Antarctica Explorer Cruise with Quark Expeditions – Exclusive offers!

DAY 1 – ARRIVE IN BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its vibrant Argentinian culture, European architecture and cosmopolitan vibe, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).

DAY 2 – FLY TO USHUAIA & EMBARK

After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to explore this quaint port town on your own before making your way to the designated meeting spot pier.

After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Excitement builds in anticipation of your next stop: the Antarctic!

DAY 3 & 4 – CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE

The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself. While being well taken care of by our expert onboard staff and leaders, you’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the ocean, take pictures of seabirds swooping around the ship, and get to know your Expedition Team and fellow travelers.

DAYS 5 to 9 – SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS & ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

Once the Drake Passage is left in our wake and the South Shetland Islands come into view, your Antarctic adventure truly begins. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. On every visit to Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means your expedition will be unlike any other—a unique, personal experience.

Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal.

The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you hike snowy pathways to vantage points offering panoramic views of your surroundings. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence, and the next you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear.

Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes—such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles—become indelible memories.

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

DAYS 10 & 11 – CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE

The journey back across the Drake Passage provides a final opportunity to enjoy the invigorating Southern Ocean air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, and celebrate the experiences you’ve shared exploring the remarkable world of Antarctica.

DAY 12 – DISEMBARK IN USHUAIA & FLY TO BUENOS AIRES

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. You will then make your way towards your group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

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

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.

Ocean Explorer 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.

Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards.

World Explorer example:

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.