OVERVIEW
Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries. And this expedition offers you the chance to discover why, with an unforgettable journey through the spectacular wilderness of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll encounter a world where nature creates the rules, her unpredictable temperament making each trip unique, exciting and personal.
Imagine cruising in a Zodiac through crackling sea ice like shattered glass, witnessing penguins building their nests, or navigating through a maze of icebergs, each one uniquely shaped by its journey through the sea. You’ll enjoy iconic Antarctic highlights, exhilarating adventures and be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Discover why this trip is perfect for first-time visitors to Antarctica.
• Explore highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula.
• Travel safely and comfortably aboard any of Quark Expeditions’ three small, ice-strengthened expedition vessels.
• Learn about the environment and wildlife from on-board lecturers and specialists.
• Experience abundant wildlife: penguins, seals, whales and more!.
• On select itineraries, arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the tango capital of the world, and let us take care of the rest of your journey.
ITINERARY IN BRIEF
Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina
Day 2: Embarkation day
Day 3 & 4: Crossing the Drake Passage
Day 5, 6, 7 & 8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Day 9 & 10: Crossing the Drake Passage
Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
NOTE: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. The on-board expedition leader will determine the final itinerary. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.
Contact us for more details.
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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. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.
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EMBARKATION DAY
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 in the world’s most southern continent!
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CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE
Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team who will prepare you for the wildlife, glaciology, and history that will greet you upon your arrival.
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CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE
In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.
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SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
The most common reaction upon reaching the White 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.
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SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local 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, fins, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.
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SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
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.
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SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
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.
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CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air.
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CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE
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.
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DISEMBARKATION IN USHUAIA
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure onward or catch your flights home.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Staff and Crew: 130.
- Guests: 172 (140 on Antarctic Express programs).
- Length: 126 meters.
- Breadth (Beam): 19 meters.
- Draft: 7 meters.
- Propulsion: 2 x Rolls Royce 9,000 kW hybrid diesel/electric.
- Ice Class: 1B.
- Cruising Speed: 16 knots, in open water.
- Registration: Portugal.
- Lifeboats: 2, fully-enclosed.
SHIP AMENITIES:
- Chef-prepared meals (all meals and daily snack included).
- One dining room with unreserved seating.
- Bar staffed by a professional bartender serving a selection of soft drinks, juices, liquors, spirits, beer, and wine, which can be charged to your shipboard account.
- Comfortable lounge area for reading or relaxing with a cup of coffee.
- Observation decks for spotting wildlife and enjoying the ever-changing polar landscape.
- Polar library stocked with a large collection of polar books, and games.
- Gym.
- Pool & sauna.
- Spa facilities and wellness program.
- Lecture theatre.
- Polar Boutique.
- Ship-to-shore satellite communications with email and wireless Internet access.
COMMUN AREAS ABOARD WORLD EXPLORER
Whether viewing wildlife and taking in the open ocean from the glass-domed Observation Lounge, sipping complimentary cups of coffee or tea in the Explorer Lounge or enjoying the extensive collection of field guides, picture books and reference books in the library, guests feel welcome and at home aboard the World Explorer. The onboard Polar Boutique is stocked with forgotten essentials, gear and souvenirs. And the lecture theater-style auditorium easily accommodates everyone on board for presentations and videos that provide education and entertainment. Ship-to-shore satellite communications provide access to email and wireless internet, though note that connections can never be guaranteed on remote polar expeditions.
An outdoor running track, gym, sauna, heated outdoor pool and spa for booking massages, facials, and hair, hand and foot treatments help maintain healthy and relaxing routines while traveling. The spa features change rooms, showers and lockers so you can clean up before returning to your cabin—a bonus for those in shared cabins! At the heated outdoor pool, a shallow children’s area is separated from a deeper saltwater plunge pool.
DINNING ABOARD WORLD EXPLORER
Enjoy breakfast and lunch buffet style, while dinners are served plated in an open seating atmosphere and with casual dress code. Although meal times may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, you’ll always enjoy three delicious meals a day. An assortment of fresh-baked cookies and/or pastries are offered in the afternoon, as are hot and cold snacks during cocktail hour. A well-stocked bar is open from mid-morning into the evening with a selection of premium beers, wines, liquors and spirits, which can be charged to your shipboard account. Dietary restrictions may be accommodated with prior notice, with the exception of kosher food.
ACTIVITIES ABOARD WORLD EXPLORER
Aboard the World Explorer, days are packed with multiple landings, Zodiac cruises and optional activities like kayaking, camping and stand-up paddle boarding (additional charge). During your days at sea, enjoy lectures and workshops presented by the expedition team and spend time on deck looking for seabirds and cetaceans. Guides are well trained in spotting wildlife and showing off unique polar landscapes with geology and history. An outdoor running track, gym and heated outdoor pool further your options during ocean crossings.
CABINS DETAILS:
Triple
Located on Deck 6, and approximately 246 sq. ft. (23 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 55 sq. ft. (5 sq. m) walk-out balcony. A separate combo sitting area/bedroom with a sofa bed and additional closet, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.
Infinity Suite
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 270 sq. ft. (25 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a floor-to-ceiling glass French balcony. A sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.
Veranda Suite
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 215 sq. ft. (20 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 55 sq. ft. (5 sq. m) walk-out balcony. A sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.
Superior Suite
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 278 sq. ft. (26 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 110 sq. ft. (10 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with sofa, walk-in closet, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.
Deluxe Suite
Located on Deck 5, and approximately 334 sq. ft. (31 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 110 sq. ft. (10 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with sofa, his and hers closets, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower and his and hers sinks is also featured in each cabin.
Owner’s Suite
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 355 sq. ft. (33 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 110 sq. ft. (10 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower, his and hers sinks, and bathtub is also featured in each cabin
DECKPLAN
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
- All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage.
- All shore landings per the daily program.
- Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader.
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program.
- Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.
- Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage.
- A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings.
- An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep.
- Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock.
- Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin.
- Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader.
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
- All luggage handling aboard ship.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Any airfare unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before embarkation.
- Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance.
- Excess baggage charges.
- Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified.
- Telecommunications charges.
- The voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew.
- Kayaking (additional charge).
- Camping (additional charge).
- Standup Paddleboarding (additional charge).
NOTES:
- This trip is also available on board the Ocean Adventurer and Ocean Diamond. Contact us for more details.
- Voyages are subject to ice and weather conditions.
- The itineraries described for expedition voyages illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
