world explorer antarctic cruise

Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent

  • 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.

    Duration: 11 days
    Passengers: 176 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Disembarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 1.7x - 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - 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.

    • Day 2 - 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!

    • Day 3/4 - 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. In between presentations spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.

    • Day 5/8 - 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. Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated 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, minkes, 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. 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. 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.

    • Day 9/10 - Crossing the Drake Passage

      The journey back across the Drake Passage provides final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air 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.

    • Day 11 - Disembark in Ushuaia

      You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure onward or catch your flights home.

    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

    Stand-up Paddle boarding

    Stand-up paddleboarding will give you a very personal and unique perspective on Antarctica. Guided by experienced staff in small groups in good weather conditions on calm bays and harbours, reservations for 10 paddleboarders will be taken at time of booking

    USD$ 278 per person

    Camping

    Not very many people have the opportunity to say they’ve camped on the 7th Continent. This is one of the best ways to experience Antarctica in a more intimate manner, and take your expedition to the next level.

    Camping is available on most Antarctic voyages and has a limited number of spots. All equipment, guides and instructions are provided.

    USD$ 278 per person

    Kayaking

    Kayaking is probably one of the most intimate and inspiring ways you can explore the rugged coastlines and calm bays of the Polar regions.

    Kayaking in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent, however we guarantee at least one outing throughout your voyage, but your kayak guides will take you out as many times as possible throughout your voyage.

    USD$ 1,169 per person

    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.

    Wandering Albatross

    Spectacular in flight and on the ground, with the largest wingspan of any bird on the planet; gracefully and effortlessly glides for thousands of kilometres across the Southern Ocean to their nesting site on South Georgia.

    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.

  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
    - All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
    - All shore landings as per the daily program
    - Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
    - All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
    - Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
    - Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
    - A photographic journal documenting the expedition
    - A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
    - An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
    - Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
    - All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
    - All luggage handling aboard the ship
    - Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
    - Group arrival transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
    - One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
    - Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day
    - Group departure transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from ship to local airport or to luggage storage facility

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
    - Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
    - Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
    - Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
    - Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
    - Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
    - Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
    - Meals unless otherwise specified
    - Passport and applicable visa expenses
    - Additional overnight accommodation
    - Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
    - International airfare
  • Map
    Open uri20221115 30480 17kksde?1668514727
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    WORLD EXPLORER

    Distinct and comfortable, refined and roomy—these attributes and more describe World Explorer. Not only will it be among our fastest ships, it will also be one of our finest, with six tiers of deluxe accommodation. The personal space is exceptional. Every cabin has either a private walk-out or Juliet 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 running 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. Blending high design with total functionality, World Explorer is all set to be your home away from home on the seas.

    Features & Facilities
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 4
    Guests #: 176
    Crew #: 125
    Ice Class: 1B
    Speed: 16
    Refurbished: 2018
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 2018
    Length: 126m
    Width: 18
    Draft: 4
    Tonnage:
    Registry: Portugal
    Elec Outlets: 220V / European plug
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability

Triple

08 Jan 2023 - 18 Jan 2023
Triple berth cabin with shared facilities
USD$ 13,396pp
USD$ 13,396pp

Veranda Suite

08 Jan 2023 - 18 Jan 2023
Suites with private balcony and sitting area
USD$ 18,836pp
USD$ 18,836pp
Book now btn
Book Now
world explorer infinity suite

Infinity Suite

08 Jan 2023 - 18 Jan 2023
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 Juliet 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.
USD$ 19,312pp
USD$ 19,312pp

Superior Suite

08 Jan 2023 - 18 Jan 2023
Twin or double Suite with private facilities and a window
USD$ 24,004pp
USD$ 24,004pp

Deluxe Suite

08 Jan 2023 - 18 Jan 2023
Corner Suites with twin or king bedding and private facilities
USD$ 25,704pp
USD$ 25,704pp
polar pioneer captains suite

Owner's Suite

08 Jan 2023 - 18 Jan 2023
Suite cabin with double bed, separate sitting room and private facilities.
USD$ 27,948pp
USD$ 27,948pp