Ponant Explorations has unveiled its 2028-29 Antarctica programme, and it's one of the French expedition line's most ambitious yet: 12 itineraries, close to 30 departures and sailings ranging from a snappy 10 nights to a full 59-night circumnavigation of the continent.
The headline act is Le Commandant Charcot, the line's polar-capable flagship, which departs Ushuaia, Argentina, on January 11, 2029 for a 59-night voyage sold in two segments, with an overnight stop in Hobart, Tasmania on February 9, 2029. It's Ponant's second full circumnavigation of Antarctica — a rare chance to sail the entire White Continent in one go.
Beyond the big loop, the season covers classic Peninsula crossings, Weddell Sea ice navigation and deep southern routes. Standouts include the 12-night Weddell Sea and Larsen Ice Shelf sailing aboard Le Commandant Charcot (departing December 16, 2028), a 14-night journey beyond the Antarctic Circle following the wake of explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot (December 28, 2028), and the 17-night Great Austral Loop with four departures between November 2028 and February 2029. Le Soléal heads further afield too, with a 14-night expedition to New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands and a 21-night Ross Sea voyage tracing the routes of Scott and Shackleton.
Two departures come with an added intellectual layer. A 12-night Weddell Sea voyage in alliance with The Explorers Club leaves November 6, 2028, while Le Lyrial runs a 10-night 'Antarctica: The White Continent' sailing with Smithsonian Journeys on January 28, 2029. The line's most popular option, 'Emblematic Antarctica' — 10 nights aboard Le Boréal or Le Lyrial — has 13 departures across the season.
All sailings come with Ponant's expedition team and naturalist guides, with Zodiac excursions, shore landings, kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing and, for the brave, the polar plunge. Travellers who want more can bolt on a three-night extension at Iguazú Falls before or after sailing from Ushuaia.
Fares start at $15,450 per person — firmly luxury territory, but that covers boutique ships, expert-led landings and a level of polar access most operators can't match.
Who's this for? Travellers planning far ahead who want choice: the 2028-29 season spans everything from a first-timer-friendly Peninsula itinerary to bucket-list Ross Sea and circumnavigation voyages. Booking early matters on these sailings — the longer, rarer routes tend to fill first, and cabin categories on small expedition ships are limited. If a full-circle Antarctic voyage has been on your list, this is one of the few operators offering it.
