world explorer antarctic cruise

Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent

  • Overview

    If this is your first visit, our classic Antarctic Explorer voyage gives you the best of the stunning Antarctic Peninsula in 11 days. Conquer the famed Drake Passage in your choice of four stabilized, polar-class vessels; explore majestic natural environments by zodiac and on foot; get up close and personal with penguins, whales and other wildlife; and enjoy talks on history, biology and glaciology by onboard polar experts. You can personalize your adventure with options that suit your interests, and cross the 7th Continent off the list—your way.

    Expedition Highlights

    • Explore highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula

    • Travel safely and comfortably aboard any Quark Expeditions ice-strengthened vessel

    • Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts

    • Experience abundant wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whales

    • Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Antarctic, with an optional paddling excursion

    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. Enjoy the mountains or sample handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.

    • Day 2 - Embark

      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 on 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 on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. 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 7th 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 array of creatures to fascinate 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

    Camping

    Treat yourself to an overnight camping adventure in Antarctica! This is one of the best ways to experience Antarctica in an intimate manner, taking your expedition to the next level. Camping is available on most early-season Antarctic voyages. A
    mandatory onboard safety briefing gets you fully prepped and ready for an unforgettable night of sleeping under the Antarctic summer sky. Dress warmly and eat a hearty meal before you head out, as no food is allowed ashore. You will be provided with an insulating mat, sleeping bag, and bivvy sack (a breathable waterproof outer bag) to keep you comfortable and dry while you sleep on top of the snow. Our popular camping options have limited availability, so book early to secure your space.

    USD$ 292 per person

    Stand-Up Paddleboarding

    Stand-up Paddleboarding, popularly known as SUPing, originated in Hawaii.
    SUPing combines the immersive experience of kayaking but in a standing position. Participants, if they prefer, can kneel, sit or even lie down and stare up at the azure Antarctic sky. Because of their wide base and tail fins, SUP boards are quite stable, enabling participants – after a bit of practice – to stop staring at their feet and admire the surrounding scenery. Imagine seeing Gentoo penguins gliding below you, or making eye contact with a Weddell seal lying on a piece of ice as you paddle by.

    Guests receive on-ship and on-water instruction from a qualified SUP guide. In addition, a safety driver (in a Zodiac) stays within range to offer assistance.

    Duration: 1 to 1½ hours.

    USD$ 292 per person

    Sea Kayaking

    One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica, the Arctic or any of our global voyages. The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica is guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle between brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes, skim past penguin rookeries or under soaring bird cliffs, or drift quietly as you watch wildlife unobtrusively, absorbing the majestic scenery

    USD$ 972 per person

    Paddling Excursion

    If you’re interested in kayaking and would like to try something less in depth than Sea Kayaking, you can still enjoy the benefits of adding an on-water experience to your expedition with a Paddling Excursion. Sign up for a onetime paddle on our sit-on-top kayaks, which are stable and unencumbered— perfect for anyone with little to no kayak experience. Expert guides take rotating groups of passengers on calm days to connect with the sea.

    USD$ 292 per person

    Polar Plunge

    This rite of passage, experienced just once per expedition, sees you safely jumping into icy ocean waters under the watchful eye of our staff—and just about every single camera lens on board!

    Included

    Zodiac Cruising

    Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar expeditions, safely transporting guests to remote shorelines and shallow inlets—places the ships can’t reach. Expedition staff make stepping in and out of them safe and comfortable.

    Included

    Hiking

    There are options on most excursions for shorter walks, often to take advantage of excellent lookouts, that don’t require hiking boots and other equipment. Hiking participation is optional and your Expedition Team will advise you of what you can expect prior to each excursion.

    Included
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
    - Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Team, 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 pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
    - A photographic journal documenting your expedition
    - 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

    - Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
    - 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
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  • 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
world explorer antarctica cruise triple suite

Triple

05 Nov 2024 - 15 Nov 2024
Located on Deck 6, and approximately 246 sq. ft. (23 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 55 sq. ft. (5 sq. m) walk-out balcony. A separate combo sitting area/bedroom with a sofa bed and additional closet, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.
USD$ 13,532pp
USD$ 9,642pp
world explorer veranda suite

Veranda Suite

05 Nov 2024 - 15 Nov 2024
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 215 sq. ft. (20 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 55 sq. ft. (5 sq. m) walk-out 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$ 16,796pp
USD$ 11,968pp
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world explorer infinity suite

Infinity Suite

05 Nov 2024 - 15 Nov 2024
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$ 16,796pp
USD$ 11,968pp
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world explorer superior suite

Superior Suite

05 Nov 2024 - 15 Nov 2024
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 278 sq. ft. (26 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 110 sq. ft. (10 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with sofa, walk-in closet, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.
USD$ 20,672pp
USD$ 14,729pp
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world explorer deluxe suite

Deluxe Suite

05 Nov 2024 - 15 Nov 2024
Located on Deck 5, and approximately 334 sq. ft. (31 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 110 sq. ft. (10 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with sofa, his & hers closets, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower and his & hers sinks is also featured in each cabin.
USD$ 22,236pp
USD$ 15,844pp
world explorer owners suite

Owner's Suite

05 Nov 2024 - 15 Nov 2024
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 355 sq. ft. (33 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 110 sq. ft. (10 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower, his & hers sinks, and bathtub is also featured in each cabin.
USD$ 23,800pp
USD$ 16,958pp