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Unexplored East Antarctica & French Southern Lands | Le Commandant Charcot Expedition Ship

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Unexplored East Antarctica & French Southern Lands
This 29-day journey starts in Hobart, Tasmania, where you’ll discover Australia’s second-oldest city before boarding a luxury polar exploration vessel. Sail through remote areas of Antarctica, including Adélie Land, Wilkes Land, and Queen Mary Land, and witness breathtaking glaciers, ice shelves, and unique wildlife such as penguins and seals. You’ll also visit the elusive Magnetic South Pole and explore the French Southern and Antarctic Lands. Throughout the expedition, participate in scientific research and gain insights from polar experts on board. The adventure concludes in the lively city of Cape Town.

Day by day

Day 1: Hobart, Tasmania

Nestled at the mouth of the Derwent River, Hobart offers striking views of Mt. Wellington and surrounding bushland. As Australia’s second-oldest city, it features a charming waterfront with colonial homes and 19th-century warehouses. Salamanca Place is a lively spot with shops, galleries, and eateries. The city also provides access to top attractions like Port Arthur, Bruny Island, and Mount Field National Park.

Day 2 to 5 : At Sea

Enjoy days aboard a state-of-the-art polar exploration ship, designed to navigate ice-filled waters. Lectures and expert-led discussions enhance your understanding of polar regions, while opportunities for scientific research offer a deeper look into these areas.

Day 6 & 7: Adélie Land
Day 8: Magnetic South Pole
Day 9 & 10: Adélie Land
Day 11 & 12: Wilkes Land
Day 13: Ice Shelf
Day 14, 15 & 16: Queen Mary Land
Day 17, 18 & 19: At Sea
Day 20 & 21: French Southern and Antarctic Lands
Day 22: At Sea
Day 23: French Southern and Antarctic Lands
Day 24, 25, 26, 27 & 28: At Sea
Day 29: Cape Town
 | Faroe Islands |  Antarctica
 | Neumayer Channel |  Antarctica
+12
 | Paulet Island |  Antarctica

Cruise Includes

All-inclusive dining (gourmet French cuisine)
24-hour room service
Excursions: Zodiac rides, kayaking, dog sledding
Entertainment: live music, shows, lectures
Scientific activities (citizen science programs)
Access to spa, heated pool, Blue Lagoon​

Cruise does not include

Shore excursions (varies by destination)
Premium spa services and treatments
Alcoholic beverages (some exclusions)
Personal shopping expenses
Tips for the local guide

Highlights

Visit the Magnetic South Pole, a rare and elusive destination.
Spot Adelie and emperor penguins in their natural Antarctic habitat.
Sail along towering ice shelves and glaciers in remote polar regions.

Activities

Sea Kayaking
Sea Kayaking
Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.
Ice Camping
Ice Camping
Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing
Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.
Photography
Photography
Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.
Explorer Boats
Explorer Boats
Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.
Yoga
Yoga
It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.

Unexplored East Antarctica & French Southern Lands

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