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Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

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Description

Answer the call of Antarctica by flying over the notorious Drake Passage by charter plane to land at King George Island before exploring the Antarctic Peninsula by ship. In just 8 adventure-packed days, you’ll experience rewarding shore visits and Zodiac cruises, marvel at intimate wildlife encounters, explore historic sites and make the most of your landmark visit to the 7th Continent. Select from a range of adventure options and onboard activities that match your personal interests and make your expedition uniquely yours.

Trip Name
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Polar Expedition Length: 342 ft (104.4 m) Passenger Capacity: 138 Built: 2021 Ocean Explorer, the newest addition to our fleet, is modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship.   Spacious cabins feature a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design and almost all have verandas. Guests can relax and find comfort in the spacious gym, sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis.   Ocean Explorer features ample outdoor viewing areas and multi-height outer decks, which are ideal for long-view photography and wildlife viewing. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of 15 Zodiacs that enable guests to get off the ship quickly and safely for off-ship adventures. In addition to the well-appointed and spacious public areas, Ocean Explorer has an industry-leading mix of sustainability systems, including fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines.  Two Story Library Light-filled interior library—at the bow of the ship— allows guests to sit and relax indoors while taking in the surrounding polar landscapes from their choice of two levels. Leading Edge Sustainability With the latest sustainability technology in polar expedition, the ship features fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines and the ground-breaking MAGS gasification system that converts waste into energy, eliminating the environmental impact of waste transportation. ULSTEIN X-Bow In addition to forming the double-story library, the innovative X-Bow design ensures calm, energy-efficient sailing in rough waters. High Observation Outdoor Decks Observation areas on Decks 7 and 8 allow for higher, longer-view landscape photography while contending with less sea spray. Quiet and Comfortable Spacious and luxurious cabins ensure your quiet ambience with no sound disturbance from adjoining cabins—and almost all cabins feature a balcony for outdoor viewing. Stunning Interior Design Each interior element was carefully hand-picked by designers for you to enjoy, from the dramatic two-story forward lounge, the floor-to-ceiling glass refuge in the library, to the grand fixtures and luxe furnishings throughout the ship. Main Dining Room Contemporary meets cozy in this modern dining room with its stylish lighting and contemporary art. Located on Deck 5, the Main Dining Room seats 144 guests, and features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto the spectacular polar wilderness. Private Dining Room Tasteful and intimate. This stylish, private dining room on deck 5 provides a relaxed dining experience—with views of the polar landscape—for up to 36 guests. The Latitude Bar A popular social hub on Deck 5, the beautifully-lit Latitude Bar—with its lush sofas and faux marble-topped end tables—is large enough to seat 46 and is ideal for enjoying a quiet drink on your own or hanging out with friends. Library Located on Deck 6 at the top of the gorgeous atrium staircase, this beautiful Library with floor-to-ceiling glass, accommodates up to 47 people Dry Sauna After a day of exciting off-ship adventure, guests can relax on the sauna’s traditional wood benches while gazing at the polar wilderness just outside the large sauna windows. Accommodates 15 people on Deck 7. Fitness Center Stay fit with the latest work-out equipment in the Fitness Center on Deck 7. Jacuzzis Two outdoor Jacuzzis on deck 7, at the ship’s stern, mean you can relax alfresco while soaking up the breath-taking polar views. Observation Lounge This stylish lounge at the top of the ship guarantees incredible views. Guests also frequent this spacious lookout on Deck 8 to enjoy cocktails and conversation with fellow travelers. Seats 63.

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 two 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 6 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. 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 presenters will deepen your experience with explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region. Even more exciting are your daily 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 is 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 orcas in action, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore during this unrivaled travel experience. Your Expedition Team will accompany you all along the way, providing insights into the places you visit.
Day 4 - Day 8 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-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 5 - 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
05-12-202412-12-2024Array Array31,900Veranda Suite. From
05-12-202412-12-2024Array Array39,500Superior Suite. From
05-12-202412-12-2024Array Array42,900Deluxe. From
05-12-202412-12-2024Array Array45,200Owner's Suite. From
05-12-202412-12-2024Array Array0Triple Cabin. From
15-12-202422-12-2024Array Array0Triple Cabin. From
15-12-202422-12-2024Array Array33,600Veranda Suite. From
15-12-202422-12-2024Array Array33,600Infinity Suite. From
15-12-202422-12-2024Array Array41,800Superior Suite. From
15-12-202422-12-2024Array Array45,200Deluxe. From
15-12-202422-12-2024Array Array47,800Owner's Suite. From
19-01-202526-01-2025Array Array27,000Studio Double
19-01-202526-01-2025Array Array28,500Studio Veranda Stateroom
19-01-202526-01-2025Array Array30,100Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom
19-01-202526-01-2025Array Array31,600Deluxe Veranda Middle Stateroom
19-01-202526-01-2025Array Array32,400Deluxe Veranda Stateroom
19-01-202526-01-2025Array Array34,700Studio Single
19-01-202526-01-2025Array Array34,700Grand Veranda Stateroom
19-01-202526-01-2025Array Array40,100Royal Veranda Stateroom
19-01-202526-01-2025Array Array42,400Studio Veranda Single
19-01-202526-01-2025Array Array45,500Junior Suite
19-01-202526-01-2025Array Array0Explorer Suite
19-01-202526-01-2025Array Array0Owners Suite
15-12-202522-12-2025Array Array29,895Triple Cabin. From
15-12-202522-12-2025Array Array35,095Veranda Suite. From
15-12-202522-12-2025Array Array35,095Infinity Suite. From
15-12-202522-12-2025Array Array45,595Superior Suite. From
15-12-202522-12-2025Array Array48,995Deluxe. From
15-12-202522-12-2025Array Array52,595Owner's Suite. From
04-01-202611-01-2026Array Array31,895Studio Double
04-01-202611-01-2026Array Array33,595Studio Veranda Stateroom
04-01-202611-01-2026Array Array35,495Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom
04-01-202611-01-2026Array Array37,395Deluxe Veranda Middle Stateroom
04-01-202611-01-2026Array Array38,495Deluxe Veranda Stateroom
04-01-202611-01-2026Array Array40,895Grand Veranda Stateroom
04-01-202611-01-2026Array Array41,995Royal Veranda Stateroom
04-01-202611-01-2026Array Array46,795Junior Suite
04-01-202611-01-2026Array Array48,695Explorer Suite
04-01-202611-01-2026Array Array52,295Owners Suite
04-01-202611-01-2026Array Array0Studio Single
04-01-202611-01-2026Array Array0Studio Veranda Single

Inclusions

    • Experience the fastest, most direct way to Antarctica
    • Fly over the Drake Passage
    • Marvel at all the Antarctic Peninsula highlights
    • Enjoy on-board lectures and educational presentations from polar specialists

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