THE WEDDELL SEA AND LARSEN ICE SHELF

Day 1 Arrival into Ushaia

Arrival into the capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. After boarding your ship, Le Commandant-Charcot, and listening to the all-important safety briefing, it's time to relax and explore your base for the next 12 days. With space for only around 200 passengers, this is an elegant, cosy and supremely comfortable cruising journey.

Overnight: Le Commandant Charcot

Day 2 - 3 Crossing the Drake Passage

These next two days will be spent crossing the Drake Passage and to deepen your knowledge of the Antarctic. The expert expedition leader and their team will give fascinating lectures about the history and wildlife of the Antarctic. This will be an opportunity for you to learn more about this magical region, where every cruise is a unique experience. Keep an eye out for albatrosses, cape petrels, and other seabirds flying over the Drake Passage.

Overnight: Le Commandant Charcot

Day 4 South Shetland Islands

Disembark on the South Shetlands, a string of islands running parallel to the north west coast of the Antarctic peninsula which are almost completely ice covered.

Overnight: Le Commandant Charcot

Day 5 North Antarctic Peninsula

Throughout your time in the north of the Antarctic Peninsula, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular scenery surrounded by exceptional wildlife. You will sail through the Antarctic Sound, 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 leopard seals.

Overnight: Le Commandant Charcot

Day 6 The Weddell Sea

Amidst the eerie stillness of the Weddell Sea, you will sail through a labyrinth of dense ice floe and majestic table icebergs. Discover a landscape like no other, with sweeping ice platforms populated by Weddell and fur seals, penguins and wandering albatross.

Overnight: Le Commandant Charcot

Day 7 - 8 Sailing Towards The Larsen Ice Shelf

On the Weddell Sea, you will sail close to the gigantic Larsen ice shelves. These floating ice shelves help to prevent the erosion of the Antarctic ice sheet. Over the last fifty years, scientists have, however, observed regular collapses of these shelves, along giant cracks that can be several hundred kilometres long and deep. Enjoy enrichment lectures on board and make sure to keep an eager eye out for passing wildlife.

Overnight: Le Commandant Charcot

Day 9 The Weddell Sea

Spend the day cruising through the Weddell Sea in search of polar wildlife, be sure to wrap up warm and spend as much time on deck as you can to get the best opportunity for wildlife viewing.

Day 10 - 11 Crossing the Drake Passage

Set sail back across the Drake Passage, returning to Ushuaia, in the comfort aboard this superb expedition vessel. Spend these last two days relaxing and be spoilt on board. Spend time on deck observing and enjoying the various seabirds; elegant albatross dive bombing alongside and sooty shearwaters and white-chinned petrels soaring above the ship's rooftop or listening to an enriching lecture by the expert guides.

Overnight: Le Commandant Charcot

Day 12 Disembarkation in Ushuaia

Arrive into port in Ushuaia, Argentina and disembark.