Group of adult emperor penguins with white bellies, gray backs, black beaks & orange-yellow necks stands atop a snowfield.
Guests on a Commandant Charcot Weddell Sea voyage stand on ship's helicopter launch pad bow & view a sea of icebergs.
Whale tail sprays water while polar travelers dressed in red jackets look on from Zodiacs at a distance.
2 travelers in orange coats aboard a Le Commandant Charcot Weddell Sea Voyage stand in sunshine & view a large tabular iceberg.
Aerial view of dark blue expedition ship cruising ice-laden waters on a stormy day.
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Polar Regions Antarctica Cruise

Le Commandant Charcot Weddell Sea Voyages

Extreme and captivating is the best way to describe the Weddell Sea, mostly frozen by a thick and compressed ice floe. Voyage into this challenging and immense polar expanse aboard luxury hybrid electric ship Le Commandant Charcot, cruising among an infinite ice desert in total comfort. Take in a world of silence and a refuge for Antarctic wildlife. Over 14 days, seek possible emperor penguins, skipping over the South Shetland Islands. Sail round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina.

Cruise aboard the sophisticated and sustainability-minded Le Commandant Charcot. This spacious 245-guest hybrid electric ship carries a maximum of 200 guests in Antarctica, with French-inspired luxury and a focus on food, wellness, onboard engagement and active programming. Participate in citizen science with Le Commandant Charcot’s onboard research laboratory, and enjoy included activities such as kayaking and hiking. This modern, innovative ship with five-star service makes her a top pick within our luxury Antarctica cruises.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruise itineraries and other trips to Antarctica, including Falkland Islands and South Georgia cruises.



Itinerary

The Emperor Penguins of Weddell Sea Itinerary

The 14-day Emperor Penguins of Weddell Sea voyage sails round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, bookended by round-trip charter flights to and from Santiago, Chile.

Route map of The 14-day Emperor Penguins of Weddell Sea Antarctica cruise aboard Le Commandant Charcot, round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with bookend flights via Santiago, Chile, and visits to the North Antarctic Peninsula & Drake Passage.
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Day 1
Arrive Santiago, Chile

Arrive in Santiago, Chile, and spend the night prior to an included group charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, for embarkation and the start of this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Accommodations

Included Hotel TBA

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Fly to Ushuaia, Argentina & Embark

Capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible.

Accommodations

Le Commandant Charcot

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 3 - 4
Drake Passage

Use these days spent in the Drake Passage to become familiar with the ship and deepen your knowledge of the Antarctic. The expedition leader will first present the IAATO rules of conduct that must be observed during landings in the region and will explain everything about the Zodiac outings. Lectures about the history and wildlife of the Antarctic will be an opportunity to learn more about this magical region, where every cruise is a unique experience. From the ship’s bridge, experience exceptional sailing moments before joining the naturalist guides on the ship’s exterior decks to look out for albatrosses, cape petrels and other seabirds flying over the Drake Passage.

Accommodations

Le Commandant Charcot

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
North Antarctic Peninsula

Throughout this time in the north of the Antarctic Peninsula, enjoy being in the heart of a spectacular décor in subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. Sail through the Antarctic Sound, named after Swedish explorer Otto Nordenskjöld’s ship, which was trapped by the ice during an important scientific expedition in 1902. The gateway to the Weddell Sea, this sound is filled with gigantic tabular icebergs and plates of sea ice drifting northward from the coastal areas of this vast sea. It is home to Adelie penguins and a great many leopard seals.

Accommodations

Le Commandant Charcot

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 6 - 11
Weddell Sea Explorations

Impassable, extreme and captivating: this is the best way to describe the Weddell Sea, much of which is covered by a layer of thick, densely packed ice. It is a challenge and a privilege to sail upon this sea. Polar exploration finds its full meaning here. Heading towards the South is a real quest, with the promise of highly-charged encounters with the continent’s endemic fauna. This is the kingdom of the emperor penguin, the largest penguin in the world, renowned for its elegance. Unlike other penguins that live on the rocks, the emperor nests on the ice floe which it needs for its reproductive cycle. It is therefore on the ice floe that travelers here may be able to observe these penguins walking around with their characteristic gait. In this southern sea, where the ice changes and is transformed constantly, there is never any monotony. The new reliefs and new colors ensure never-ending wonderment. Sail into the heart of the immaculate ice floe, which is dislocated or densely packed, into an alley of icebergs. Among them are immense blocks of ice, tabular icebergs that drift and illuminate the ocean with their cerulean blue haloes. Aboard, on shore, on the ice, be as close as possible to the colonies of Adelie penguins, Weddell seals, minke whales, orcas, snow petrels.… With a little luck, get a glimpse of a rare Ross seal with its silver pelage or of emperor penguins, waddling along the edge of the ice floe. A sight that is as fascinating as it is emotional.

Accommodations

Le Commandant Charcot

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 12 - 13
Drake Passage

If there is one place, one sea, one waterway dreaded by tourists, researchers and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly the Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to connect Antarctica to South America. As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, Drake Passage harbors a very diverse marine fauna. Don’t forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around the ship.

