Guest of Honour 
Polar Expedition 
The Travel Concierge service 
Air allowance_CHARCAIR 
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
20% Ponant Bonus
20 m²
2
- New
In the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot
Ushuaia - Ushuaia
Dates:
28/11/2023
to
13/12/2023
Other available dates
days
nights on board
Overnight in Santiago + flight Santiago/Ushuaia + transfers + flight Ushuaia/Santiago
With featured guest Fridrik Rafnsson, founder of the Charcot Museum and former president of the Alliance Française.
Your journey aboard Le Commandant Charcot will begin with your first look at this strikingly elegant ship, capable of navigating our planet’s most extreme environments. You are about to begin an adventure that will lead you to the edges of the Earth, on the continent that no people have ever inhabited, the Antarctic. But while these lands belong to no one, they have been the theatre of the greatest expeditions and have proven the heroism exemplified by certain men. From the Antarctic Peninsula to the Bellingshausen Sea and its unknown islets, Le Commandant Charcot will humbly take you on a 15-day exploration of the Far South, in the wake of the legendary man to whom it owes its name.
After crossing the mythical Drake Passage, beaten by the winds and home to soaring cape petrels, you will glimpse the last continent on the horizon. Jean-Baptiste Charcot led his first journey to the Antarctic over a century ago, but his exploits still resonate and his traces are tangible here. His first expedition with the ship Le Français built his legend and made a mark on Salpêtrière Bay. A little further south lies Marguerite Bay, which he explored during his second expedition. He named this mountainous and magnificent land after his wife and Pourquoi-Pas Island after his eponymous ship. At the exit of the Lemaire Channel, Petermann Island still holds memories of the wintering of this exceptional expedition.
As you sail on exploring the Bellingshausen Sea, the conditions become increasingly extreme. Ice takes over your horizon, the ice floe stretches out, and icebergs drift around you. The approach to Charcot Island guarantees intense emotions and gives you the unique feeling of being among the privileged few able to contemplate it.
Throughout your journey, our team of passionate experts will go over all the details of these historic exploits with you while sharing their in-depth knowledge of the wildlife and landscapes. You will have the chance to observe Adelie, Gentoo and chinstrap penguins and perhaps even some young emperor penguins on the edge of the ice floe. Leopard, crabeater and Weddell seals, humpback and Mink whales, and orcas also live in these southern waters that you will sail through like those men of legend did before you.
Find out more about the world of Le Commandant Charcot here!
We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Our navigation will be determined by the type of ice we come across; as the fast ice must be preserved, we will take this factor into account from day to day in our itineraries. The sailing schedule and any landings, activities and wildlife encounters are subject to weather and ice conditions. These experiences are unique and vary with each departure. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while respecting safety instructions and regulations imposed by the IAATO.
Ref : UUYT45 - CC291123
Your itinerary
With featured guest of Fridrik Rafnsson, founder of the Charcot Museum and former president of the Alliance Française. An all-new exploration aboard Le Commandant Charcot, following in the footsteps of...
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Your trip in detail
Our guest of honour
Fridrik Rafnsson
Précurseur de l’océanographie contemporaine, à la fois marin et scientifique, Jean-Baptiste Charcot (1867-1936) s’inscrit dans la lignée des grands découvreurs et explorateurs des régions polaires. Il fait notamment deux hivernages dans les glaces de l’Antarctique en 1903-1905 et en 1908-1909 avec son équipage et ses scientifiques. Je dispenserai quatre conférences sur sa vie, ses expéditions et les résultats des recherches scientifiques qui sont encore aujourd'hui des références pour les recherches scientifiques, notamment sur les changements climatiques.
Fridrik Ransson
Find out moreChoose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE LYRIAL
07/11/2023 to the 22/11/2023
LE LYRIAL
01/10/2023 to the 08/10/2023
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
06/02/2024 to the 03/03/2024
LE BORÉAL
07/07/2024 to the 20/07/2024
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- Glazed private balcony for all our staterooms and suites
- Terrace for the Duplex suites and the Owner's suite
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- 3 ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Fridrik Rafnsson
Born on February 5, 1959, Fridrik RAFNSSON did his university studies in Iceland and France from 1981-1988, notably under the direction of the novelist Milan Kundera at L’École des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales in Paris. When he returned to Iceland in 1988, he worked, among other things, at Radio Iceland and at Mál og menning editions where he directed the cultural review, TMM.
