Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake
Discover the main polar attractions in this Antarctic Express Cruise aboard the World Explorer
From: USD 9,697
A 8-day expedition cruise
5 Reviews
The Trip Highlights
Experience amazing wildlife
Spot seals and whales in their natural habitats
Step a foot on the 7th continent
Cross the drake passage in only a few hours!
Your Polartours 'Plus' Experience
Hike up a sparkling glacier
Experience the chill of a polar plunge
Your trip is 100% carbon offset
Learn from Polar experts
Don't waste any time and fly over the infamous Drake Passage by charter plane and land on King George Island before starting your polar adventure. Antarctica will enchant you with its breathtaking scenery, snow-capped peaks and huge icebergs. Get to know the local wildlife: walk among the famous king penguins, watch whales and photograph thousands of seabirds. Explore historic sites, climb a sparkling iceberg and make the most of your landmark visit to the 7th continent.
We compensate all 2.57 tons of CO2 that this trip will cause.
Your ship: World Explorer
Welcome aboard the World Explorer! Distinct and comfortable, refined and roomy—these attributes and more describe World Explorer. Every cabin has a private walk-out or French balcony for direct ocean views. World Explorer also delivers spacious public lounge spaces to unwind after a day outdoors, including the glass-domed Observation Lounge, the Explorer Lounge, and a dedicated presentation theater. Health and wellness facilities feature an outdoor walking track, a fitness center, and a spa, plus a sauna with a change room and shower.
For the active adventurers, add-ons include kayaking, camp … Read more about World Explorer
Amenities
Fitness Center
Mudroom
Expedition Parka
Lecture Theater
Observation Deck
Pool
Observation Lounge
Spa
Gift Shop
Sauna
Medical Services
Library
Open Bridge Policy
Food & Drinks
There is one dining room located on Deck 4 which offers three meals per day. While mealtimes may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, you’ll always be assured of excellent quality food during our time on World Explorer.
There is one seating for all passengers at breakfast, lunch, and dinner and the restaurant has an open seating policy that encourages passengers to mingle with like-minded Antarctic explorers and share their experiences.
An assortment of freshly baked cookies and/or pastries are offered each afternoon. There is also a selection of hot and cold snacks available in the lounge during cocktail hour, expedition activities permitting.
Breakfasts and lunches are normally served buffet-style, while dinners are served plated. À la carte meals are made at the time of your order, allowing the chefs to prepare each dish to your individual needs. Working in a small kitchen, the chefs are able to monitor and control the quality of food being served, ensuring you receive top-quality meals during the course of your expedition.
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Adventure Options
Adventure Options during your cruise
Day 1 • Your incredible Antarctic Express adventure starts in Punta Arenas
By early afternoon, your Polar guide will meet you at the official starting point hotel, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.
Punta Arenas ("Sandy Point" in Spanish) is the capital city of Chile's southernmost region, Magallanes and Antarctica Chilena.
Punta Arenas is the largest city below the 46th parallel and is one of the largest cities in the entire Patagonian Region.
It is only 870 miles from the coast of Antarctica, yet Punta Arenas is a vibrant and modern city that's the perfect starting point for Antarctic exploration.
Day 2 • Board the plane for King George Island where you will embark on your journey to the Antarctic Peninsula
The largest of the South Shetland Islands, King George Island lies only 75 miles from the coast of the Antarctic continent. With historical claims made by Britain, Chile and Argentina, the island is also known as Isla Rey Jorge and Isla 25 de Mayo.
The importance of King George Island to many Antarctic bases is the 1,300m long airstrip maintained by the permanently occupied Chilean Base Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva. This provides a lifeline as an airbridge for personnel and supplies for many other Antarctic bases and research stations.
The presence of the airstrip allows King George Island to be used as a "fly-cruise" destination. Flying from Chile across the Drake Passage saves up to 3 days at sea, allowing Antarctic exploration for those with less time to take a full cruise.
Day 3-6 • Set foot on the Antarctic Continent
The North-West portion of the Antarctic Peninsula is the most frequently visited by expedition cruises and is home to many of the most popular landing sites. The Gerlache Strait is renowned for the stunning scenery with the snow covered mountains, as if covered in icing sugar, with numerous glaciers tumbling down to the sea.
Being the most northerly part of the whole continent, the Peninsula enjoys the mildest Antarctic condition, with temperatures in winter averaging a balmy -20 degrees C (-4 degrees F)! In the summer, things warm up to an average of just above freezing. Large areas of this part of the peninsula are ice-free in the early season, being important breeding and feeding grounds for many iconic Antarctic species.
It's here that many of the historic Antarctic expeditions began, and where early military and scientific bases were first established, some of which you will be able to visit if conditions allow. These remarkable artefacts have been left as time capsules, their contents showing remarkable levels of preservation thanks to the dry and cold climate.
Day 7 • Travel back north to King George Island
After your week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your two-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings your adventure to an end. After your group transfer to the hotel, you are free to explore and enjoy an evening on your own, in the city or at the hotel to reminisce about the sights and sounds of Antarctica.
The largest of the South Shetland Islands, King George Island lies only 75 miles from the coast of the Antarctic continent. With historical claims made by Britain, Chile and Argentina, the island is also known as Isla Rey Jorge and Isla 25 de Mayo.
The importance of King George Island to many Antarctic bases is the 1,300m long airstrip maintained by the permanently occupied Chilean Base Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva. This provides a lifeline as an airbridge for personnel and supplies for many other Antarctic bases and research stations.
The presence of the airstrip allows King George Island to be used as a "fly-cruise" destination. Flying from Chile across the Drake Passage saves up to 3 days at sea, allowing Antarctic exploration for those with less time to take a full cruise.
Day 8 • Your unforgettable Antarctic cruise comes to an end in Punta Arenas
After breakfast, you are welcome to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.
Punta Arenas ("Sandy Point" in Spanish) is the capital city of Chile's southernmost region, Magallanes and Antarctica Chilena.
Punta Arenas is the largest city below the 46th parallel and is one of the largest cities in the entire Patagonian Region.
It is only 870 miles from the coast of Antarctica, yet Punta Arenas is a vibrant and modern city that's the perfect starting point for Antarctic exploration.
Reviews
Jonisharps
This new ship was very nice! The staff and Quark expedition crew on our Feb. 2020 sailing were amazing! Wine was good, food very good and excursions awesome (Copied from Trip Advisor)
LarryandTim
A visit to Antarctica is a once in a lifetime experience. Quark excels in this region of the world. There were 27 naturalists with various specialties for 130 passengers. The Zodiac activities were well organized and efficient. Special special place to visit. (Copied from Trip Advisor)
Susie M
We had three generations of family aboard the World Explorer for a trip of a lifetime to South Georgia and Antartica to see penguins. All the staff was amazing, food was terrific, Quark expedition staff was world class, and accommodations on boat couldn't have been better. All cabins had balconies which was a plus for a 16 day adventure. (Copied from Trip Advisor)
Dave & Lisa
Simply amazing! Efficiency and friendliness of staff and guides. Willingness to make every excursion special. We ticked off the big 13. Add a blue sky glacier day with some calving and you have it all. (Copied from Swoop Antarctica)
