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Antarctic Express – Fly South, Cruise North Expedition

Antarctic Express – Fly South, Cruise North Expedition

From AUD $20,695

Description

Take the fastest route over the 800-km (500-mile) Drake Passage to Antarctica—a three-hour flight from Punta Arenas, Chile—and glimpse the 7th Continent from the air on our 9-day Antarctic Express: Fly South, Sail North. Then board your waiting ship at King George Island to explore Antarctica, and sail back across the Drake to Ushuaia. Flying one way and sailing the other gives you the best of both worlds. Expect unique wildlife sightings, rugged landscapes, penguins and seals—and the unforgettable excitement of standing on the Antarctic Continent for the first time. 
Some departures may have slightly modified itineraries. Please confirm the itinerary with an Expedition Specialist.

Trip Name
Antarctic Express - Fly South, Cruise North Expedition
Days
9
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 - Punta Arenas, Chile
Your journey begins in Punta Arenas. This port city is situated at the southern tip of Chile, on the north bank of the Strait of Magellan. Once a Chilean penal colony, Punta Arenas has transformed into a vibrant city offering you plenty of attractions including historic sites and museums. Explore the city by day, and then join us for an evening dinner to meet your fellow Antarctic adventurers.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Embarkation Day
Today you board your chartered flight to Antarctica. The journey over the Drake Passage will take you less than four hours, whereas our ship-based travelers take two days to make the journey by sea. Your first glimpse of Antarctica comes into view shortly before the aircraft descends towards King George Island—hope for clear skies so you can appreciate the vastness of this great continent! You will have free time to photograph parts of the island and stretch your legs before joining the ship. Once aboard, you’ll enjoy your first trip in a Zodiac and begin your exploration of the Antarctic region.
Day 3 - Days 3 to 6 - Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
You’ll get a sense that you’ve arrived on a new planet during the start of your Antarctic voyage, as the pristine nature and dramatic environments are like nothing else on earth. From the vessel you can watch whales swim and feed in nutrient-rich waters and spot penguins frolicking in the water and jumping aboard ice floes. Just as amazing as the wildlife are the towering snowcovered mountains and massive glaciers of the Peninsula, which will be your playground for the next few days. Every Zodiac excursion and landing presents new sights, sounds and smells. Some landings may be as relaxing as sitting on a beach, taking photographs of curious gentoo penguins. Other landings may provide exhilarating panoramic views of the Antarctic continent by hiking atop a hill. Perhaps you’ll catch a calving glacier crumbling into the sea at Petermann Island, or take a Zodiac cruise in search of fur and elephant seals around Pleneau Island. Even common travel experiences like mailing a postcard take on an extra level of excitement in Antarctica. While weather and sea conditions determine which landings we can make, your Expedition Team will ensure that each day of your Antarctic adventure leaves a lasting impression.
Day 4 - Days 7 and 8 - Crossing the Drake Passage to Ushuaia
A rite of passage for any Antarctic adventurer, crossing the Drake signals the end of your journey. No matter the sea conditions, you will benefit from having developed your sea legs over the course of the previous four days. While the journey home has begun, your wildlife spotting continues. Your Expedition Team will be available on deck and on the ship’s bridge to help you spot the majestic wandering albatross and a number of whale species, such as minke and humpback. When you’re not looking at photos and reminiscing about the previous days, the Expedition Team will conclude their series of engaging presentations on subjects such as marine biology, polar history and glaciology
Day 5 - Day 9 - Disembark and overnight in Ushuaia, Argentina
After a final breakfast aboard the ship, say goodbye to your crew as we disembark in Ushuaia. We’ll transfer you to the hotel to check in and then you’ll have a chance to explore the town on your own to shop, sightsee and sample some Argentinian cuisine.
Day 6 - Day 10 - Depart for home
Today you are free to make your way to the airport for departure, or extend your stay in Ushuaia.
Day 7 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
11-12-202619-12-2026AUD $24,295Infinity Suite
11-12-202619-12-2026AUD $25,395Veranda Suite
11-12-202619-12-2026AUD $33,195Superior Suite
11-12-202619-12-2026AUD $35,695Deluxe Suite
11-12-202619-12-2026AUD $38,195Owner's Suite
03-02-202711-02-2027AUD $42,495Studio Single
03-02-202711-02-2027AUD $44,895Penthouse Suite
03-02-202711-02-2027AUD $45,995Studio Veranda Single
03-02-202711-02-2027AUD $47,995Owners Suite
03-02-202711-02-2027AUD $26,295Triple Suite
03-02-202711-02-2027AUD $28,895Junior Suite
03-02-202711-02-2027AUD $29,495Deluxe Veranda Forward
03-02-202711-02-2027AUD $30,895Veranda Stateroom
03-02-202711-02-2027AUD $32,895Veranda Suite
26-02-202706-03-2027AUD $21,895Infinity Suite
26-02-202706-03-2027AUD $23,095Veranda Suite
26-02-202706-03-2027AUD $30,095Superior Suite
26-02-202706-03-2027AUD $32,295Deluxe Suite
26-02-202706-03-2027AUD $34,695Owner's Suite
14-12-202722-12-2027AUD $24,695Infinity Suite
14-12-202722-12-2027AUD $25,995Veranda Suite
14-12-202722-12-2027AUD $33,895Superior Suite
14-12-202722-12-2027AUD $36,395Deluxe Suite
14-12-202722-12-2027AUD $39,095Owner's Suite
14-01-202822-01-2028AUD $25,295Triple Suite
14-01-202822-01-2028AUD $28,295Deluxe Veranda Forward
14-01-202822-01-2028AUD $29,795Veranda Stateroom
14-01-202822-01-2028AUD $32,272Junior Suite
14-01-202822-01-2028AUD $31,495Veranda Suite
14-01-202822-01-2028AUD $40,895Studio Single
14-01-202822-01-2028AUD $43,095Penthouse Suite
14-01-202822-01-2028AUD $44,195Studio Veranda Single
14-01-202822-01-2028AUD $46,095Owners Suite
07-02-202815-02-2028AUD $25,295Triple Suite
07-02-202815-02-2028AUD $28,295Deluxe Veranda Forward
07-02-202815-02-2028AUD $29,795Veranda Stateroom
07-02-202815-02-2028AUD $32,272Junior Suite
07-02-202815-02-2028AUD $31,495Veranda Suite
07-02-202815-02-2028AUD $40,895Studio Single
07-02-202815-02-2028AUD $43,095Penthouse Suite
07-02-202815-02-2028AUD $44,195Studio Veranda Single
07-02-202815-02-2028AUD $46,095Owners Suite
25-02-202804-03-2028AUD $20,695Infinity Suite
25-02-202804-03-2028AUD $21,695Veranda Suite
25-02-202804-03-2028AUD $28,295Superior Suite
25-02-202804-03-2028AUD $30,495Deluxe Suite
25-02-202804-03-2028AUD $32,595Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • Fly over the Drake Passage and experience the fastest, most direct way to Antarctica
    • Spot iconic Antarctic wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whales
    • Marvel at many of the Antarctic Peninsula highlights
    • Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts

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