The French company Ponant offers a unique experience in Antarctica
When the French company specializing in luxury cruises Ponant learned that the solar eclipse of December 4, 2021 could only be seen from the Antarctica , knew that it was the perfect time to plan an unforgettable experience aboard one of its exploration ships.
And that is precisely what this unrivaled tour of the world's southernmost lands will offer, with a two-week itinerary that will take travelers through the the ross sea , the bellingshausen sea, the island of Pedro I and the Weddell Sea so that they can witness a once-in-a-lifetime natural phenomenon.
“Nearly a century after the feat of Antarctic exploration, the White Continent still remains shrouded in great mystery. . Guests aboard Le Commandant-Charcot, a hybrid electric ship powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas), will be able to discover remote places thanks to this extraordinary exploration ship, which also represents an innovation deeply rooted in the company's commitment to tourism. sustainable and the minimum environmental impact", they tell from Ponant to Traveler.es.
The rooms on board the ship Le Commandant-Charcot
The peculiarity of this state-of-the-art ship is that it has been designed with innovative ecological technologies, something that has allowed them to create an electric hybrid powered by liquefied natural gas, free of classified waste on board and with sewage treatment as part of the operation of the ship.
The starting point of the feat will take place on November 30 in ushuaia, Argentina , then cross the Drake Passage and turn the ship towards the Weddell Sea, where the avid crew members will observe the total solar eclipse that will occur on December 4, 2021. "We will be located in the heart of the sea ice, where the pristine white creates a zone of high pressure that will allow for clearer skies. ", emphasizes Nicolas Dubreuil, expert in polar and tropical expeditions and Director of Sustainability at PONANT.
After entering the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula , guests will encounter the imposing ice shelf formed by the Larsen platforms and visit the South Shetland Islands, but not before being surrounded by a veritable wildlife refuge that includes fauna such as seabirds, weddell seals, crabeater seals , sea leopard, Adélie penguins and humpback whales.
Travelers will be able to spot a true wildlife refuge
As part of a participatory approach that they try to promote from the company and under the supervision of the team of naturalist guides and scientists on board, travelers will have the opportunity to collaborate in the collection of samples and analysis , thereby cooperating directly with global scientific efforts.
In addition to the typical walks and excursions, guests can choose from a wide range of activities that will allow them to admire the extraordinary landscapes of Antarctica, such as hovercraft tours, kayaks, helium balloon rides and perhaps, have the opportunity to dive in polar waters.
The total price of the experience is 9,830 euros and includes transfers and internal flights (except for the long-distance flight from Europe to Argentina), the room on the cruise, gastronomy, Wi-Fi Internet access, clothing for the expedition and boot rental.
The expedition will allow you to appreciate the magnificence of nature