He has been a member of the Icelandic Writers Association since 1993 and a member of the Icelandic Association of Tourist Guides since 2011 and the President of it since june 2021.. He was President of the Alliance Française from 2007 to 2012. He is one of the founders of the Charcot Museum in Sandgerdi, founded in 2007. He was awarded the Chevaler des Arts et des Lettres in 2009. He has translated some fourty five literary works from French into Icelandic.
Languages spoken: French and English.
Photo credit: All Rights Reserved ARR
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Fridrik Rafnsson
Born on February 5, 1959, Fridrik RAFNSSON did his university studies in Iceland and France from 1981-1988, notably under the direction of the novelist Milan Kundera at L’École des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales in Paris. When he returned to Iceland in 1988, he worked, among other things, at Radio Iceland and at Mál og menning editions where he directed the cultural review, TMM.
He has been a member of the Icelandic Writers Association since 1993 and a member of the Icelandic Association of Tourist Guides since 2011 and the President of it since june 2021.. He was President of the Alliance Française from 2007 to 2012. He is one of the founders of the Charcot Museum in Sandgerdi, founded in 2007. He was awarded the Chevaler des Arts et des Lettres in 2009. He has translated some fourty five literary works from French into Icelandic.
Languages spoken: French and English.
Photo credit: All Rights Reserved ARR
Expedition programmes include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, position of ice, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to polar/isolated regions is an exhilarating experience in remote areas: please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
- A PONANT polar water-resistant parka is offered on board for all departures with an expedition programme (no children sizes, in case of consecutive cruises, only one complimentary parka).
- Half calf rubber boots with non-slip soles, which will allow you to go ashore in 20 cm of cold water, keeping your feet dry for walks and visits on steep paths. Boot rental will be offered onboard (for adults only) on Expedition cruises.
- Comfortable trousers: classic Winter trousers, warm cotton tracksuit, wool leggings
- Waterproof and windproof over-trousers – MANDATORY
- Winter trousers with waterproof over trousers are the ideal combination: water-resistance and comfort of trousers are essential
- Pullover, sweat-shirt or fleece jacket
- Woollen or thermolactyl Thermal underwear
- A warm hat, woollen ear muffs or fleece ear muffs, fleece or woollen neck warmer (avoid scarves that do not stay in place)- MANDATORY
- Wool or silk glove liners, water-resistant and supple gloves
- Thick warm socks (ideally woollen)
Accessories:
- Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
- Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
- Highly protective sunglasses.
- Walking poles (highly recommended).
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
INSULATED BASE LAYER:
- Wool or thermolactyl technical underwear
- Polar or technical jacket
- Polar sweater or sweatshirt
- Silk or wool glove liners
- Wool leggings
- Warm hiking socks
WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER:
- Waterproof over-trousers - Mandatory
- Waterproof parka - Offered on board (not available in children’s sizes)
- A warm woollen hat covering your ears
- Polar or woollen neck warmer
- Waterproof technical gloves
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen
- Lip protection balm
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
ACCESSORIES:
- Highly protective sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Walking poles
- Small waterproof backpack
- Swimsuit (for the spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
PONANT activities
Kayaking - Le Commandant Charcot
You will make the most of the sailing opportunities and weather and ice conditions to glide along on the clear waters or between the ice floes and get as close as possible to the immaculate nature of the poles. Supervised by licenced expert guides, you will try your hand in a kayak- a craft favoured by the Inuits for at least 4,000 years. The kayak was initially used for hunting and fishing; for you, it will be a means of making the most of your adventure on the White Continent or in the Far North.*
*with limited places available
Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables
Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, depending on the opportunities provided by the sailing, weather and ice conditions, a fleet of 14 zodiacs expedition dinghies will be used for outings and shore visits. Getting closer to a glacier calving huge icebergs, setting foot on a sheet of ice floe, observing the fauna up close: so many unforgettable moments that very few people will ever have the chance of experiencing in these regions that are hostile to man and home to unique wildlife.
Hiking or snowshoeing
During shore landings, depending on the ecological resilience of the biome, we will propose hikes at different levels, in the company of your experienced naturalist guides. From a simple stroll along the coast to walks lasting several hours to reach particular viewpoints or historical sites, you will make the most of the opportunities provided by the weather and ice conditions. When the itineraries allow, you’ll put on snowshoes* to set off like the explorers of old and discover areas that have barely known Man.
