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Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle
11-day fly-cruise from Punta Arenas aiming for the Antarctic Circle aboard World Voyager, subject to ice, weather and safety.
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Length
11 Days
Ship category
Luxury
Ship type
Large Ship
Capacity
168 Passengers
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World Voyager is one of our favourite choices for curious travellers who want the intellectual spark of a true expedition without giving up a beautifully designed ship. Its dedicated Science Hub connects wildlife encounters with the science behind them and, on selected sailings, supports hands-on Science & Discovery activities. It gives the voyage a sense of purpose that continues after each landing.
The Ready Room makes preparing for Zodiac outings straightforward; the wraparound Deck 8 with heated seating keeps you outside when the scenery is irresistible; and the theatre gives everyone a p … Read more about World Voyager
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Gym on board
Pool
Spa
Gift Shop
Sauna
Library
Restaurant
Expedition days set the timetable on World Voyager, so meals flex around landings and wildlife encounters. The main dining room on Deck 4 serves three meals a day: breakfast and lunch are normally buffet-style, while dinner is plated. Open seating makes it easy to compare the day's sightings with fellow travellers.
Freshly baked biscuits or pastries are normally offered in the afternoon, with hot and cold snacks in the lounge around cocktail hour when the expedition programme allows. Most special diets can be accommodated when requirements are declared on the expedition forms in advance—an important practical detail on a remote voyage where last-minute alternatives are harder to arrange.
From
Until
Info
Availability
Price
17
Feb
2028
• 11 days
• Discounts apply if the total is paid in full within 7 days
From
USD 28,904
USD 35,795
17
Feb
2028
27
Feb
2028
•
Discounts apply if the total is paid in full within 7 days
USD 28,904
USD 35,795
19
Dec
2028
• 11 days
• Discounts apply if the total is paid in full within 7 days
From
USD 29,151
USD 35,095
19
Dec
2028
29
Dec
2028
•
Discounts apply if the total is paid in full within 7 days
USD 29,151
USD 35,095
Preferred date unavailable?
When booking online, you can choose the option to "Upgrade to single occupancy". This will guarantee you the whole cabin to yourself, for an additional fee. If you don't select this option, then another traveler of the same sex might be placed into the same cabin with you. Exceptions may apply.
Expedition parka to keep
Leadership by an experienced expedition team, including shore landings and other scheduled activities
All Zodiac transfers and cruises in the daily programme
All shore landings in the daily programme
Accommodation aboard World Voyager with daily housekeeping
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices aboard
Selected beer, wine and cocktails during bar-service hours and dinner
Coffee, tea and cocoa around the clock
Scheduled presentations by the expedition team and guest speakers
Photographic expedition journal
Waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruises
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
Programme service taxes, port charges and luggage handling aboard
Group arrival transfer from Punta Arenas airport to the pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
One pre-expedition hotel night in Punta Arenas with breakfast
Briefing dinner in Punta Arenas on Day 1
Group transfer from the hotel to Punta Arenas airport
Charter flights between Punta Arenas and King George Island
Group transfer from Punta Arenas airport to the post-expedition hotel
One post-expedition hotel night in Punta Arenas with breakfast and luggage storage
Photography guidance during scheduled expedition sessions
Observational Science & Discovery participation aboard World Voyager; interactive or research activities operate only when scheduled and are not guaranteed
One Polar Plunge is scheduled during the voyage, subject to weather, sea and safety conditions
Wi-Fi for the 17 February 2028 departure: one complimentary 1 GB data card for basic use on one device; additional data costs extra and Premium packages are not included
Wi-Fi for the 19 December 2028 departure: complimentary basic service on one device; Premium packages cost extra; all connectivity depends on polar geography, climate and network conditions
International airfare
Transfers not expressly listed as included, including the final transfer to Punta Arenas airport
Passport and visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not listed as included
Meals ashore unless specified
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance
Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
Mandatory waterproof trousers and any equipment not listed as included
Laundry, bar, spa and other personal charges unless specified
Phone charges
Voluntary gratuities for shipboard staff and crew
Additional overnight accommodation
Adventure Options not listed as included
Additional data and Premium Wi-Fi packages unless expressly included
Polar weather can delay the charter flights or change their timing. Keep your onward travel flexible.
The exact order and location of landings and Zodiac cruises are decided locally; named regions are not guaranteed calls.
The Antarctic Circle is an objective, not a promise. Ice and weather determine whether the ship can cross 66°33′ South.
Be at the official Punta Arenas hotel by 3 p.m. on Day 1 for equipment checks, biosecurity procedures and the mandatory briefing.
The charter-flight allowance is one checked bag and one carry-on. Exact weight limits arrive with the final documents, and excess luggage cannot be purchased.
A hotel night with breakfast is included in Punta Arenas before and after the voyage; the final airport transfer on Day 11 is not included.
