Antarctica Explorer Cruise with Quark Expeditions – Save $13,550 per couple*

PP From

$20,325

Duration

11 days

Deal Type

Expedition Cruise, Small Ship Cruise

Add Business Class flights to unlock an Exclusive Package discount

Classic Antarctica Explorer Cruise with Quark Expeditions!

Conquer the famed Drake Passage in your choice of four stabilised, polar-class vessels; explore majestic natural environments by zodiac and on foot; get up close and personal with penguins, whales and other wildlife; and enjoy talks on history, biology and glaciology by onboard polar experts. You can personalise your adventure with options that suit your interests, and cross the 7th Continent off the list – your own way.

Antarctica Cruise With Quark Expeditions

Antarctica Cruise With Quark Expeditions

Included Items

  • An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
  • Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Team, including shore landings and other activities
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
  • All shore landings as per the daily program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage. Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals
  • Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
  • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
  • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
  • A photographic journal documenting your expedition
  • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
  • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • Group arrival transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
  • One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast. (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
  • Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day
  • Group departure transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from ship to local airport or to luggage storage facility

Tour Company

Quark Expeditions

Tour Location

Antarctica

Deal Type

Expedition Cruise, Small Ship Cruise

Map

Antarcitc_explorer_noflights

More Information

Full Itinerary +

Port of Ushuaia in the Beagle Channel in Tierra del Fuego in southern Argentina.

Day 1 – Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina
You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Enjoy the mountains or sample handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.

View from Quark ship in Antarctica

Day 2 – Embark
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you see land, you’ll be on the world’s most southern continent!

Whale tail in Antarctica

Days 3 and 4 – Crossing the Drake Passage
Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife, or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.

Glaciers viewed from Quark Zodiac

Days 5 to 8 – South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
The most common reaction upon reaching the 7th Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience.

Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or consorting with chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, all of which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals as well as curious whales, such as humpbacks, minkes, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new array of creatures to fascinate you and keep your camera busy.

Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier.

Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.

Kayaking in Antarctica with Quark Expeditions

Days 9 and 10 – Crossing the Drake Passage
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team and celebrate the experiences shared exploring Antarctica.

Quark Ship in Antarctica

Day 11 – Disembark in Ushuaia
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure onward or catch your flights home.

Penguins in Antarctica

Ship Information +

Antarctica Cruises are operated by two Quark ships, the World Explorer or Ocean Explorer.

Distinct and comfortable, refined and roomy – these attributes and more describe World Explorer. Not only is it among Quark’s fastest ships, but it is also one of their finest, with six tiers of deluxe accommodation.

Every suite has either a private walk-out or French balcony for direct ocean views. World Explorer also delivers plenty of public areas to unwind in after a day outdoors, including the glass-domed Observation Lounge for quiet contemplation and full skyline views, the Explorer Lounge for a drink and a chat, and the library for more intimate relaxing and reading. Presentations and discussions are facilitated in a dedicated lecture theatre.

Health and wellness facilities feature an outdoor track, a small gym and a sauna, plus a spa with change rooms, showers and lockers. For the active adventurers, add-ons include kayaking, camping and stand-up paddleboarding.

SHIP SPECIFICATIONS 

  • STAFF AND CREW: 130
  • DRAFT: 4.7 meters
  • REGISTRATION: Portugal
  • GUESTS: 172 (140 on Antarctic Express programs)
  • PROPULSION: 2 x Rolls Royce 9,000 kw hybrid diesel/electric
  • LIFEBOATS: 2, fully-enclosed
  • LENGTH: 126 meters
  • ICE CLASS: 1B
  • BREADTH: 19 meters
  • CRUISING SPEED: 16 knots, in open water

2 Rolls Royce Engines
World Explorer features two state-of-the-art Rolls Royce hybrid-electric engines, significantly reducing its environmental impact on the Polar Regions.

MAGS
Micro Auto Gasification System (MAGS) is the industry-leading system that converts waste into energy at the site that it’s generated. MAGs eliminates the environmental impact of waste transportation, offering an innovative sustainability feature that exceed all industry standards.​

Outdoor Track
The Outdoor Track on Deck 8 offers a great way to stay active while aboard World Explorer; get your steps in while also enjoying the stunning landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities the Polar Regions have to offer.

Wraparound Deck
Deck 8 offers a wraparound deck to take in panoramic views of the Polar Regions; various areas also feature heated seating, allowing for optimal comfort while out on deck.

Ready Room
The Mudroom on Deck 3 enables you to comfortably prepare for, and disembark from, Zodiac excursions and shore landings and is conveniently located adjacent to zodiac embarkation points.

Polar Boutique
If you forgot any essentials or need a little souvenir from your voyage, the Polar Boutique on Deck 4 is our onboard gift shop. Opening hours will vary based on the daily expedition activities. Gifts and souvenirs are great to bring home as mementos of your polar expedition. In addition to small souvenirs, our Polar Boutique offers a selection of expedition gear, including base layer clothing, waterproof pants, gloves and more.

Lecture Theatre
Our theater-style auditorium on Deck 4 can easily accommodate everyone on board, so it serves as our main hall where presentations and videos are provided for your education and enjoyment.

Explorer Lounge

On Deck 4, the Explorer Lounge is used for special functions and events, and where you can grab a cup of complimentary coffee or tea. The Observation Lounge on Deck 7 is a comfortable spot to relax and enjoy panoramic polar views.

Restaurant

There is one dining room located on Deck 4. If there is one constant at sea, it is that you’ll enjoy delicious meals on a daily basis.

Observation Lounge

The glass-domed Observation Lounge on Deck 7 is a comfortable spot to relax and enjoy panoramic polar views.

L’Occitane Spa

The spa is located on Deck 7 and offers massages, facials, and hand and foot treatments using L’Occitane products.

Sauna

Indulge in Health & Wellness amenities like the Sauna located on Deck 7 which also has a corresponding change room and shower.

Pool

Deck 7 features a large heated outdoor pool, surrounded by deck space, and flanked by two hot tubs.

Fitness Centre

Located on Deck 7, fitness centre hours are posted at the door, with facilities available on a first come, first served basis.

Library

Located in the Observation Lounge on Deck 7, the library includes a selection of field guides, picture books and reference books.

Booking Terms & Conditions

Advertised price based on 9 February 2025 departure in a Veranda Suite. Pricing per person is correct as of 17 December 2024 and includes the offer discount*, subject to availability at the time of booking. Offers may be withdrawn or prices updated by the supplier at any time, so please enquire with our expert consultants for the latest pricing, terms and conditions.

*Up To 25% Off Promo. Each passenger’s full name is required at time of booking in order to initiate a hold, or to process a confirmed booking. Offer applies to voyage only, not applicable to transfer packages, adventure options, additional hotel accommodations, pre/post tours, insurance, flights, or group bookings.

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