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Peregrine Travel Centre

Antarctic Express Cruise: Crossing the Circle

Antarctic Express Cruise: Crossing the Circle

From AUD $33,196

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Description

Check off a travel milestone by crossing the Antarctic Circle with the best expedition team in the industry. Our 11-day Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle voyage enables you to skip the notorious Drake Passage sailing with a charter flight to and from King George Island, where your Antarctic adventure begins and ends. Cruise the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, then push farther to 66°33′ south. Along the way, add bucket-list experiences like sea kayaking through iceberg-dotted channels and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Trip Name
Antarctic Express Cruise: Crossing the Circle
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Polar Expedition Length: 342 ft (104.4 m) Passenger Capacity: 138 Built: 2021 The Ocean Explorer is a modern, purpose-built expedition vessel combining contemporary elegance with advanced polar exploration technology. Accommodating up to 138 guests, this state-of-the-art ship features the innovative ULSTEIN X-BOW® design, which ensures smooth, stable sailing even in rough seas. A highlight of the vessel is its stunning two-story, glass-walled library located at the bow—perfect for quiet reflection with panoramic views of the polar landscapes. Almost all spacious cabins include private verandas, while the ship’s sleek Scandinavian-inspired interiors create a sense of understated luxury. Guests can unwind in the fitness centre, sauna with large windows overlooking the ice, or one of two outdoor Jacuzzis while taking in the surrounding scenery. Designed with both exploration and comfort in mind, Ocean Explorer offers generous outdoor viewing spaces and elevated observation decks for exceptional photography and wildlife watching. A fleet of 15 Zodiacs ensures quick, safe embarkation for off-ship adventures. Social spaces such as the elegant Main Dining Room, Latitude Bar, and Observation Lounge provide a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, complemented by fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines and cutting-edge sustainability systems, including waste-to-energy technology. Every detail of the Ocean Explorer reflects innovation, comfort, and environmental consciousness—setting a new standard for luxury expedition cruising.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 — Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile
Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in southern Patagonia. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and shops to keep you busy for days. By early afternoon, a Quark Expeditions® representative will meet you at the official starting point hotel, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.
Day 2 - Day 2 — Fly to King George Island and Embarkation
Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will have you crossing the legendary Drake Passage in only a few hours. Far below, the ship will approach King George Island for your arrival. Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctic landscapes will be from a unique perspective, as your plane descends for landing in the South Shetland Islands. After landing, stretch your legs with a one-mile (1.6 km) walk to the shore, before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!
Day 3 - Days 3 to 5 — Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As your ship approaches the White Continent, you may be overcome by feelings of excitement and awe. Much of Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes. As your captain and Expedition Team keep a lookout for whales and seabirds, you’ll be alerted to any new sightings. Our team of expert lecturers will also provide in-depth explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region. Even more exciting are your land excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking on a beach dotted with penguins is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica. Each landing is different and dependent on weather, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities, and it won’t be long before you can tell the difference between an Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap penguin. You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming sound of a calving glacier to the thrill of spotting apex predators like leopard seals and killer whales in action, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore this unrivaled travel experience. Your Expedition Team will accompany you along the way, ensuring safety and providing insights into the places you visit.
Day 4 - Days 6 and 7 — Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula do not reach 66°33´ S. If conditions allow us to cross this famed line at 66°33´ S, you and your shipmates will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of sparkling wine! As you toast the first explorers who ventured this far south, you can take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals and some of the most peculiar, yet magical ice formations you’ll see anywhere on the continent.
Day 5 - Days 8 and 9 — Northbound Along the Peninsula
If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time you return to King George Island. You will continue to explore by Zodiac or on land as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.
Day 6 - Day 10 — Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas
After your week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your two-and-a-half-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings your adventure to an end. After your group transfer to the hotel, you are free to explore and enjoy an evening on your own, in the city or at the hotel to reminisce about the sights and sounds of Antarctica.
Day 7 - Day 11 — Depart Punta Arenas
After breakfast, you are welcome to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.
Day 8 - Please Note:
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
21-01-202731-01-2027AUD $39,668Deluxe Veranda Forward
21-01-202731-01-2027AUD $41,634Veranda Stateroom
21-01-202731-01-2027AUD $44,199Veranda Suite
21-01-202731-01-2027AUD $52,151Studio Single
21-01-202731-01-2027AUD $52,151Junior Suite
21-01-202731-01-2027AUD $56,255Studio Veranda Single
21-01-202731-01-2027AUD $60,444Penthouse Suite
21-01-202731-01-2027AUD $64,634Owners Suite
22-01-202701-02-2027AUD $38,956Veranda Stateroom
22-01-202701-02-2027AUD $41,356Veranda Suite
22-01-202701-02-2027AUD $48,796Studio Single
22-01-202701-02-2027AUD $52,151Junior Suite
22-01-202701-02-2027AUD $52,636Studio Veranda Single
22-01-202701-02-2027AUD $56,556Penthouse Suite
22-01-202701-02-2027AUD $60,476Owners Suite
22-01-202701-02-2027AUD $33,196Triple Suite
22-01-202701-02-2027AUD $37,116Deluxe Veranda Forward
17-02-202827-02-2028AUD $42,446Infinity Suite
17-02-202827-02-2028AUD $44,755Veranda Suite
17-02-202827-02-2028AUD $58,606Superior Suite
17-02-202827-02-2028AUD $63,137Deluxe Suite
17-02-202827-02-2028AUD $67,669Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • Fly over the Drake Passage and experience the fastest, most direct way to Antarctica
    • Witness iconic Antarctic wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whales
    • Marvel at Antarctic Peninsula highlights, including crossing the Antarctic Circle
    • Celebrate crossing the Antarctic Circle with a toast
    • Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts

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