Our Antarctica Express Air-Cruise was designed for travelers looking for a quick and affordable visit to the White Continent. This expedition offers you the chance to visit Cape Horn, cruise the Drake Passage, land in Antarctica, and fly back.


Highlights


• Enjoy a day in Antarctica exploring the landscape.

• Enjoy the privilege of seeing penguins, whales, seals, and many species of antarctic birds in their native habitat.

• Enjoy a day exploring Antarctica on a Zodiac boat on our most affordable air-cruise.

• Fly from Antarctica back to Punta Arenas, Chile, and avoid one crossing of the Drake Passage.

• Visit legendary Cape Horn during your Antarctica Express Air-Cruise.

Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, at the pier. Board your ship in the afternoon and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the world. Explore the surroundings before setting sail to Cape Horn.

 After an overnight crossing of Nassau Bay, you awake in full view of legendary Cape Horn! Weather permitting, board a Zodiac and be one of the few privileged adventurers to step foot on this famous and rarely visited island. Back on board, set sail towards Antarctica and cross the famous passage named in honor of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th-century British explorer.

 As you sail through the Drake Passage en route to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the lounge or the outside decks. You may spot magnificent seabirds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to Antarctica.

After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the environment changes noticeably. Keep your camera ready, as this is the time to watch for the first icebergs and the first sight of Antarctic land. Reaching the South Shetland Islands, sail in ice-filled bays, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Board a Zodiac for your first memorable shore visit to a penguin colony. Exploration will continue well into the evening taking advantage of the long Antarctic daylight.

 Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay. A 2-km (1.25-mile) walk takes you through Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to the aircraft. Bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight back 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).

 After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

Every effort will be made to adhere to the planned program. However, with this type of adventurous travel to Antarctica, changes to the itinerary may occur due to severe and unpredictable weather. We need to emphasize the fact that weather conditions are unpredictable and that safety is always the paramount concern on any Antarctic voyage.

Triple Suite

$5,995 USD pp
Triple Suite
Size: 440 ft2 -40 mt2. 2 twin beds and 1 queen-size sofa bed, 2 private balconies with sitting area

Porthole Cabin

$6,495 USD pp
Porthole Cabin
Size: 220 ft2 -20 mt2. 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed

Veranda Cabin

$6,995 USD pp
Veranda Cabin
Size: 220 ft2 -20 mt2. 2 twin beds or 1 king size bed, private balcony with sitting area

Deluxe Veranda Cabin

$7,495 USD pp
Deluxe Veranda Cabin
Size: 220 ft2 -20 mt2. 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed, private balcony with sitting area

Suite

$8,595 USD pp
Suite
Size: 330 ft2 -30 mt2. 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed, private balcony with sitting area

Single Cabin

$8,995 USD pp
Single Cabin
Size: 220 ft2 -20 mt2. 1 king-size bed, private balcony with sitting area

PH Suite

$8,995 USD pp
PH Suite
Size: 440 ft2 -40 mt2. 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed, 2 private balconies with sitting area

Triple cabin

$4,995 USD pp
Triple cabin
150 ft2 – 14 m2 - Bathroom, window, desk and chair, 2 lower twin beds and 1 upper bed.

Twin cabin

$5,995 USD pp
Twin cabin
106 ft2 – 10 m2 - Bathroom, window, desk and chair, and 2 lower twin beds.

Single cabin

$6,995 USD pp
Single cabin
87 ft2 – 8 m2 - Bathroom, window, desk and chair, single lower bed.

Triple cabin

$4,995 USD pp
Triple cabin
150 ft2 – 14 m2 - Bathroom, window, desk and chair, 2 lower twin beds and 1 upper bed.

Twin cabin

$5,995 USD pp
Twin cabin
106 ft2 – 10 m2 - Bathroom, window, desk and chair, and 2 lower twin beds.

Single cabin

$6,995 USD pp
Single cabin
87 ft2 – 8 m2 - Bathroom, window, desk and chair, single lower bed.

Triple Suite

$5,995 USD pp
Triple Suite
Size: 440 ft2 -40 mt2. 2 twin beds and 1 queen-size sofa bed, 2 private balconies with sitting area

Porthole Cabin

$6,795 USD pp
Porthole Cabin
Size: 220 ft2 -20 mt2. 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed

Veranda Cabin

$7,495 USD pp
Veranda Cabin
Size: 220 ft2 -20 mt2. 2 twin beds or 1 king size bed, private balcony with sitting area

Deluxe Veranda Cabin

$7,795 USD pp
Deluxe Veranda Cabin
Size: 220 ft2 -20 mt2. 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed, private balcony with sitting area

Suite

$8,595 USD pp
Suite
Size: 330 ft2 -30 mt2. 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed, private balcony with sitting area

Single Cabin

$8,995 USD pp
Single Cabin
Size: 220 ft2 -20 mt2. 1 king-size bed, private balcony with sitting area

PH Suite

$8,995 USD pp
PH Suite
Size: 440 ft2 -40 mt2. 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed, 2 private balconies with sitting area

Triple cabin

$4,995 USD pp
Triple cabin
150 ft2 – 14 m2 - Bathroom, window, desk and chair, 2 lower twin beds and 1 upper bed.