*with limited places available
Polar plunge
Let yourself be seduced by the unrivalled sensations of being surrounded by cold water. Weather and ice conditions willing, you will have opportunities to undertake a unique experience during a polar plunge wearing just your swimming costume, in the middle of the ice. You will be be filled with intense emotions and will fully appreciate the energy boost when warming up after the swim!*
*with limited places available
Highlights
- With featured guest of Fridrik Rafnsson, founder of the Charcot Museum and former president of the Alliance Française.
- An all-new exploration aboard Le Commandant Charcot, following in the footsteps of Jean-Baptiste Charcot’s two great polar expeditions, to the Bellingshausen Sea, exploring abundant biodiversity.
- Cross the Arctic Circle and the exploratory approach of the distant Charcot Island.
- Outings and shore visits in a zodiac inflatable with a reinforced team of naturalist guides.
- Conferences and information meetings on board with our passionate experts, specialists in the fauna, flora and history of the polar regions.
- Landscapes: immense glaciers, monumental icebergs, immersion in the heart of the ice floes.
- Wildlife: Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins; leopard, crabeater and Weddell seals; humpback, Minke whales and orcas, and the possibility of observing emperors penguins and Ross seals.
- Many activities: kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing, polar plunge without suit. Discover all the activities in the “Ponant Activities” tab.
- For your comfort, your cruise package includes an overnight in Santiago the day before embarkation, transfers and flights Santiago/Ushuaia (for details, see the “Included in your cruise” tab).
Ports of Call & Excursions
29 November 2023 - Ushuaia
Embarkation 29/11/2023 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 29/11/2023 at 18:00
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…
30 November 2023 1 December 2023 - Crossing the Drake Passage
Arrival 30/11/2023
Departure 01/12/2023
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.
2 December 2023 - Crossing the Antarctic Circle
Arrival 02/12/2023
Departure 02/12/2023
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.
3 December 2023 - The Gullet
Arrival 03/12/2023
Departure 03/12/2023
The sumptuous landscapes of this narrow channel between Adelaide Island and Graham Land attract all visitors sailing towards Marguerite Bay. It is like an ice palace, its immaculate white walls reflected in the frozen mirror formed by the waters of the Southern Ocean, scattered with icebergs and gleaming blocks of ice. This passage was explored for the first time by the Jean-Baptiste Charcot expedition in 1909, which sketched its position. It was then surveyed in 1936 by the British expedition under John Rymill. It is here in this magical setting that some of the first subaquatic images of the Antarctic were shot during Philippe Cousteau’s four-month expedition to Antarctica between 1972 and 1973.
4 December 2023 5 December 2023 - Expedition to Charcot Island
Arrival 04/12/2023
Departure 05/12/2023
When he discovered this island surrounded by sea ice in 1910 from aboard the Pourquoi Pas ? as he mapped Alexander Island, Jean-Baptiste Charcot had not be able to get less than 40 miles away from it. Situated in a zone that experiences frequent low-pressure systems and regular cloud cover, the island remains in many ways an enigma. It is entirely covered in ice and sheer cliffs, with the exception of the rocky outcrops extending over a dozen kilometres in the far north-west. The ice in the narrowest part of Wilkins Sound has been cracking in recent times, thus officially detaching this island from its neighbour, Alexander Island, lying 50 km away. Very few people have landed on this largely untouched island, whose waters attract numerous seabirds, such as petrels, Antarctic terns and skuas.
6 December 2023 - Bellingshausen Sea
Arrival 06/12/2023
Departure 06/12/2023
Stretching from the west of the Antarctic Peninsula to the Amundsen Sea, the Bellingshausen Sea was named after the Russian admiral and explorer who has been attributed the first confirmed sighting of mainland Antarctica, in 1820. Among others, its waters surround two of the Antarctic’s largest islands: Alexander Island and Thurston Island. You will explore this sea amid ice floe, blocks of sea ice and majestic icebergs. The coastal areas along the Bellingshausen Sea are also renowned as the home of colonies of emperor penguins. Depending on the month of the southern summer, you will perhaps be lucky enough to observe isolated adults, adolescents seeking emancipation or recently independent new adults.
