Ponant Opens 2028-29 Antarctica Season With 12 Expedition Itineraries on Four Ships

October 14, 2026 — Ponant Explorations has announced its 2028-29 Antarctic season: 12 expedition itineraries and nearly 30 departures of 10 to 59 nights on Le Commandant Charcot, Le Lyrial, Le Boréal and Le Soléal. Fares start at $15,450 per person.

Highlights

Voyage	Ship	Length	Departure(s)
Weddell Sea expedition (with The Explorers Club)	Le Commandant Charcot	12 nights	November 6, 2028
Emblematic Antarctica	Le Boréal, Le Lyrial	10 nights	13 departures, Nov 2028–Feb 2029
The Great Austral Loop	Le Boréal, Le Lyrial	17 nights	4 departures, Nov 2028–Feb 2029
The Weddell Sea & Larsen Ice Shelf	Le Commandant Charcot	12 nights	December 16, 2028
Beyond the Antarctic Circle	Le Commandant Charcot	14 nights	December 28, 2028
59-night voyage in two segments, from Ushuaia	Le Commandant Charcot	59 nights	January 11, 2029 (one night in Hobart on February 9, 2029)
Antarctica: The White Continent (with Smithsonian Journeys)	Le Lyrial	10 nights	January 28, 2029
Ross Sea Expedition	Le Soléal	21 nights	2 departures, Jan–Feb 2029
Falklands, South Georgia & Valdés Peninsula	Le Lyrial	18 nights	February 27, 2029

A three-night Iguazú Falls extension is also available. Booking opening date: TBA.

What it means for airline travelers

The 59-night voyage and the Iguazú Falls extension both start from Ushuaia (USH), Argentina. Getting there usually takes a connection, so plan at least one spare night before departure, especially if you are flying standby.
The 59-night Charcot voyage includes a night in Hobart, Tasmania. Check where your segment starts and ends before booking flights.
No travel-industry or interline rate changes were mentioned.