Luxury

Luxury Weddell Sea Explorer

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Sail on a 5* icebreaker to Antarctica’s remote Weddell Sea region. Custom-built with cutting-edge nautical technology, this tough yet elegant vessel is designed to tackle the notoriously icy conditions. Your expert guides and Photo Ambassador will scan the spectacular ice edge for chances to encounter the elusive emperor penguin, along with other iconic Antarctic species.

Trip Summary

  • 7 full days exploring Antarctica = 14 planned off-ship excursions 
  • Antarctic operational experience since 2004
  • Expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:12 
  • Onboard visiting scientists undertaking Antarctic research projects
  • Complimentary kayaking session and snowshoeing activities
  • Includes pre-voyage hotel night and return Santiago-Ushuaia charter flights
  • Complimentary parka jacket and inclusive open bar package
  • Bilingual cruise operating in French and English 

Trip Overview

Route
  • Antarctica

  • Weddell Sea

Trip length
14 Days
Ship Comfort
Luxury
Ship
Le Commandant Charcot
Total guests
200

From

$30,380

Operator's Itinerary

Touch down in the energetic city of Santiago, where you’ll be met at the airport and taken on a complimentary group transfer to your included hotel.

After checking in, you'll have plenty of time to explore the Chilean capital’s bustling streets and rich culture. Wander through the historic Lastarria neighbourhood, visit the towering Metropolitan Cathedral and stroll up Santa Lucia Hill for scenic city views across to the Andes.

A complimentary dinner is held in the evening, where you can meet your fellow passengers.

You have an early start this morning with breakfast at the hotel before taking the group transfer to the airport for your charter flight to Ushuaia. Upon landing in the southerly capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, you’ll be whisked to your waiting ship.

As you leave port and set sail down the Beagle Channel, soak up the views of Ushuaia’s snow-capped mountains in the distance.

As you sail south across the legendary Drake Passage, there’s time to acquaint yourself with your unique vessel. Your expedition guides will brief you on the logistics for your upcoming adventures in the White Continent. They will also deliver captivating lectures on Antarctica’s exploration-rich history and diverse wildlife.

Take time to experience the exciting views of the open sea from the deck and test out the unusual heated seats. Here, you can join the naturalist guides and spot albatrosses, cape petrels and other majestic seabirds soaring over the Drake Passage. As you approach Antarctica, keep your eyes peeled for your first iceberg.

Days at sea are also the ideal chance to make the most of the facilities on your 5* expedition ship. Whether you're enjoying French cuisine from menus curated by a Michelin-starred chef or pampering yourself in the detox bar, luxury is guaranteed.

Prepare to be awestruck as the ship navigates the northern parts of the Antarctic Peninsula. En route to the Weddell Sea, you'll sail through the Antarctic Sound, named after Scandinavian explorer Otto Nordenskjöld’s ship, trapped by ice in 1902.

As you approach the Weddell Sea, the seascape is punctuated by colossal tabular icebergs and drifting ice. Journeying southward, keep an eye out for Antarctic wildlife - from beady-eyed Adelie penguins to slinking leopard seals and the blow of humpback whales arriving to feast on krill.

Sailing the Weddell Sea, a notorious and often impenetrable area due to thick sea ice, is both a challenge and a privilege. With its dramatic forms and kaleidoscope of blue hues, the ever-changing landscape is just spectacular. Your experienced Ice Captains will use the ship’s formidable technology to safely navigate through leads in the ice.

With luck - and the help of your eagle-eyed guides - you might even glimpse the elusive emperor penguins shuffling across the frozen surfaces of the region as they head out to sea. Six entire days here mean you can maximise your opportunities to seek out these photogenic creatures, along with Weddell seals, minke whales and orcas, in a pristine habitat.

Between excursions, take time to unwind and soak in the unique outdoor Blue Lagoon pool under the Antarctic sky. In the evenings, enjoy the entertainment laid on by the ship’s professional musicians with a glass of wine and soak up the views from the window-filled social areas.

As you navigate north back towards South America, you'll again cross the convergence zone, where cold southern currents clash with warmer equatorial waters. You may also spot mighty albatrosses and cape petrels dancing in the air currents above the ship.

After disembarking, a representative will greet you at the port and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Santiago in Chile, where your trip began. From here, you're at leisure to continue your onward journey home.

Start from Santiago and end at Santiago

Landmarks potentially visited on Luxury Weddell Sea Explorer

NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise.

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Prices & Departures

3 Trips Found3/3
Availability
7 cabin options
Departure Date30-Oct-2025
Price
Availability
7 cabin options
Departure Date11-Nov-2025
Price
Availability
7 cabin options
Departure Date23-Nov-2025
Price

You've travelled to the end of our list. We have a wide range of other options across our website.

*Note: Prices are per person. The actual voyage price is paid in USD ($) - the indicative pricing above is based on today's exchange rate.
  • Open bar for duration of voyage
  • 24 hour room service
  • Unlimited WIFI on board (subject to availability) 
  • Pre and post voyage transfers as indicated in the itinerary
  • 1-night accommodation in a 5* hotel in Santiago, Chile the night before embarkation.
  • Return charter flights between Santiago and Ushuaia 
  • Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
  • Accommodation and meals onboard on full board basis
  • All shore excursions and zodiac activities
  • Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
  • Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
  • Loan of rubber boots
  • Complimentary waterproof parka jacket to keep 
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information
  • Port taxes and any entry fees to historic landing sites
  • Access to fitness room and wellness centre
  • Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
  • Transfers not specified in the itinerary
  • Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
  • Airport arrival or departure taxes
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry 
  • Select premium beverages 
  • Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
  • Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop, photography & spa services)

Each voyage welcomes a highly skilled Photo Ambassador, who will host workshops and offer personalised advice to help improve your photography skills.

Guest speaker Nicolas Vincent, the subsea manager of 2022’s successful mission to locate Ernest Shackleton’s sunken Endurance ship, will be aboard the 11-Nov-20​​25 voyage. 

Single Supplement And Child Policy

If you're a solo traveller please contact us for further details. 

Children aged 8 years old or over are permitted on this trip. Please note that not every cabin category can accommodate three people. Please contact us for details.

Optional Adventure Activities

Enhance your trip with the following add ons. Limited places per activity. Get in contact to check availability.

Questions about this Voyage?