7 December 2023 - Marguerite Bay
Arrival 07/12/2023
Departure 07/12/2023
The icebergs are each more majestic than the next and scattered around the deep and intense blue waters of Marguerite Bay, one of the most beautiful regions in the Antarctic. It is delimited in the north by the mountainous Adelaide Island, in the south by George VI Sound and Alexander Island, and in the east by the Fallières Coast. Charcot named it after his wife during his second expedition to the Antarctic between 1908 and 1910. In 1909, in the southern summer when the skies are at their clearest, he led an important scientific mission to map and study this region. The bay is home to a number of cetaceans and you may get the chance to observe leopard seals or Adelie penguins.
8 December 2023 - Pourquoi Pas Island
Arrival 08/12/2023
Departure 08/12/2023
Le Commandant Charcot will land on the coast of Pourquoi Pas Island, so named in the 1930s by John Riddoch Rymill in honour of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, who discovered it from aboard his ship Le Pourquoi Pas ? during his second expedition to Antarctica between 1908 and 1910. This mountainous island, situated in the north of Marguerite Bay between Graham Land and Adelaide Island, is 28 km long and 14 km large. It is scattered with narrow fjords and snow-covered mountains. You will go to shore in a zodiac dinghy with your expedition team and you could get the chance to observe Adelie penguins going about their business on the island’s rocky shores.
9 December 2023 10 December 2023 - Antarctic Peninsula
Arrival 09/12/2023
Departure 10/12/2023
Succumb to the magic of a place unlike any other. To this day, the mythical Antarctic Peninsula still holds real fascination and promises its visitors unforgettable moments. Throughout your adventure in this icy realm, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. Penguins, humpback whales, seals and giant petrels are at home here, as are elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, and orcas. Depending on which sites you will be lucky enough to visit, you may get the chance to observe them and share with them the beauty of these extreme parts.
Each day, based on ice conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader will suggest zodiac outings or landings to discover the infinite riches of the Antarctic Peninsula. Glaciers, ice floe, tabletop icebergs, mountain peaks that plunge straight into the sea, volcanic beaches, research stations, enchanting bays, and vestiges of the whaling industry: these are the faces of the Antarctic that will likely reveal themselves to you, in a hushed and surreal atmosphere. You will sail in the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache and Sir Ernest Shackleton, great Antarctic explorers who, from the 19th century, set out to conquer these remote and uninhabited lands.
11 December 2023 12 December 2023 - Crossing the Drake Passage
Arrival 11/12/2023
Departure 12/12/2023
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.
13 December 2023 - Ushuaia
Arrival 13/12/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 13/12/2023 at 08:00
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…
Le Commandant Charcot
With Le Commandant Charcot, PONANT has imagined and envisaged the cruise voyage of tomorrow. The latest addition to the fleet will take you following in the footsteps of the great polar explorers in refined surroundings complete with the kind of luxury services never before offered in the farthest reaches of the southern and northern hemispheres.
The indoor swimming pool, the conservatory, the panoramic restaurant, the Blue Lagoon outdoor restaurant, the Main Lounge, the Observation Lounge, the lobby… Each of the common areas has been designed to both convey French-style discreet luxury and arouse wonder and amazement. The common thread running through all their designs is the desire to allow the light to penetrate and open everything up the extraordinary polar landscapes and scenery.
This very first hybrid-electric polar exploration ship powered by LNG has been designed with the greatest attention to detail in terms of safety and respect for the environment.
Up to 245 Guests
123 staterooms & suites
215 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Overnight in Santiago + flight Santiago/Ushuaia + transfers + flight Ushuaia/Santiago
For your serenity, PONANT has organised the following included programme for you, which starts the day prior to embarkation.
The day before embarkation – Santiago
Transfer from airport to PONANT selected hotel.
In order to organise your transfer, please inform your travel agent 60 days before departure, your flight number as well as your arrival time and day.
Meet and greet at the hotel by our local representative. Check-in from late morning.
Lunch on your own and time at leisure in the afternoon.
Dinner.
Overnight at the hotel.
Embarkation Day – Santiago/Ushuaia
A light morning breakfast will be served before leaving for the airport for your Santiago/Ushuaia flight.
Transfer to the airport.
Flight Santiago/Ushuaia selected by PONANT in economy class.
