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February 26, 2023

After 28 days of sailing and 6,500 nautical miles covered, the luxury ice-breaking ship Le Commandant Charcot of Ponant has completed its first semi-circumnavigation of the southern continent

On February 14th, 2023 in Lytteltoln, New Zealand, one of the most ambitious expeditions beyond the Antarctic Circle was concluded, ranking as one of the longest expedition trips ever made in this region, both in length and distance.

The passengers were not only able to enjoy the luxury of Ponant‘s ship, but were lucky enough to observe during the sailing orcas, whales, emperor penguins and various rare species of seals that live only in these areas of Antarctica.

The ship was designed down to the smallest detail to face these journeys and is equipped with the most modern technological innovations that allow it to reduce its environmental impact, also thanks to a hybrid electric motor that uses natural gas.

This expedition also hosted two groups of scientists and researchers who were able to take advantage and exploit the state-of-the-art spaces and laboratories with which the ship is equipped to study these remote and unexplored regions.

The second semi-circumnavigation expedition on Le Commandant Charcot board has already begun and the ship is on its way to Adelie Land, a region of Antarctica only discovered in 1840 by the French explorer Jules Dumont d’Urville.

In view of 2024, the company has already planned two expeditions: the first involves a semi-circumnavigation starting from the southern tip of the American continent to New Zealand; the second, however, will explore the most remote and southern areas of Antarctica including Victoria Land, Marie Byrd Land, and the Adelie Lands.

Find more information, advice and reviews of Ponant on Cruising Journal with photos, videos and cruises on offer.

Fabio Brambilla

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