Ponant Explorations has announced that it will return to Antarctica for its 2028-29 season with a program of 12 expedition itineraries, including a voyage operated in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys and a departure with The Explorers Club.

The program offers 10- to 59-night sailings and includes nearly 30 departures spanning the continent’s full reach.

“Our 2028-29 Antarctic season showcases the extraordinary diversity of experiences available across the White Continent, from classic journeys along the Antarctic Peninsula to crossing the Weddell Sea to our second full circumnavigation,” said Samuel Chamberlain, CEO at Ponant.

In a press release, the company said Le Commandant Charcot returns in 2029. Departing Ushuaia, Argentina, on January 11, 2029, the ship will offer a 59-night itinerary in two segments, with a one-night stay in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, on February 9, 2029.

Ponant added that select Antarctic departures deepen the journey through specialized enrichment programs, with a voyage offered in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys and another featuring The Explorers Club:

“Setting Sail for the Ice of the Mythical Weddell Sea in alliance with The Explorers Club”

• Le Commandant Charcot
• 12 nights onboard; November 6, 2028

“Antarctica: The White Continent in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys”

• Le Lyrial
• 10 nights on board; January 28, 2029

“Emblematic Antarctica”

• Le Boréal, Le Lyrial
• 10 nights; 13 departures
• November 2028 to February 2029

The company said each itinerary offers its own vantage point at each destination.

Travelers can extend their journey with a three-night stay at the spectacular Iguazú Falls, departing from Ushuaia.

More highlight itineraries include the following: 

“The Great Austral Loop”

• Le Boréal, Le Lyrial
• 17 nights; four departures; November 2028 to February 2029

“The Weddell Sea & Larsen Ice Shelf”

• Le Commandant Charcot
• 12 nights; December 16, 2028

“Beyond the Antarctic Circle – In the Wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot”

• Le Commandant Charcot
• 14 nights; December 28, 2028

“Expedition to New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands”

• Le Soléal
• 14 nights; two departures; December 2028 to January 2029

“Scott &Shackleton’ss Antarctic – Ross Sea Expedition”

• Le Soléal
• 21 nights; two departures; January to February 2029

“Falklands, South Georgia & Valdés Peninsula: in the Heart of the Wilderness”

• Le Lyrial
• 18 nights; February 27, 2029

Throughout the season, the company’s expedition team and naturalist guides lead activities that may include Zodiac excursions, shore landings, polar plunges, kayaking, hiking and snowshoeing.

Fares for the 2028-29 Antarctic season start at $15,450 per person.