Flying over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage, the 2019-20 Polar Circle Air-Cruises take you to one of the most spectacular and remotest places on earth – Antarctica. Sail to the far south, and be one of the few adventurous travellers to cross the Antarctic Circle. Three departures are offered during the 2019-20 season, two aboard Ocean Nova and one on Magellan Explorer.
Antarctica Expedition Cruise Offer
We also include in most cases some attractive extras free of charge should we book one of these expedition cruises for you. Such extras range from free return flights from Santiago to Punta Arenas, or Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, or a hotel night or two free of charge or other parts of your overall travel itinerary at no cost. Note: The final offer will be determined by us and depend on type of cabin, length of trip and which expedition cruise you book with us.
Itinerary
Day 1: Start of the Air-Cruise → A smooth two-hour flight takes you efficiently from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Your Antarctic adventure begins as you exit the airplane and the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. Explore the area surrounding Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen station, before boarding a Zodiac to embark your expedition vessel.
Day 2:Scheduled Flight to Antarctica → Your Antarctic adventure begins with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. As you exit the airplane, the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. Explore the area surrounding Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen station, before boarding a Zodiac to embark your expedition vessel.
Day 3 to 8:Exploring Antarctica → Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac each day. In small groups, hike to extraordinary sites and take part in exploratory Zodiac excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas. Expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging program of illustrated presentations, and lead you ashore to interpret the wildlife, the history and the many wonders of the Antarctic environment. From the glass-enclosed lounge, enjoy spectacular views while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests over a drink. The goal of the expedition is to sail far south in the attempt of reaching the Polar Circle. The Expedition Team sets the specific voyage route based on local conditions, and takes advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature. Flexibility will be the key to a successful voyage. Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point or other magnificent places.
Day 9:Scheduled return flight from Antarctica → Back at King George Island, bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program).
Day 10: End of Air-Cruise After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
–A Preferred Seating promotion is now in effect until Sept. 20, 2018.Travellers who book before the deadline will receive Preferred Seating Promotion reduction per person. This promotion is capacity-controlled and may be discontinued at any time.
– Single travellers can choose between booking a dedicated single cabin, booking a twin cabin for single use (an 85% supplement will be added to the rate per person in Twin Cabin) or sharing a cabin with another passenger of the same gender.
Note: This pricing chart presents our dates and prices. For real-time availability, please contact us.
Trip start and end
Triple Cabin
Twin Cabin
Single Cabin
Dec 2-9, 2019
11,395
12,995
17,395
Sold Out
Dec 7-14, 2019
11,395
12,995
17,395
Dec 12-19, 2019
11,395
12,995
17,395
Sold Out
Dec 17-24, 2019
11,395
12,995
17,395
Sold Out
Dec 22-29, 2019
12,995
14,995
21,495
Dec 27, 2019-Jan 3, 2020
12,995
14,995
21,495
Sold Out
Jan 17-24, 2020
12,995
14,995
21,495
Jan 22-29, 2020
12,995
14,995
21,495
Sold Out
Jan 27-Feb 3, 2020
12.995
14,995
21,495
Dedicated to Asian groups
Feb 1-8, 2020
12,995
14,995
21,495
Sold out
Feb 6-13, 2020
12,995
14,995
21,495
Feb 11-18, 2020
12,995
14,995
21,495
– All prices are per-person and indicated in USD.
–A Preferred Seating promotion is now in effect until Sept. 20, 2018.Travellers who book before the deadline will receive Preferred Seating Promotion reduction per person. This promotion is capacity-controlled and may be discontinued at any time.
– Single travellers can choose between booking a dedicated single cabin, booking a twin cabin for single use (an 85% supplement will be added to the rate per person in Twin Cabin) or sharing a cabin with another passenger of the same gender.
Note: This pricing chart presents our dates and prices. For real-time availability, pleasecontact us.
Ocean Nova is a modern and comfortable expedition vessel. She was built in Denmark in 1992 to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland. She was fully refurbished in 2006 and has since benefitted from annual upgrades and improvements. Her ice-strengthened hull is ideally suited for expedition travel in Antarctica.
In addition to a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room, Ocean Nova also has a spacious dining room, a bar, a library, a small gym, and an infirmary. The ship has a fleet of seven Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.
