By Abbey Cannan
A Noosa local has become the first Australian tourist to travel on board a new cruise ship, exploring previously untouched and extremely remote locations in Antarctica.
Noosa Cruise and Travel owner Natalie Cherry touched back down in Noosa this week to tell us about her trip onboard the new Ponant ice explorer, Le Commandant Charcot.
“Travelling independently during Covid was a challenge as I traversed through four countries, with many flights and hotel rooms,” she said.
“I was relieved to board Le Commandant Charcot, where I did not have to worry about anything for 14 days. As a treat, I immediately booked myself into the day spa for a manicure, massage and haircut all whilst my laundry was being done.”
The ship is a world-first luxury ice explorer, which has the ability to cut through 15ft of ice.
Natalie said life on board the ship was luxurious with free-flowing Veuve Clicquot accompanied by lobster.
“The ship sailed Covid-free with 130 passengers and 200 crew,” she said.
“Safety protocols are paramount when travelling with Ponant, including complimentary non-invasive rapid tests before, during, and at the end of the cruise for everyone’s health.”
In addition to the usual and magnificent experiences in Antarctica, Le Commandant had the honour of operating a Polar Assist to research vessel, The David Attenborough whilst Natalie was onboard.
Le Commandant Charcot cut a path through the ice for the research vessel to continue its journey.
“It was simply amazing to experience and witness this moment where the French helped the British,” Natalie said.
“Watching the Le Commandant Charcot glide through the ice, creating a path for The Sir David Attenborough was an awe inspiring, spine-chilling moment.”
Antarctica is a natural sanctuary for an abundance of wildlife to thrive.
“Our wildlife encounters included Gentoo penguins, Adele penguins, elephant seals, crabeater seals, humpback whales, fin whales. A true highlight was sighting the elusive Emperor Penguin,” Natalie said.
“Le Commandant Charcot is equipped with expeditionary zodiacs to transport you through the icy waters to land on the Antarctic continent and to meander amongst icebergs.
“We became dwarfed by glaciers and icebergs the size of buildings. With a myriad of colours, shapes and sizes, this really is nature’s most incredible display as artwork.”
Landings are dependent on many factors including weather and swell, however, onboard Le Commandant Charcot, Natalie was fortunate to experience 11 landings.
“My personal highlights were kayaking amongst the ice floe, polar hiking, and I was brave enough to take on the famous polar plunge,” she said.
“My favourite island was Sims Island. It was snowing and the scene was like being immersed in a documentary. Stepping foot on this island surrounded by thousands of Adele penguins running around with their happy feet. It was so magical, I did not want to leave.“
You truly need to make time to experience this remote corner of our earth, Natalie said.
“The only way is on Le Commandant Charcot with Ponant. Please call me to discuss how you can have this life changing experience in Antarctica,“ she said.
Noosa Cruise and Travel and Helloworld Travel Cooroy will be there at every stage of your travel plans, from the start until your safe return home.
Contact either office today to start the conversation about your future travel arrangements.
Call the Noosaville office on 54498866 and the Cooroy team on 54477088.
For more information visit noosacruiseandtravel.com.au