Seats in business class may be available, please contact your travel agent.
Approximate flight duration: 3 hours
Meet and greet at Ushuaia airport (English-speaking assistance).
Transfer to Le Commandant-Charcot.
Embarkation.
– Cruise on board your ship –
Disembarkation Day – Ushuaia/Santiago
Disembarkation.
Meet and greet at the port (English-speaking assistance).
Transfer to the airport in time for check-in of the flight Ushuaia/Santiago selected by PONANT in economy class.
Approximate flight duration: 3 hours
Seats in business class may be available, please contact your travel agent.
It is highly recommended to have an international inbound flight the day after PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
- Transfer from airport upon flight arrival.
- 1-night accommodation in a 5* hotel the night before embarkation.
Your hotel will be confirmed few weeks before your cruise. - Early check-in available from late morning.
- Hospitality desk at the hotel in Santiago.
- Return flight Santiago/Ushuaia/Santiago selected by PONANT, in economy class.
Seats in business class may be available, please contact your travel agent. - Meals as mentioned in the programme and beverage package.
- Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Other meals and services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- The local currency is the Chilean Peso. You will be able to make most of your purchases in USD (in small denominations) or by credit card, accepted in most hotels, shopping centres and boutiques. You will also be able to retrieve Pesos from the ATM’s.
- Summer season in Santiago: temperatures may be very hot, but often between 68 °F (20 °C) and 95 °F (35 °C).
- Summer season in Ushuaia: temperatures vary between 41 °F (5 °C) and 65 °F (15 °C)
- We recommend you wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
- If case PONANT has not received your full flight details, services start at the hotel in time for check-in.
Programme is subject to change.
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Polar Expedition
Realise your dream of adventure in the polar regions ! Discover the icy vastness and the fauna of Antarctica (humpback whales, seals, penguins and more) or the Arctic's fjords, glaciers and icebergs in shifting colours, not to mention the polar bears, the variety of wildlife and the special moments shared with the locals. Our team of naturalist guides share their knowledge with you during varied lectures about the fauna, the flora, the history of great explorations, geology and climatology. Thanks to its conscientiousness and to the responsible approach that is its hallmark, PONANT has been a leader and expert in cruises to these destinations for more than 20 years.
The Travel Concierge service
A voyage aboard Le Commandant Charcot is a unique experience. Our Travel Concierge service is designed to make your trip an unforgettable one by offering services precisely tailored to your individual needs. These include private transfers, access to airport waiting lounges, home services during your absence and personalised stopovers.
Our Travel Concierge team is ready to help with the smallest details of your trip, so you can leave home care-free and enjoy the voyage with complete peace of mind.
Discover all the concierge services by clicking here.
Looking forward to accompanying you,
PONANT Travel Concierge Team
Air allowance_CHARCAIR
Offer available from 17th May to 15th July with code « CHARCAIR ». Air allowance of 2000€ per guest.
Offer subject to availability and cannot be applied retrospectively.
Offer non combinable with No Single Supplement offer or potential exceptional offer.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
27/11/2023 - FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + EXCLUSIVE OVERNIGHT IN SANTIAGO (1 NIGHT)(POST)
1.850 €
Find out moreWINE TASTING IN CHILE (3 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Santiago
Meet at Santiago Airport in the Arrival hall, look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative of the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).Transfer of around 1 hour from the airport to the Hotel Singular 5* (or similar), located in the very heart of Santiago's historic and cultural district.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Santiago / Maipo Valley
After your breakfast, you will then travel to the Maipo Valley, south of Santiago, famous for its vineyards, the oldest of which date back to the 16th century.
You will discover the estate of Concha y Toro, which is one of the main Chilean wine producers, where you will enjoy a guided tour and a wine tasting. You will have lunch in the restaurant of the Santa Rita estate.
You will then be transferred to the Hotel Las Majadas, where you will be invited to a welcome cocktail. This remarkable early 20th century building, constructed in the Neo-Gothic style, also has a very beautiful wooded park. An enchanted interlude amidst the Chilean vineyards.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 - Maipo Valley / Valparaiso
After your breakfast and check-out, on the way to Valparaiso, you will visit the Matetic vineyard surrounding an elegant residence with the appearance of a hacienda. You will enjoy a presentation of the estate and a wine tasting followed by lunch, before continuing towards Valparaiso, which is famous for its colourful houses and its hills overlooking the ocean. In this city, which was a sanctuary for Pablo Neruda, a certain urban poetry reigns and street artists let their creativity run free.
