Emperor Penguins of Weddell Sea | Antarctica | November 24th - December 6th, 2025
Emperor Penguins of the Weddell Sea | A Rare Antarctic Encounter
Venture deep into the Weddell Sea, one of the most remote and ice-bound regions on Earth, in search of the elusive emperor penguin. Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, you’ll navigate a frozen expanse of towering tabular icebergs and shifting floes, retracing the legendary route of Shackleton’s Endurance. In this fleeting Antarctic spring, witness young emperor penguins taking their first steps on the ice or learning to swim—a once-in-a-lifetime encounter in one of the last true frontiers on the planet.
Highlights
The Ultimate Emperor Penguin Quest – Journey deep into the nearly inaccessible Weddell Sea to observe emperor penguins in their remote icy habitat.
Expedition-Style Exploration – Take to the water in Zodiacs with an expert team of naturalist guides for up-close encounters with Antarctica’s wildlife and landscapes.
Photography Masterclass – Capture the perfect shot with workshops, lectures, and personalized coaching from a professional photo ambassador.
Immersive Learning – Engage in onboard lectures and discussions led by specialists in polar wildlife, glaciology, and the history of Antarctic exploration.
Spectacular Polar Scenery – Navigate a world of towering tabular icebergs, sprawling glaciers, and ever-changing sea ice.
Wildlife Encounters – Spot emperor, Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins, along with Weddell, leopard, and crabeater seals, plus humpback whales and orcas.
Adventurous Activities – Choose from kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, or even the legendary polar plunge.
Itinerary
Weddell Sea Expedition – 13 Days of Pure Adventure
**Overnight hotel in Santiago and flights to Ushuaia included**
Day 1 – Embark in Ushuaia
Your journey begins in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world and your gateway to Antarctica. Nestled between towering peaks and the Beagle Channel, this remote outpost is as scenic as it gets. After boarding in the afternoon, set sail into the wild, leaving behind civilization as you head toward the White Continent.
Days 2–3 – Crossing the Drake Passage
Two days at sea means time to settle in, meet your expedition team, and get ready for what’s ahead. Learn about Antarctica’s wildlife, history, and the all-important IAATO landing protocols. Keep your eyes on the horizon—this stretch of ocean is prime territory for spotting albatross, petrels, and maybe even your first glimpse of icebergs.
Day 4 – North Antarctic Peninsula
Welcome to Antarctica. Today, you sail through the dramatic Antarctic Sound, known for its towering tabular icebergs and the unmistakable presence of Adelie penguins. Leopard seals patrol the waters, and if you're lucky, you might spot them lounging on the ice, waiting for their next meal.
Days 5–10 – The Weddell Sea Exploration
This is where true adventure unfolds. The Weddell Sea is remote, wild, and ice-covered for most of the year, making it one of the most exclusive places to explore. This is emperor penguin territory—the largest and most elusive of all penguins. With flexible navigation based on ice conditions, your expedition team will seek out the best opportunities to explore, whether by ship, Zodiac, or even on the ice itself. Expect encounters with Adelie penguins, Weddell seals, orcas, and—if the stars align—the rare Ross seal. Every moment here feels like stepping into a nature documentary.
Days 11–12 – Crossing the Drake Passage (Return)
You’ve earned your Antarctic explorer badge. Now, it’s time to cross back over the legendary Drake Passage, with a final chance to spot seabirds and reflect on the surreal landscapes you’ve just experienced.
Day 13 – Disembark in Ushuaia
Back to where it all began. Disembark in Ushuaia in the morning, with memories (and probably thousands of photos) of a journey to one of the most untouched places on Earth.
Your ICEBREAKER Ship: Le Commandant Charcot
PONANT’s latest addition to the fleet, Le Commandant Charcot - the very first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration ship powered by liquified natural gas, is the epitome of a more responsible and sustainable sailing. Safe and low impact polar navigation is her area of expertise, taking advantage of the latest innovations and even developing new, market-leading technologies and solutions to make Le Commandant Charcot one of the most advanced polar vessels at sea today. Designed for ultimate comfort in the most remote corners of the world, this ship redefines expedition cruising.
With elegant lounges, a panoramic restaurant, an indoor pool, and even an outdoor Blue Lagoon dining space, every detail is crafted for French-style luxury with a front-row seat to Antarctica’s breathtaking landscapes. Plus, as the first hybrid-electric polar ship powered by LNG, it’s leading the way in sustainable exploration.
Refined, innovative, and built for adventure.
What’s Included
All meals on board
Welcome cocktail & gala dinner
Unlimited Wi-Fi
Standard Open Bar
Evening entertainment & events
24/7 room service
Highly qualified expedition team
Zodiac landings
Park entry fees
Complimentary boot rental
Polar parka to keep (no children’s sizes)
Flights, transfers & overnight in Santiago
Gratuities & onboard credit included
Cruise Pricing Per Person (Based on Double Occupancy, USD):
Space is limited - take advantage of EXCLUSIVE rates!
Pricing from $28,182.00 per person
Note: International airfare & visa expenses, travel insurance, some on-ship expenses, adventure options, and trip extensions are not included.