Twin cabin

$5,995 USD pp
Twin cabin
106 ft2 – 10 m2 - Bathroom, window, desk and chair, and 2 lower twin beds.

Single cabin

$6,995 USD pp
Single cabin
87 ft2 – 8 m2 - Bathroom, window, desk and chair, single lower bed.

Triple cabin

$4,995 USD pp
Triple cabin
150 ft2 – 14 m2 - Bathroom, window, desk and chair, 2 lower twin beds and 1 upper bed.

Twin cabin

$5,995 USD pp
Twin cabin
106 ft2 – 10 m2 - Bathroom, window, desk and chair, and 2 lower twin beds.

Single cabin

$6,995 USD pp
Single cabin
87 ft2 – 8 m2 - Bathroom, window, desk and chair, single lower bed.

Vessel Type: Expedition

Length: 90.7 m - 298 ft.

Passenger Capacity: 100 (only 69 passengers for Air-Cruise operations)

Built: 2018

MV Magellan Explorer features 50 passenger suites and cabins in five categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. The cabins are very spacious, ranging in size from 40 m2 (440 sq. ft.) to 20 m2 (220 sq. ft.). All double cabins have two twin beds that can be configured as one queen-size bed, offering great flexibility to our guests. 42 cabins feature a large window and a private balcony, while 8 cabins feature a porthole. All cabins feature a private bathroom and a sitting area.

Public areas include a large, forward-facing observation lounge, an observation deck, a dining room that accommodates all guests and expedition staff in a single sitting, two meeting rooms, a gift shop, a protected outdoor barbecue area, a gym, and a sauna. The bow of the ship is accessible to guests to offer expansive views during exploration. Optional adventure activities, such as kayaking and snowshoeing, are available.

Specific measures have been taken to minimize MV Magellan Explorer’s carbon footprint, including state-of-the-art engines that meet MARPOL’s stringent Tier III emission standards. To minimize fuel consumption, a waste heat recovery system recycles the heat produced by the ship’s engines and repurposes it to power the ship’s heating system and to warm the water used on board.

Cabin layout for Magellan Explorer

Vessel Type: Expedition

Length: 73 metres

Passenger Capacity: 86

Built / Refurbished: 1992 / 2005

The ice-strengthened expedition ship Ocean Nova was built in Denmark in 1992 with high ice class to serve Greenland’s west coast. In 2004 to 2005 she was completely refurbished and has now a career as a small and comfortable expedition ship. The Ocean Nova accommodates 86 passengers in single, double and triple cabins, all with sea-view and private facilities. The double cabins have either two lower beds or upper and lower beds. The triple cabins have upper and lower beds. In your cabin you will also find a desk with chair and ample storage space for clothes and equipment.

In the dining room you are treated to delicious meals in between landings and in the panorama lounge you can enjoy a drink with a breathtaking view of the surrounding polar landscape. This is where PolarQuest’s on board specialists entertain and educate you with lectures on polar biology, history, geology and conservation. There is also a library with panoramic views and a good selection of polar books. On board there is a satellite phone, gym and medical doctor. Passengers are welcome on the bridge around the clock and there is always something to see or search for from the spacious observation decks. The ship has North European officers and there is a friendly and informal atmosphere on board. Travelling with this small expedition ship offers an entirely different experience and perspective than you can get on a larger and more conventional cruise ship.

Ice Class: Ice 1B, E0 (Hull Ice 1A)

Cabin layout for Ocean Nova

Optional tours/excursions/packages available. Please get in touch for more information.

Inclusions


• Port Fees/Taxes
• All meals on board the ship
• Complimentary Coffee/Tea and water throughout the voyage
• Complimentary Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner while on board
• Flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage
• Group transfers airport - hotel on the Day of the Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica
• Group transfers hotel - airport on last Day of the itinerary
• All Zodiac excursions
• On board lectures
• Evening entertainment
• Comprehensive Pre-departure materials
• Rubber boots to borrow for the voyage
• 1 overnight with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on the Day of the Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica
• Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
• Group transfers from the airport and hotel on day one for guests arriving in Punta Arenas and from the hotel to the airport on the last day of the air-cruise itinerary.
• Two nights stay with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on day one and on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
• Welcome dinner on day one at the hotel in Punta Arenas.
• Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.
• Ship cruise and flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island, Antarctica, and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each air-cruise itinerary.

Exclusions


• International airfares
• Pre and post voyage accommodation unless specified in the itinerary
• Travel insurance including mandatory Medical Evacuation insurance
• Beverages not listed in inclusions
• Meals when not on board the ship unless specified in the itinerary
• Transfers not listed in the itinerary
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Personal expenses including any medical expenses incurred on board
• Optional excursions (eg kayaking where available)
• Gratuities (recommended USD$15.00 per passenger per day)
6 Days from
$4,995 USD pp

or call us on

NZ Freephone
0800 945 3327

AUS Freephone
1800 107 715

to help you make your reservation

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