island sky antarctic peninsula cruise

Antarctic Peninsula Express

  • Overview

    With refurbishments on board the IslandHebridean Sky only just complete, this expedition vessel is one of the finest in its class. The vessel has been completely remodelled and includes state-of-the-art cabins, common areas and facilities on board. Travelling on board the Island Sky on one of her Antarctic Peninsula expeditions provides a true insight into Antarctica. An expedition vessel of class, the experience on board this expedition, is most certainly expeditionary in nature and the Captain and crew, will ensure that you are off the ship and learning at every opportunity.

    Duration: 11 days
    Passengers: 114 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Disembarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 0.0x - 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Ushuaia

      Arrive in Ushuaia anytime today, or take advantage of our complimentary flexible arrival program and arrive up to 24 hours in advance. You’ll be staying at the beautiful Arakur Hotel & Resort, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. Explore the trails, take a spa, relax and soak in the surroundings, or head into Ushuaia and browse the Argentinean leather markets. Our optional evening briefing is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and to meet some of your fellow travelers. Enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast in the morning.

      Complimentary Pre-Arrival Day:
      Don’t sweat flight delays or missed connections when you begin your adventure a day early by taking advantage of our optional free pre-arrival night at the beautiful Arakur Hotel & Resort, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. Enjoy the spa, wander the trails, or unwind and soak in the surroundings.

    • Day 2 - Ushuaia; Embarkation Day

      This morning, we’re free to explore Ushuaia or unwind at the resort until our mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. On board, we’ll be greeted by our Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers. A concise safety and orientation briefing will be followed by the Captain’s welcome dinner. After dinner, we’ll relax and take in the scenery on our early evening sail through the Beagle Channel, past Magellanic Penguin, Rock Cormorant, and Sea Lion colonies.

    • Day 3/4 - Drake Passage

      As we make our way ever closer to the white continent, numerous Polar Experts will prepare us with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. Eventually, we’ll cross the Antarctic Convergence where we’ll notice a distinct drop in temperature as we enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean.

      Those interested in Citizen Science can take part in Sea Bird sighting surveys, or help collect salinity samples and weather data along the way. We’re likely to witness some spectacular sights, from icebergs to an array of seabirds and whale species.  If we’re lucky, we may see some of them fully breach from the sea.

    • Day 5 - South Shetland Islands

      In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, we will hope to make as much time as possible to explore by inflatable Zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature’s glory. Our Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity. We will aim for the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas, as well as sites of historic and scientific interest.

      Our first sight of land will likely be that of the South Shetland Islands. These highly volcanic islands offer amazing abundance and beauty. We may visit Half Moon Island nestled inside Livingston’s eastern shore, or conditions permitting visit historic Deception Island. Being further north, sub-Antarctic species are more commonly found here, including Chinstrap penguins and Southern Elephant seals.

    • Day 6/8 - Antarctica

      As we head south across the Bransfield Strait, we enter the Trinity Coast and Gerlache Strait. Here we may explore picturesque Neko Harbor, sheltered Paradise Harbor, the Humpback whale favoured Wilhelmina Bay, the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel. We may stop at an active scientific base such as Poland’s Arctowksi or Ukraine’s Vernadskiy as well as a historic base such as U.K.’s Port Lockroy or Wordie House.

      Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins abound, and Weddell and Crabeater seals are often found hauled out to rest along with predatory Leopard seals and the assertive Antarctic Fur Seal. Minke and Humpback whales are frequent visitors in the late season and Orca sightings are also common.

    • Day 10/11 - Drake Passage

      As we leave this magical place and make our way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage, we will continue our presentation series and wildlife spotting. Sailing back to Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel, we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow. 

    • Day 12 - Ushuaia; Disembarkation

      Morning disembarkation in Ushuaia lets you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your Captain and Expedition Leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities

    Kayaking

    To experience Antarctica up close and personal, there’s really no better seat than the one in your kayak, just inches above the water, navigating among icebergs and glacial ice dating back 30,000 years.

    Gliding through an otherworldly landscape with a small team, led by our expert guides and occasionally joined by a family of playful penguins or seals, this is about as intimate and magical as it gets.

    USD$ 895 per person

    Lemaire Channel – get your camera ready!

    In a continent of stunning views, Lemaire Channel has been called the Kodak Gap. Locked between the rocky vertical cliffs of Booth Island and the continent this one kilometer wide passage is one of the most photographed attractions of Antarctica. You will be glad your camera is digital.

