THE WEDDELL SEA & THE SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS

From Patagonia, to the Antarctic peninsula, via and the South Sandwich Islands, this all-new itinerary will take you into the heart of the Scotia Arc.

This volcanic archipelago at the junction of the Andes cordillera and the Antarctandes will be revealed to you in all its riches and splendour. All the wildlife of the Far South can be found there: king and gentoo penguins, elephant seals, fur seals mingle on the beautiful dark sand beaches… At sea, orcas, humpback whales and other cetaceans will escort you along your navigation through frozen waters.

This cruise will also be an opportunity to discover four very different ecosystems, from the wooded heights of the Tierra del Fuego and the table top icebergs of the Weddell Sea to the glacier-covered mountains of the South Sandwich Islands and the snow-capped summits of South Georgia. ITINERARY

Day 1 USHUAIA Capital of '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…

Days 2 - 3 CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com Use your days spent in the Drake Passage to familiarise yourself the coastal areas of this vast sea. It is home to Adelie penguins with your ship and deepen your knowledge of the Antarctic. The and a great many leopard seals. Expedition Leader will first present the IAATO rules of conduct that must be observed during landings in the region and will Days 6 - 7 THE WEDDELL SEA explain everything you need to know about the Zodiac® outings. Amid the eerie stillness of the Weddell Sea, wend your way Lectures about the history and wildlife of the Antarctic will be an through a labyrinth of dense ice floe and majestic table-top opportunity for you to learn more about this magical region, icebergs. Sweeping ice platforms sculpt a landscape unlike any where every cruise is a unique experience. From the ship’s other, populated by fur seals, penguins, wandering albatross bridge, you will experience exceptional sailing moments before and other remarkable seabirds. The Weddell seal – king of this joining the naturalist-guides on your ship’s exterior decks to look realm – will welcome you to his territory with a haunting cry that out for albatrosses, cape petrels, and other seabirds flying over pierces the surrounding silence. You can recognise him by his the Drake Passage. dark grey coat and spotted belly. Weddell seals have the impressive skill of being able to stay underwater for more than Day 4 SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS an hour. On the edge of the Antarctic Peninsula, 120 km (70 miles) from the White Continent, the South Shetland Islands offer surreal Day 8 SOUTHERN , SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS & COOK ISLAND, and mysterious scenery. On these volcanic islands of dark rock, SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS The southernmost island in the Sandwich Islands is a volcano the landscapes alternate between long, jagged and that rises to an altitude of 700 metres. For a long time, this snow-covered coast and large, gently sloping bays. These lunar former military base was the source of conflicts between the and wild lands are home to important scientific research British and the Argentinians, who finally took possession of the stations and a large number of animal species: chinstrap island in 1982 after the . While you are there, you penguins, crabeater seals or Weddell seals, Antarctic terns, may get the chance to observe impressive elephant seals and giant petrels and elephant seals have taken up residence here. Adelie or chinstrap penguins. Cook Island, an uninhabited volcano buried under a thick white coat, seems to float on the Day 5 NORTH ANTARCTIC PENINSULA Throughout your time in the north of the Antarctic Peninsula, surface of the ocean. There is a striking contrast between the you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular decor in imposing and peaceful mass of glistening ice and the brown subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional sheer cliffs that loom over its shores. Its highest peak, Mount wildlife. You will sail through the Antarctic Sound, named after Harmer, rises to an altitude of 1,115 metres. This island, the Swedish explorer Otto Nordenskjöld’s ship, which was trapped largest in the Southern Thule island group, was discovered by by the ice during an important scientific expedition in 1902. The James Cook in 1775, the first explorer to have crossed the gateway to the Weddell Sea, this sound is filled with gigantic Antarctic Circle in search of a new continent. In 1819, the tabular icebergs and plates of sea ice drifting northward from Russian explorer Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen christened

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com it as a tribute to this illustrious explorer. Commandant-Charcot is fitted with oceanographic and scientific equipment selected by a committee of experts. Take advantage Day 9 SAUNDERS ISLAND, SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS of the on-board lectures and opportunities for discussion with The brown volcanic silhouette of Saunders Island, overlooked by these specialists to learn more about the poles. Participate in , which rises to an altitude of more than 900 furthering scientific research with PONANT and let us discover metres, will then come into view on the horizon. The island’s together what these fascinating destinations have yet to reveal frozen and rugged shores are considered very difficult to access. to us. If you have the good fortune of being able to land in this lunar landscape, you will be able to meet chinstrap and Adelie Days 12 - 13 SOUTH GEORGIA penguins or attempt to observe the Cape petrels nesting in Aboard your ship, discover South Georgia, a region formed by crevices along the cliff faces. It is one of only eight volcanoes in an underwater mountain chain that extends from the Andes to the world whose summit crater, with a diameter of 700 metres, the Antarctic Peninsula. All the wildlife of the Far South can be contains a persistent lava lake. Its most recent eruption was in found there: king and Gentoo penguins, elephant seals, fur 2005. seals… You might get the chance to discover the majestic glaciers of and the vast plains of Fortuna Bay. If Day 10 , SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS you are fortunate enough to land at Salisbury Plain, you can Lying in the north of this archipelago, this majestic volcanic expect a wonderful spectacle: more than 300,000 king island is often ice-free year round, unlike the islands further penguins, which you will recognise by the bright orange mark on south. Different species can be found on either side of this their head and neck, have taken up residence there. bio-geographic border: Subantarctic species in the north and Antarctic species in the south. Enveloped in the warmth of the Days 14 - 17 AT SEA ABOARD LE COMMANDANT-CHARCOT volcanic fumeroles, one of the world’s largest colonies of Spend exceptional moments sailing aboard Le chinstrap penguins (over two million individuals) thrives in this Commandant-Charcot, the world’s first luxury polar exploration ideal environment. This volcanic island was discovered in 1819 vessel and the first PC2-class polar cruise ship capable of by the Russian explorer Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen, sailing into the very heart of the ice, on seas and oceans which who named it in honour of his ship’s captain. the frozen conditions render inaccessible to ordinary ships. Le Commandant-Charcot is fitted with oceanographic and scientific Day 11 AT SEA ABOARD LE COMMANDANT-CHARCOT equipment selected by a committee of experts. Take advantage Spend exceptional moments sailing aboard Le of the on-board lectures and opportunities for discussion with Commandant-Charcot, the world’s first luxury polar exploration these specialists to learn more about the poles. Participate in vessel and the first PC2-class polar cruise ship capable of furthering scientific research with PONANT and let us discover sailing into the very heart of the ice, on seas and oceans which together what these fascinating destinations have yet to reveal the frozen conditions render inaccessible to ordinary ships. Le to us.