You will be able to admire many emblematic murals in its districts and visit the house where Pablo Neruda lived, called La Sebastiana, offering commanding views over the Bay of Valparaiso.
You will arrive at the hotel Casa Higuieras, a former 1920s mansion, where you will dine and spend the night.
Day 4 - Valparaiso / Santiago
After your breakfast and check-out, you will be transferred to Santiago during a panoramic tour, before going to your hotel, the Ritz Carlton.
Your hotels:
Singular 5*
This elegant Belle Epoque style hotel is located in the heart of Santiago's historic centre. It has a spa, restaurant and bar, as well as a magnificent roof terrace overlooking the whole city.
La Majadas 4*
Created by a team of architects in 2016, this hotel has 50 rooms with views over a park. The rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated. The hotel has a restaurant, the Séquoia, which serves local cuisine and the best wines from the Valley of Maipo.
La Casa Higueras 4*
The Hotel Casa Higueras is 120 km from Santiago Airport and 45 km from the Casalanca wine valley. Occupying a majestic house that dates back to the early 20th century, the Hotel Casa Higueras has a spa and swimming pool with views over the bay.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 1 night accomodation in Classic room in Santiago at the Singular hotel5* (local standard) breakfast included.
- 1 night in Maipo Valley in Superior room at the hotel Las Majadas Pirque 4* (local standard) breakfast included.
- 1 night in Classic room in Valparaiso at the hotel La Casa Higuieras 4* (local standard), breakfast included.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine or 1 local beer and 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Dinner day 1.
- Personal expenses.
- Visa if necessary.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Early check-in and late check-out.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
- Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.
Contact of your hotels:
Singular Hotel Santiago
Merced 294, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chili
Hotel Las Majadas
José Julio Nieto S/N, 9480069, Pirque, Chili
Hotel La Casa de Higuieras
Higuera 133, 2370540, Valparaíso, Chili
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : 4.180 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
EXCLUSIVE OVERNIGHT IN SANTIAGO (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Pier of disembarkation/Santiago
Meet and greet upon arrival of the flight to Santiago selected by PONANT by our local representative.
You will be transferred to The Singular Santiago, Lastarria Hotel 5*.
Lunch and afternoon at leisure.
Dinner at leisure.
Optional activity for dinner:
Wine cellar dinner
In a historic and intimate space, enjoy a gastronomic expericence combine with a fine selection of Chilean wines.
Limited seats, contact your travel agent for more information.
Day 2 - Santiago
Breakfast followed by check-out.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotel:
Located in the cultural and historical hub of Santiago, The Singular Santiago, Lastarria Hotel invites guests to embody its unique spirit through relaxation and singular satisfaction. Providing excellent service in an elegant atmosphere, the hotel offers perfectly balanced architecture, distinctive design and gastronomy which integrates the essence of the area.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 1-night deluxe room accommodation at The Singular Santiago, Lastarria Hotel 5* local norm (or similar), including breakfast.
- Transfers mentioned in the programme.
- Services of a local English speaking local guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the guide and the driver.
- Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.
- The lunch and dinneron your arrival day.
- Optional dinner experience
Please note:
The official currency is the Chilean peso. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, city centre shops and boutiques, or you can change euros in the foreign exchange outlets, or take out Chilean pesos from cash-points and banks. US dollars are also accepted (make sure you have some small denomination notes with you).
It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
Contacts of your hotel:
The Singular Santiago, Lastarria Hotel
Merced 294,
Santiago, Región Metropolitana,
Chile
Tel +56 2 2306 8800
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Travellers are advised to check all the information with the authorities concerned prior to the departure date. CDP advises Travellers to consult the country factsheets relating to the chosen destinations. CDP specifically draws Travellers' attention to the fact that the information provided may change up until the departure date, and they are advised to consult that information up until the time of departure. CDP invites Travellers to adjust their behavior to the visited country, to exercise vigilance and to avoid carrying valuable objects during their travel.
Total : 370 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + EXCLUSIVE OVERNIGHT IN SANTIAGO (1 NIGHT)(POST)
Total : 1.850 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.