PONANT EXPLORATIONS marked a major milestone in the Southern Hemisphere with the Australian debut of its flagship icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot, in Hobart — alongside the launch of a full Antarctic Circumnavigation for 2028.
The vessel arrived in Hobart on Saturday 14 February at 4:15pm AEST, concluding a half-circumnavigation of Antarctica from Ushuaia through remote regions of East Antarctica, including Adélie Land and Wilkes Land. The visit marked the first time the luxury icebreaker had called into Australia, reinforcing Hobart’s role as a key Antarctic gateway.
Captain Stanislas Devorsine, formerly commander of L’Astrolabe from Hobart, described the arrival as a personal milestone, reflecting on his long involvement in French–Australian Antarctic operations.
Coinciding with the visit, PONANT EXPLORATIONS opened bookings for a 62-day full circumnavigation of Antarctica in early 2028. Departing Ushuaia in January, the voyage will span nearly 23,000 kilometres at the height of the austral summer, with a scheduled stop in Hobart before continuing back to South America. Highlights include the Ross Sea, Marie Byrd Land and the Balleny Islands, with wildlife encounters and expedition landings throughout.
Delivered in 2021, Le Commandant Charcot is the only passenger vessel with a PC2-class hull, capable of navigating multi-year ice up to 2.5 metres thick. The 245-guest ship combines advanced polar capability with refined luxury, including onboard dining curated by Alain Ducasse and dedicated scientific research facilities.
Following her inaugural Australian call, the vessel was scheduled to depart Hobart for Cape Town, continuing a series of pioneering polar voyages. Learn more about the 2028 Circumnavigation itinerary