    Penguins

    Taking centre stage on your Antarctic Peninsula expedition, are the Brushtail penguin species. These photogenic and intriguing species include, Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins. The species are in abundance across Peninsula and are always performing.

    On board voyages in our other details you may come across Rockhopper, Macaroni, Magellanic, King and Emperor penguins.

  • Inclusions

    Expedition Gear

    The ship will provide you with expedition boots (on loan) and a specially designed expedition jacket, which is yours to keep at the end of your voyage.

    Wifi

    100 minutes of Wifi access is provided for use on your personal devices free of charge.

    Premium Suite Extras

    The Promenade, Deluxe, Penthouse and Owner Suites all receive champagne and chocolates on arrival and a complimentary mini-bar.

    Accommodation & Transfers

    Transfers are provided pre and post-cruise by the expedition team and one-night accommodation is provided on Day 1 of your itinerary at a Ushuaia hotel.

    Complimentary Pre-Arrival Day:
    Don’t sweat flight delays or missed connections when you begin your adventure a day early by taking advantage of our optional free pre-arrival night at the beautiful Arakur Hotel & Resort, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. Enjoy the spa, wander the trails, or unwind and soak in the surroundings.

    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - All accommodation and meals on board
    - All excursions and lectures
    - Hot beverages
    - Welcome & Farewell cocktail
    - House wine / beer or soft drink with dinner
    - All port & landing fees
    - Digital voyage log

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Accommodation / meals / excursions & transfers as explicitly outlined in the itinerary
    - arrival and departure taxes
    - Passport and Visa fees
    - Laundry costs
    - Communication costs
    - Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar
    - International & internal airfares
    - Gratuities
    - Mandatory waterproof gear not provided
    - Baggage / cancellation / interruption and medical travel insurance
  • Map
    Screen shot 2017 07 04 at 5.28.51 pm
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    ISLAND SKY

    The Island Sky is an all suites, all inclusive small expedition vessel with touches of elegance throughout. Quark Expeditions’ only all-suite ship, it carries a maximum of 108 passengers and provides an abundance of public space for wildlife viewing, relaxation and taking in lectures and briefings. Every suite has private bathroom facilities and an exterior view, while some suites include a private balcony. All suites have flat screen televisions and DVD players.

    Features & Facilities
    • Luxury accommodation
    • Observation lounge
    • Observation Bar
    • Library
    • Lecture theatre
    • Large observation deck
    • Internet/Wifi
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 4
    Guests #: 114
    Crew #: 72
    Ice Class: 1C
    Speed:
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built:
    Length: 90m
    Width: 15
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 4200
    Registry: Bahamas
    Elec Outlets:
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
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Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.
island sky triple suite cabin

Triple Suite

18 Dec 2019 - 28 Dec 2019
A generous suite with twin beds and a sofa bed.
USD$ 8,995pp
USD$ 8,995pp
island sky twin porthole suite cabin

Porthole Suite

18 Dec 2019 - 28 Dec 2019
A generous Suite with twin or king bedding and private facilities.
USD$ 11,495pp
USD$ 11,495pp
island sky window suite cabin

Window Suite

18 Dec 2019 - 28 Dec 2019
A generous Suite with twin or king bedding and private facilities.
USD$ 13,495pp
USD$ 11,471pp
island sky promenade suite cabin

Promenade Suite

18 Dec 2019 - 28 Dec 2019
A generous Suite with twin or king bedding and private facilities.
USD$ 14,395pp
USD$ 12,236pp
island sky deluxe suite cabin

Deluxe Suite

18 Dec 2019 - 28 Dec 2019
Corner Suites with twin or king bedding and private facilities.
USD$ 14,695pp
USD$ 12,491pp
island sky veranda suite cabin

Veranda Suite with Balcony

18 Dec 2019 - 28 Dec 2019
An extremely comfortable Suite with twin or king bedding, private facilities and a balcony.
USD$ 15,495pp
USD$ 13,171pp
island sky penthouse suite cabin

Penthouse Suite with Balcony

18 Dec 2019 - 28 Dec 2019
An extremely comfortable Suite with twin or king bedding, private facilities and a balcony.
USD$ 16,995pp
USD$ 14,446pp
island sky owner's suite cabin

Owner's Suite

18 Dec 2019 - 28 Dec 2019
The Owner's Suite features a separate sitting room, private bathroom and large balcony.
USD$ 18,995pp
USD$ 18,995pp