Accommodation Details:
Category
Average size
Details
Single cabins
87 ft2– 8 mt2
One lower single bed
Twin cabins
106 ft2– 10 mt2
Two lower beds
Triple cabins
150 ft2– 14 mt2
Two lower beds and one upper bed
NEW: M/V Magellan Explorer
Magellan Explorer is a new and modern expedition vessel custom build for our Antarctic air-cruises. She was built in Chile to the latest Polar Code specifications.
For our air-cruises, Magellan Explorer has capacity for 73 passengers accommodated in seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. All cabins except Porthole cabins feature private balconies. All double cabins except two have two twin beds that can be configured as one king-size bed. All other cabins have two twin beds that can be configured as one queen-size bed. All cabins feature a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with shower.
The ship features a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, a well-stocked bar, a library, a meeting room, a gym, a sauna, and a medical clinic. The forward-facing observation deck leads to the bow of the ship, which is accessible to guests to offer proximity to marine wildlife. The ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.
Technical Details
PASSENGERS:
100 maximum*
* Up to 73 guests for Air-Cruise operations:
EXPEDITION STAFF & CREW:
60
LENGTH:
90.7 m (298 ft.)
BREADTH:
16.2 m (53 ft.)
PROPULSION:
2x MAN main engines, total 3,440 kW
ICE CLASS:
LR PC6
DRAFT:
4.3 m (14 ft.)
CRUISING SPEED:
14 knots
GROSS TONNAGE:
4,900
FLAG:
Bahamas
Accommodation Details
Category
Average size
Details
Triple Suite
440 ft2 -40 mt2
2 twin beds and 1 queen-size sofa bed, 2 private balconies with sitting area
Porthole Cabin
220 ft2 -20 mt2
2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed
Veranda Cabin
220 ft2 -20 mt2
2 twin beds or 1 king size bed, private balcony with sitting area
Deluxe Veranda Cabin
220 ft2 -20 mt2
2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed, private balcony with sitting area
Penthouse Suite
330 ft2 -30 mt2
2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed, private balcony with sitting area
Grand Suite
440 ft2 -40 mt2
2 twin beds or 1 king-size sofa bed, 2 private balconies with sitting area
Single Cabin
220 ft2 -20 mt2
1 king-size bed, private balcony with sitting area
9 NIGHTS FROM: US$ 5,460 pp Aboard The Ushuaia Ship
Expedition cruise to Antarctic Peninsula & So. Shetland Islands.
On board the Magellan Explorer, Ocean Nova or Hebridean Sky Ships
7 NIGHTS FROM: US$ 11,395 pp Flight and Cruise
Fly over Cape Horn and Drake Passage, and then cruise aboard the Ocena Nova, Magellan Explorer or Hebridean Sky.
On board the Magellan Explorer or Ocean Nova Ships
9 NIGHTS FROM: US$ 15,495 pp Flight and Cruise
Fly over Cape Horn and Drake Passage, and then cruise aboard the Ocean Nova or Magellan Explorer.
On board the Magellan Explorer, Ocean Nova or Hebridean Sky Ships
5 NIGHTS FROM: US$ 4,695 pp Flight and Cruise
Leaving from Ushuaia, the 2018-19 Antarctica Express Air-Cruise takes you through the Beagle Channel and to Cape Horn aboard the Ocean Nova, Hebridean Sky or Magenllan Explorer.
14 DAYS FROM: US$ 14,680 pp Aboard National Geographics Explorer
Experience Antarctica from every perspective using a range of exploration tools aboard the National Geographics Explorer and National Geographic Orion, including a remotely operated vehicle that captures footage of the ocean floor.
23 NIGHTS FROM: US$ 25,220 pp Aboard National Geographics Explorer/Orion
Set out on cruise then on Zodiac or kayak glide icebergs of Antarctic Peninsula. Expedition on South Georgia and Falklands.
The “Classic Antartic” route. This cruise delivers you to wonderous landscapes found in one of the harshest environments on Earth. The great star-actors of Antarctica are the penguins and in total seven species could appear before your very own eyes.
This Antarctic cruise explores the Antactic Peninsula over a period of 10 night/11days. A classic itinerary for whale watching, seabird viewing, visiting penguin colonies and experiencing zodiac excursions in Antactica. Camping in Antarctica is included.