures about the history and wildlife of the Antarctic will be an opportunity for you to learn more about this magical region, where every cruise is a unique experience. You will experience exceptional sailing moments on board and join the naturalist-guides on your ship’s exterior decks to look out for albatrosses, cape petrels, and other seabirds flying over the Drake Passage.
Impassable, extreme and captivating: this is the best way to describe the Weddell Sea, much of which is covered by a layer of thick, densely packed ice. It is a challenge and a privilege to sail upon this sea. Polar exploration finds its full meaning here. Heading towards the South is a real quest, with the promise of highly-charged encounters with the continent’s endemic fauna. This is the kingdom of the emperor penguin, the largest penguin in the world, renowned for its elegance. Unlike other penguins that live on the rocks, the emperor nests on the ice floe which it needs for its reproductive cycle. It is therefore on the ice floe that you will be able to observe it walking around with its characteristic gait. In this southern sea, where the ice changes and is transformed constantly, there is never any monotony. The new reliefs and new colours ensure never-ending wonderment. You will sail into the heart of the immaculate ice floe, which is dislocated or densely packed, into an alley of icebergs. Among them are immense blocks of ice, tabular icebergs, that drift and illuminate the ocean with their cerulean blue haloes. Aboard, on shore, on the ice, you will be as close as possible to the colonies of Adelie penguins, Weddell seals, Mink whales, orcas, snow petrels.… With a little luck, you will get a glimpse of a rare Ross seal with its silver pelage or of emperor penguins, waddling along the edge of the ice floe. A sight that is as fascinating as it is emotional.
Weather permitting, we'll cross the mythic line of the Antarctic Polar Circle, located along 66°33’ south of the Equator. This iconic area demarcates the point from which it is possible to view the midnight sun during the December solstice. Within this circle, the sun remains above the horizon for 24 consecutive hours at least once a year. Crossing this line, an experience known to few people, is sure to be an unforgettable highlight of your cruise through the polar regions.
As you explore the Weddell Sea, you will sail towards the gigantic Larsen Ice Shelf. The beauty of this immense ice formation is fascinating; nonetheless, its monumental size must not make us forget the fragility of its existence. These floating platforms are what protect the continental ice cap – also called the inlandsis – from erosion and are thus of paramount importance for the entire balance of our planet. As you get up close to this equally majestic and vertiginous spectacle, you will really understand the need to protect these ice shelves. Our team of passionate experts will share their knowledge of these ice shelves that create gigantic tabular icebergs – among the largest ever observed - that drift in the Southern Ocean.
Throughout your time in the north of the Antarctic Peninsula, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. You will sail through the Antarctic Sound, named after Swedish explorer Otto Nordenskjöld’s ship, which was trapped by the ice during an important scientific expedition in 1902. The gateway to the Weddell Sea, this sound is filled with gigantic tabular icebergs and plates of sea ice drifting northward from the coastal areas of this vast sea. It is home to Adelie penguins and a great many leopard seals.
If there is one place, one sea, one waterway dreaded by tourists, researchers and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to connect Antarctica to South America. Seasoned navigators will tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent! As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, Drake Passage harbours a very diverse marine fauna. Don't forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around your ship.
Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible…
An exploration into the almost inaccessible Weddell Sea, in search of majestic emperor penguins, amidst immaculate and dreamlike landscapes.
The eye and the advice of a photo ambassador, a privileged opportunity to immortalise your trip with, in the programme: workshops, conferences and personalized advice to improve your photographic skills.
Outings and shore visits in a zodiac inflatable with a reinforced team of naturalist guides.
Wildlife: the possibility to observe emperor, Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins; Weddell, leopard and crabeater seals; humpback, Minke whales and orcas.
A sleek and elegant vessel with an intricate dose of luxury and revolutionary technology. Sailing under the French Flag, Le Commandant Charcot is the worlds only Luxury Icebreaker. A design with sustainable development at its core, Le Commandant is the first Hybrid luxury Polar Exploration Vessel to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Optimized with energy saving solutions, reduced energy consumption and advanced waste water treatment, this vessel truly combines luxury with a unique focus on the sustainability of the spellbinding and wonderful destinations it explores. This ship is one of the few in existence that can reach remote areas such as the North and South Poles and with it's ice breaking capabilities can go further than the rest, to really give a once in a lifetime experience. With just 123 cabins. including 68 suites with private terraces this ship remains true to the philosophy of providing every guest with the relaxed ambience of travelling on a private yacht. Even at the extreme temperatures of the poles, this vessel promises the upmost care for intimate comfort, discrete service, incredible gastronomy and extensive luxury amenities including spas, a hot and cold snow cabin and an immersive wellness center. The ship also has over 300 works of art and an onboard pianist. Enjoy an excellent expedition experience, with a team of 23 expert naturalist guides who will lead you into some of the most remote regions of the world. When onboard you will be able to indulge in a range of culinary delights from the main restaurant Nuna, or the outdoor restaurant Sila, which overlooks the heated pool onboard - the Blue Lagoon. With the choice of French and international cuisine. Your cruise will include fine wines, an in room included minibar and 24 hour room service, as well as a range of entertainment and expert lectures. The perfect mix of exploration and comfort.
Ice Class:
Length: 150m (492ft)
Breadth: 28m (91ft)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:270
View Ship Details
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.
Learn MoreGo even deeper into Antarctica’s interior and reach less visited places where many other visitors simply don’t go!
Learn MoreHiking excursions are among the most popular options in Antarctica as many itineraries are short and suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Guided hikes lead you to amazing vantage points and allow even closer interaction with local wildlife, so don’t forget to pack your camera!
Learn MoreThe Emperor Penguins of Weddell Sea 16 Days | Le Commandant Charcot from £ 21,070 | ||
Departing | Ending | Duration |
---|---|---|
19 Dec 2025 | 03 Jan 2026 | 16 |
Prices are based on per person, twin share.
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.
INCLUSIONS
Cabin accommodation whilst on board Le Commandant Charcot
1-night hotel accommodation the night in Santiago before embarkation
Arrival Shuttle Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Santiago
Group Transfer from Santiago Hotel to Airport on Day of Embarkation
Return flights from Santiago to Ushuaia in economy class
Group Arrival & Departure Transfers in Ushuaia
All meals whilst on board
Open bar (no premium brands)
Mini bar in your stateroom (Champagne additional fee)
All scheduled landings and excursions, conditions permitting
Guiding and lectures by expedition team
Complimentary Polar expedition jacket
Free use of rubber boots for shore excursions
All port taxes
Comprehensive pre and post voyage informational material
Free WIFI
Kayaking Activities (limited places available)
EXCLUSIONS
Airfares other than specified
Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable)
Travel Insurance
Personal expenses such as laundry
Gratuities for the crew (recommend US$15 per person per day)
Optional Activities not mentioned in itinerary
Subject to availability upon request, contact us for more details.
Departure date, fuel surcharges, cabin category, currency fluctuations, seasonality and availability.