Accommodations

Le Commandant Charcot

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 14
Disembark Ushuaia, Argentina, Fly to Santiago, Chile & Depart

Say farewell to the ship’s crew, captain and guides, as well as new friends made during this epic voyage. Disembark here, catch the return charter flight to Santiago and travel onward.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Transfers program (includes transfer to included 5-star hotel from Santiago airport or chosen pick-up location within a 30-mile range from the city center, 1-night stay in a Santiago hotel plus dinner and beverage package on Night 1, breakfast on Day 2, one-way flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas and from Ushuaia to Santiago, transfer to the ship for embarkation on Day 2, and disembarkation day transfer from the ship to the airport); all meals while on board the ship; captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner; “open bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands); evening entertainment and events; room service; highly qualified bilingual French/English expedition team; lectures presented by the expedition team; Zodiac and shore excursions; park entry fees into protected areas; complimentary unlimited Wifi on board; boot rental and polar parka to keep (no children sizes available in either); port fees and taxes (except for child passengers–see Families & Children); gratuities; activities indicated in cruise documents.

Exclusions

Other meals and services not mentioned in the program; optional add-on excursions or packages; ground services before or after the cruise, aside from Transfers program; visa expenses; possible immigration reciprocity taxes; gratuities for the local guide; luggage handling; beverages beyond those in Inclusions; laundry, hair salon, spa treatments, onboard medical consultations and other personal charges; cancellation, luggage, assistance, repatriation, medical and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations beyond 14 days after booking confirmation are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
365 days or more – $250
364 to 211 days – 10% of total trip cost
210 to 91 days – 100% of deposit
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Emperor Penguins of Weddell Sea voyage begins and ends in Santiago, Chile (SCL). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Recommended flight arrival and departure times are specific to each voyage; consult your Adventure Specialist for guidelines relating to your departure. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

Economy class group charter flights between Santiago, Chile, and Ushuaia, Argentina, are included with this trip’s itinerary; see the Transfers program information listed above under Inclusions. Charter flights are unique per departure and details will be confirmed in advance. The flight to Ushuaia is expected to depart after breakfast on day 2 of the itinerary. There is a luggage limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) checked luggage and 18 lbs (8 kg) cabin baggage on the flights between Santiago and Ushuaia for Economy class. Additional Economy class baggage allotment can be requested and purchased and is based on availability. Business Class seating is available upon request and may incur an additional charge. The luggage limit for business class is two 50 lbs (23 kg) checked luggage and 22 lbs (10 kg) cabin baggage. On the final day of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier and breakfast is held on board. Disembarkation follows breakfast, with a transfer to the airport for the return charter flight to Santiago.

Activities

Various optional, included activities may be available on your Emperor Penguins of Weddell Sea voyage: citizen science, kayaking, hiking and snowshoeing. Additional activities include practicing photography, the polar plunge, Zodiac cruising and shore-based excursions. In addition to these off-ship excursions, a multitude of onboard activities keep guests engaged, including live music, dance and theater; spa treatments; exercise and stretching classes; specialty food, wine and cocktail tastings; organized games; and lectures by guides and possible special guests.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. This supplement may vary depending on cabin category and remaining availability per departure. A willing-to-share program is not available. Triple and quadruple rates may be available in select cabin categories; contact AdventureSmith for details.

Families & Children

Children 8 years and older at time of travel are welcomed on this expedition. Children under 18 years old at time of travel may receive special discounts when sharing a cabin with two full-fare adults. A child sharing a cabin with a single adult is considered to be a paying adult. Contact AdventureSmith for details.

Travel Insurance

On Commandant Charcot, an EKG (electrocardiogram) is required from the doctor of any guest who wishes to participate in the polar plunge (where available). A medical form for all travelers is required for every departure. Travelers are also highly encouraged to have full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Oct 30 - Nov 12, 2025
Le Commandant Charcot • 14 days
From $30850USD
Per Person
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Nov 11 - Nov 24, 2025
Le Commandant Charcot • 14 days
From $30850USD
Per Person
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Nov 23 - Dec 06, 2025
Le Commandant Charcot • 14 days
From $30850USD
Per Person
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Dec 19 - Jan 03, 2026
Le Commandant Charcot • 16 days
From $30380USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Luxury Hybrid Electric Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot, carrying 200-245 guests, is a sophisticated, luxury expedition ship cruising the Arctic & Antarctic. Her hybrid electric engine, powered by liquefied natural gas, is the first of its kind. And her activity options, including ice fishing, offer a unique polar experience, rounded out by a French-inspired onboard atmosphere.

Expert Reviews

Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect

Lauren Pilholski • October 25th, 2022
Expert Aboard: Le Commandant Charcot Ship Review

Get expert insight on the record-breaking ship Le Commandant Charcot. Our specialist was aboard for more than two weeks and reviews everything from the cabins to the crew and programming.

Andrew Browning • December 1st, 2020
Expert Review: The South Georgia Expedition Experience

An AdventureSmith expert returns to Antarctica—this time stopping at the wildlife Mecca of South Georgia Island. Learn all about the Island's wildlife, landscape, trip highlights to differences and see if South Georgia should be part of your Antarctica expedition.

Testimonial

Hear It From Travelers Who Have Explored With Us

"Well-planned, Unique & Memorable"

The cruise was well-planned and the scientists aboard made the experience unique and memorable. The food was outstanding and... the spa, the detox bar and the indoor swimming pool added even more luxury.

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Le Commandant Charcot Weddell Sea Voyages

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