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com Day 18 MONTEVIDEO Perched on the far southern tip of Uruguay, Montevideo is a white city, and one of the loveliest capital cities of South America. Come and admire the beautiful historical remains dating from Spanish rule; you’ll find the most interesting within the Cuidad Vieja, formerly fortified, its old town dates from the 18th century. The best preserved are the cathedral and the former governmental palace of the Cabildo, both listed historical monuments. In the crook of a vast blue bay, the city is also blessed with beautiful beaches.

Please Note: We are privileged guests in these remote lands where we are at the mercy of weather, ice, tidal and current conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the IAATO.

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com YOUR SHIP: LE COMMANDANT-CHARCOT

YOUR SHIP: Le Commandant-Charcot

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With its hybrid propulsion combining liquefied natural gas (LNG) AREAS and electric generators, Le Commandant-Charcot has been Le Commandant-Charcot has many common areas that are designed to minimise the environmental impact of travel to the designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while furthest latitudes. preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 177 m² reception The decoration of the ship, designed by two internationally area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An expeditions desk, renowned design and architecture firms - the studio of The ship's administrative services, The sales office, manned by Jean-Philippe Nuel and Wilmotte & Associes - is designed to be our Hospitality & Travel Manager officer, Our boutique which in harmony with the environment. The approach is contemporary sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various with the desire to create a warm and elegant setting; stone, accessories, The image & photo desk. wood and leather recall the natural environment in which the The different lounges include a 302 m² main lounge including a ship is sailing. 28 m² cigar lounge, a tea corner and a bar, with live music on Equipped with just 135 staterooms including 31 suites with selected evenings, A 400 m² panoramic bar and lounge, An balconies and outside views, Le Commandant-Charcot open-air Bar. welcomes you in an intimate and refined atmosphere. The recreation spaces Outstanding gastronomy in the two restaurants, relaxation in the Fitness & Beauty Corner: Fitness room: Elliptic, running indoor pool surrounded by its winter garden, relaxation in the machines, bicycles... well-being area with sauna and Snow Room... Like on a private Beauty Corner: Hairdresser, Massage rooms, Sauna, Snow yacht, each of our guests is unique. Room, Nail Shop. PUBLIC Pool area: Indoor Pool and winter garden - Outdoor Pool Theatre: Capacity: 270-276 - Main show room for conferences

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com and live entertainment on selected evenings - State-of-the-art audio and video technology. Leisure area: Public areas - Library - Medical centre. 16 Zodiacs on board.

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com INSIDE YOUR SHIP

Deluxe Suite Deck 6 Deluxe Suite Deck 7

Deluxe Suite Deck 8 Grand Prestige Suite

OWNER'S SUITE Owner's Suite PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 6 PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 7 PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 8 PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 7 PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 8 PRIVILEGE STATEROOM DECK 6 PRIVILEGE STATEROOM DECK 7 PRIVILEGE STATEROOM DECK 8 PRIVILEGE SUITE Prestige Stateroom Deck 6 Prestige Stateroom Deck 7 Prestige Stateroom Deck 8 Prestige Suite Deck 7 Prestige Suite Deck 8 Privilege Suite Deck 8 SUITE DUPLEX

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com PRICING

04-Apr-2022 to 22-Apr-2022 PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 8 £20896 GBP pp ADDITIONAL CHARGES: Port Charges. From 1260 AUD pp PRIVILEGE STATEROOM DECK 6 £25062 GBP pp PRIVILEGE SUITE £37956 GBP pp OWNER'S SUITE £61782 GBP pp PRIVILEGE STATEROOM DECK 8 £27052 GBP pp PRIVILEGE STATEROOM DECK 7 £26054 GBP pp PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 8 £35978 GBP pp PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 7 £20502 GBP pp PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 6 £20103 GBP pp PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 7 £34986 GBP pp SUITE DUPLEX £53836 GBP pp

11-Mar-2023 to 29-Mar-2023 Privilege Suite Deck 8 £42405 GBP pp Prestige Suite Deck 7 £38575 GBP pp Prestige Stateroom Deck 8 £26825 GBP pp Owner's Suite £71769 GBP pp Deluxe Suite Deck 8 £29885 GBP pp Deluxe Suite Deck 6 £27589 GBP pp Prestige Stateroom Deck 7 £26315 GBP pp Prestige Stateroom Deck 6 £25805 GBP pp Suite Duplex £60279 GBP pp Grand Prestige Suite £41129 GBP pp Deluxe Suite Deck 7 £28865 GBP pp Prestige Suite Deck 8 £39849 GBP pp

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com