Ponant's new hybrid-electric ship charts solar eclipse cruise in Antarctica

This new hybrid-electric vessel, powered by LNG, is scheduled for delivery in 2021.

The 15-day solar eclipse expedition embarks Nov. 30 in Ushuaia, Argentina.

Onto the ice pack

After arriving to the Weddell Sea, on Dec. 4 passengers will step onto the pack ice to witness the moon passing between Earth and the sun. In a region where the sun never quite sets at that time of year, things will be enveloped in complete darkness for a few minutes.

'We will be positioned in the heart of the sea ice, where the pristine white creates a high-pressure zone that will allow for clearer skies. Guests will have the privilege of witnessing this rare phenomenon from the ice pack,' said Nicolas Dubreuil, polar and tropical expedition expert and director of sustainability at Ponant.

Participating in research

Under the supervision of the team of naturalist guides and the on-board scientists, travelers will be able to participate in the research and analyses of this astronomical event.

They also can join scientists in setting up a station on an ice floe and taking water samples in research to improve the knowledge of the biodiversity, ecosystems and human impact on the Antarctic region.

The voyage also includes sailing by the Larsen Ice Shelf, the ice barrier that helps prevent the erosion of the Antarctic ice sheet; the South Shetland Islands, home to a number of key scientific research stations; and wildlife-viewing including Weddell seals, Adelie penguins and humpback whales.

Rates for the US market start at $17,790 per person, double occupancy, including round-trip flights between Santiago, Chile, and Ushuaia. A 30% Ponant bonus offer is available for bookings made now.