Sedunia Travel's polar expeditions beckon the bold


Sedunia Travel offers travellers a trip of a lifetime to the Arctic and Antarctic – some of the planet’s most remote and otherworldly destinations. – IAN DAWSON/ PONANT

Elevate your bucket list with unforgettable voyages to the Arctic and Antarctic

PICTURE yourself amidst the Arctic's icy majesty, where playful walruses frolic on pristine ice floes, or witness the spectacle of penguins waddling across Antarctica's expansive stark, white plains.

For countless intrepid travellers, stepping foot on these two extreme ends of the Earth is a dream come true – and one that can be realised with Sedunia Travel.

As a renowned travel specialist, Sedunia Travel understands that travel transcends mere sightseeing; it is an odyssey of unforgettable encounters and the coveted tales of conquering uncharted realms.

Seasoned travellers craving extraordinary adventures can set sail for the Arctic and Antarctica with Sedunia Travel, who will weave together a bespoke itinerary that is both luxurious and unforgettable.

Road less travelled

The magical, frost-kissed landscapes of the Arctic in the North Pole, and Antarctica in the southern hemisphere, are some of the most isolated and untouched places on the planet.

It is impossible not to be captivated by the journey to the wilderness of these two extreme polar regions, dotted with fjords, jagged mountains, steep side valleys and cliffs.

In the Arctic, adventurous travellers get to feast their eyes on majestic polar bears, a variety of birds, reindeers and foxes. Those who explore Antarctica, experience the rich marine life, teeming with whales, penguins and seals among the many creatures.

But travelling to these ‘ends of the world’ is no easy feat. Hopping on a plane is not an option, as these remote areas atop giant ice sheets are only accessible a few times a year, and not via traditional ships.

Le Commandant Charcot is Ponant’s latest modern fleet that offers adventure-seekers journeys to the edges of the world in style, comfort and luxury. Le Commandant Charcot is Ponant’s latest modern fleet that offers adventure-seekers journeys to the edges of the world in style, comfort and luxury.

To make that journey a reality for adventure-seekers, Sedunia Travel has partnered with Ponant – a French luxury expedition liner that specialises in deep polar expeditions.

Its latest fleet – Le Commandant Charcot, is a pinnacle of adventure and luxury. This extraordinary vessel is the very first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration ship powered by liquified natural gas, redefining the standards of sustainable exploration.

This advanced ship also stands out as the first passenger ship in the world to feature a Polar Class 2 (PC2) hull, which enables it to traverse through drifting sea ice and access the most isolated and remote regions whenever conditions permit.

Luxury expeditions

Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot puts exceptional experiences at the heart of its operations. This luxurious cruise boasts 123 well-appointed suites and staterooms with private balconies and terraces for travellers to take in spellbinding, panoramic views of the regions’ dramatic landscapes.

On board, passengers will also find a host of amenities, ranging from French restaurants and a 270-seat theatre to a wellness lounge and cigar bar, as well as an inviting, open-air heated pool with incredible vistas on the top deck.

Lim (far right) posing with Inuit children while exploring the Ammassalik region. Lim (far right) posing with Inuit children while exploring the Ammassalik region.

One of the few Malaysian travellers who experienced this life-changing journey, was Helen Lim who embarked on an 11-day expedition to the Ammassalik region, East Greenland. Being onboard Le Commandant Charcot, she said, felt like being a pampered explorer.

“The life onboard seems like living on a private yacht on a larger scale. Being able to explore some of the most remote regions in the world while enjoying high-quality French cuisine and wine is an adventure very few have had the privilege of experiencing,” she said, adding that the ship was a marvel of modern-day engineering.

Lim found herself completely besotted by the experience of exploring the Ammassalik region, home to remote settlement of indigenous Inuit people.

On top of the world

Sugantha Muthukrishnan, who set sail aboard Le Commandant Charcot on Sedunia Travel’s 16-day voyage to Geographic North Pole, was also among the Malaysians who fulfilled her lifelong travel dreams.

“I was filled with ecstatic joy and a great sense of personal accomplishment,” said Sugantha, as she stood on top of the world at 90° North.

Sugantha is one of the few Malaysians to embark on an adventure of a lifetime on Sedunia Travel’s voyages to Geographic North Pole expeditions aboard the iconic Le Commandant Charcot.Sugantha is one of the few Malaysians to embark on an adventure of a lifetime on Sedunia Travel’s voyages to Geographic North Pole expeditions aboard the iconic Le Commandant Charcot.

During the expedition, Sugantha recounted an exhilarating moment when she spotted 13 polar bears in close proximity to the ship, adding yet another thrilling highlight to her adventure.

Bucket list of dreams

For Ali Munawar, whose expedition to the Antarctic onboard Le Commandant Charcot and being enveloped by the sheer wilderness of the world’s most southern point, was a dream come true.

“I felt ecstatic being able to finally cross the Antarctic Circle and to even step foot on land beyond that. It was fulfilling,” said Ali, whose bucket list includes crossing the Equator, the Tropic of Cancer, the Arctic Circle, the Tropic of Capricorn, Greenwich, and the Antarctic Circle.

The 15-day expedition journeyed through the Drake Passage – often considered one of the most thrilling sea voyages– and sailed to the Bellingshausen Sea, where the conditions became increasingly extreme, covered with sea ice.

Ali has achieved one of his bucket list dreams by crossing the Antarctic circle.Ali has achieved one of his bucket list dreams by crossing the Antarctic circle.

Ali – an avid traveller, said the journey was made even more memorable by his experience on the magnificent luxury liner.

“I had been on cruises before but the experience on the Le Commandant Charcot was top-notch. The cuisine was excellent especially having to cater for Muslim dietary requirements, which consist of mainly vegetarian and seafood offerings.”

Embrace the adventure

For travellers who want to follow in the footsteps of Ali, Sugantha and Lim, and embark on an epic journey of a lifetime, join Sedunia Travel’s specialised expeditions.

Its Deep Polar Exploration tour, which runs from May till Sept, covers the journey to the Arctic via Greenland and Norway, inclusive of full boarding across 15 nights on the Le Commandant Charcot.

Additionally, Sedunia Travel’s Beyond Antarctica expedition, offers an exhilarating journey to the depths of the southernmost landmass of the Earth, with voyages traversing the Drake Passage and the Weddell Sea – home to large colonies of Emperor penguins, incredible ice formations and imposing glaciers.

The tour, available in November 2025, with three departures, is also inclusive of full boarding for 12 nights on the Le Commandant Charcot. Travellers on both expeditions can also partake in activities such as kayaking, ice fishing, hiking and snowshoeing.

To register and find out more about Sedunia Travel’s tour highlights, packages, prices and rooms aboard the luxury expedition, click here.

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