Penguins and parfait the Ponant way, aboard the world’s only luxury icebreaker

Luxury boutique line Ponant curates some of the world’s coolest small-ship itineraries – quite literally – as you’ll discover on a penguin-fuelled voyage to Antarctica that unites style and sustainability in equal measure

You will likely hear Snow Hill Island before you see it. Camouflaged by whites and gem-like blues off the east coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, this remote and ravishing drop of land deserves its name – it is indeed almost completely covered in snow, year-round. In short, it’s the perfect playground for some 10,000 emperor penguins, who create a cacophony that echoes off the still, icy landscapes that surround and then resonates with your soul.

This is just one of many ‘pinch me’ moments that awaits on Ponant’s 12-night ‘Emperor Penguins of Weddell Sea’ 2025/26 itinerary, offering a rare glimpse into the wildlife and wonders of the seventh continent from the comfort of the world’s only luxury icebreaker.

Expedition cruise leader

Like all ships in the French-flagged Ponant fleet, Le Commandant Charcot is the epitome of style, both across public areas and the vessel’s staterooms and suites, with space for just 245 passengers.

It’s also the epitome of sustainability, as the world’s very first hybrid-electric polar exploration ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas. Thanks to its advanced design and superior technologies, Le Commandant Charcot is the only commercial vessel that can navigate through heavy drift ice into the southern reaches of the Weddell Sea where Snow Hill Island lies,ensuring a truly authentic polar expedition unlike any other. 

Life on board

Whether you’re gazing over Antarctic landscapes from your private balcony, flute of French Champagne in hand, or on the promenade deck taking in the view from warmed benches and two Swarovski Optik telescopes or perhaps the outdoor pool (there’s also one inside), Le Commandant Charcot delivers ship-wide facilities that not only allow you to visit the world’s extremes – but do so with every luxury imaginable.  

Not in the least some of the finest food at sea courtesy of highly awarded French-Monégasque consultant chef Alain Ducasse. Le Commandant Charcot’s gastronomic Nuna restaurant, meaning ‘the Earth’ and Ducasse’s only dining room at sea, embodies the French art of living well… even in the most extreme environments.

While the breakfast, lunch and dinner menu options change with seasonal availability, you may sit down in the elegant Jean-Philippe Nuel-designed space and be served lobster remoulade with truffled jus, perhaps. Or langoustines with fennel fronds in a delicate broth. Ducasse has a penchant for plant-based cuisine as well, celebrating vegetables in an elevated way, all paired with impeccable service and sommelier-selected wines.

There are two other restaurants to choose from, including Sila and Inneq, aptly named from the Inuit words for the Sky and Fire. And yes, there’s parfait and pralines to be enjoyed across all, while you scan the landscape for those penguins.

Wild and free

And there they are—the majestic Emperor penguin colonies of Snow Hill Island. Exploring this remarkable island on foot offers an unparalleled experience, as you walk the same ice fields as these iconic birds. You can observe them from as close as five metres, all while respecting strict regulations to ensure their natural environment remains undisturbed.

Thanks to the ship’s advanced capabilities, you will can spend extended hours amid the breathtaking Antarctic landscape, allowing for a truly immersive encounter with the wonders of the White Continent before retreating to the warmth and luxury of the vessel.

And on select departures you can capture your experience under the eye and the advice of Ponant’s photo ambassador Cindy Miller Hopkins – this is a privileged opportunity to immortalise your trip with the perfect frame. When you get back on board, Cindy will assist with tips on how to best present your memories, alongside other workshops that include deep-dives into local flora, fauna and history delivered by those in the know.

Wildlife bonanza

And if that’s not enough, prepare to be amazed by other penguin species, too—Adélie, gentoo, and chinstrap—in their thousands. The wildlife spectacle doesn’t end there, with leopard seals lounging on ice floes, and the possibility of spotting humpback and minke whales, or even orcas slicing through the icy waters. The profound experience of witnessing these incredible creatures, wild and free in their natural habitat, is nothing short of life changing.

While you’ll undoubtedly hear and see them from the comfort of the ship, Ponant’s expert expedition team offers opportunities to get even closer. Embark on kayaking adventures, explore on guided hikes and snowshoe outings, or take the ultimate plunge—the polar plunge—for a true taste of Antarctic adventure.

“As an expedition leader with Ponant, I’m thrilled to be able to offer guests the exclusive opportunity to explore Snow Hill Island aboard Le Commandant Charcot.” says Ryo Ijichi, Antarctica expedition leader at Ponant. “Our exclusive departures offer more than just observation – they provide an immersive, authentic polar expedition. Guests have the privileged opportunity to encounter the island’s penguin colonies in person, venturing into the Weddell Sea from the Drake Passage, to an area that is inaccessible to other vessels.”

With only four voyages available over the 2025/26 Antarctic season, now is the time to book your Ponant Emperor Penguins of Weddell Sea cruise to secure the best pricing and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime exploration of the emperor penguins’ habitat.