PONANT announces a new itinerary to witness the total solar eclipse on December 4, 2021 from the Weddell Sea – the only area in the world where the solar eclipse will be 100 percent visible. Departing on November 30, 2021, the 15-day itinerary aboard PONANT’s newest ship and the first luxury hybrid electric polar-class vessel, Le Commandant-Charcot, will offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Departing from Ushuaia
Departing from the world’s southernmost city of Ushuaia, Le Commandant-Charcot will sail through the Drake Passage, considered a badge of honor on Antarctic voyage, before arriving to the Weddell Sea ice pack on December 4. Guests will disembark onto the ice pack to witness this natural phenomenon as the moon passes between Earth and the sun. In a region where the sun never quite sets, it will be enveloped in complete darkness for a few minutes.
“We will be positioned in the heart of the sea ice, where the pristine white creates a high-pressure zone that will allow for clearer skies. Guests will have the privilege of witnessing this rare phenomenon from the ice pack,” says Nicolas Dubreuil, Polar and Tropical Expedition Expert and Director of Sustainability at PONANT.
Under the supervision of the team of naturalist guides and the on-board scientists, guests will be able to participate in the research and analyses of this astronomical event.
Travelers can also join scientists it setting up a station on an ice floe and taking water samples from these remote regions, working to improve the knowledge of the biodiversity, ecosystems and human’s impact on this region.
“This journey is one of a kind in a lifetime, full of meaning for future guests who will realise how important it is to preserve this incredible place,” concludes Dubreuil.
The itinerary also includes sailing by the Larsen Ice Shelf, the ice barrier that helps prevent the erosion of the Antarctic ice sheet; visiting the South Shetland Islands, home to a number of key scientific research stations; and observing a variety of wildlife including Weddell seals, Adelie penguins and humpback whales.
Rates start at $17,790 per person based on double occupancy, including roundtrip flights to and from Santiago and Ushuaia. A 30% PONANT Bonus offer is also available on bookings now. The full itinerary is linked here.
Le Commandant-Charcot
With 135 staterooms and suites, Le Commandant-Charcot will be the first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration vessel, powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas). Rooted in the company’s commitment to sustainable tourism with minimal environmental impact, the ship will be equipped with scientific laboratories and research equipment providing scientists with an observation, research and analysis platform to study the water, air, ice and biodiversity of these extreme polar regions. Numerous guest activities will also be offered including participative science, hovercraft, hot air balloon, snowmobiles, conferences by experts and more.
Responsible Tourism with PONANT
Created in 1988, by officers of the French Merchant Navy, PONANT has created a new style of cruising, under the French flag, through a unique conception of sea travel and a commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. Accessing exceptional territories aboard yachts featuring refined design, on which the art of living and excellent cuisine takes pride of place: such is the promise of a unique and authentic PONANT voyage.