After completing your booking, you will receive an invoice from your travel specialist by email. A deposit of 30% of the trip price is required to secure your booking. Payment can be made through bank transfer or by credit card through a secure payment link.
Full payment is expected 30 days before your trip. Payment can be made in installments.
This trip generates 3.914 t CO₂e. Polartours regularly measures and monitors the carbon footprint of its journeys and actively reduces emissions through sustainable travel design: no unnecessary flights, fewer feeder flights, integration of rail and public transport, and promoting longer stays for a more balanced relationship between travel distance and impact.
From 2018 to 2024, we supported carbon reduction projects equivalent to the emissions generated. Recognizing the limits of traditional offsetting, we now focus on active environmental protection through our own rainforest project, Forest Guardians.
More information on our climate and environmental responsibility: https://www.venturatravel.org/impact
All cruises in the polar regions operate to itineraries that are more-or-less fixed. We say "more or less", because wildlife (breeding, seasonality) and weather always play an important role in routing. Most cruises will offer a range of land-based and water-based activities that you will enjoy at various points in your cruise, including:
All boats carry English speaking, scientifically trained guides. They will lead you on your excursions, allowing you to learn as much as possible about the unique wildlife and habitats of the Polar Regions.
Choosing the right ship for a cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic seems difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Our fleet is over 30 vessels, we are sure that there is the perfect one for you. Please, follow these simple steps, and you will be able to find your ideal ship:
In addition: We work with responsible partners who provide a great experience for their passengers. All of our providers are committed to sustainability and to preserving the beauty of the polar regions. You don’t need to worry about the impact of your cruise, because we’ve already taken care of it.
We love to help people find their dream vacation to the Arctic and Antarctic. Whether you give us a call, contact us via email, or use our website inquiry form, one of our Polar travel experts will be more than happy to answer any questions, recommend ships and itineraries, and walk you through the whole process!
Step 1: Find your perfect trip. If you have already started looking for Polar Cruises, you will have quickly noticed that the sheer amount of options can be quite overwhelming. To help you navigate the countless departures and itineraries that our fleet offers, we have put together a great filter page for Antarctic and Arctic Expedition Cruises. Use this page to filter all trips by price, date, ship category, and even destinations you wish to visit. We update all dates, prices, and availabilities daily, and are proud to host what is doubtlessly the world's most complete collection of information.
Step 2: Found something you love? We'll hold your spaces, free of charge! If you find a cruise you like, you can either inquire directly with us or make an unbinding booking online. We will then reach out to the shipowners to put a hold on your spaces for a limited time, free of charge. Once we have confirmed your block with the ship, we will send you a written confirmation of your reservation and include full payment details in an invoice. Typically, we are able to hold unpaid reservations for up to 1 week*. This gives us time to clarify all your remaining questions, and also ensures that no other passengers can book your spaces, while we continue our conversation.
Step 3: Confirm your booking. In order to confirm your booking, we ask for a deposit payment. You can pay via bank transfer or credit card. Keep in mind, that we can only hold your spaces for a limited amount of time. If we don't receive your payment after this time, we can no longer guarantee that the places will be available or that the price won't increase. To prevent disappointment, we will automatically cancel your reservation if we don't receive your deposit by the due date stated on your booking reservation.
Step 4: Booking confirmation & Payment. As soon as we have received your deposit and a completed passenger information form, we will be pleased to send your booking confirmation and updated invoice, along with your trip itinerary, important information, and other great tips for your cruise.
Step 5: Final payment. In your initial invoice, we will define a final payment date by when you need to pay us the remaining amount of your trip. Once we have received your final payment we'll send you your cruise documents and voucher. As your trip approaches, we make sure to pass along all necessary information, so you feel super prepared and stress-free.
*For last-minute bookings, we might not be able to hold your spaces for so long. We will also require the full payment of your cruise upon booking.
An expedition cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic is a big deal! Most people plan for this type of trip at least 8 months in advance. This means the earlier you book, the better chance you'll have to reserve your prefered cabins. Early bird discounts are also popular and a great way to get 10-30% off your cruise.
Most expedition cruises offer optional activities like camping and kayaking, but the spaces are limited. A cruise with 120 passengers can have only 10-15 spaces for kayaking. These are reserved on a first come first served basis. The earlier you book, the higher your chance of grabbing a spot.
Even though last minute deals do occur, keep in mind that the airline prices will be much higher if you purchase them last minute. You may save a few hundred on your cruise, but you may end up paying the most for airfare.
Price
From
USD 28,904
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The aerial arrival over King George Island
Penguin colonies of the South Shetland Islands
Ice-filled channels of the western Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Circle at 66°33′ South
Best Price Guarantee: Find a better price elsewhere, and we’ll match it.
Polar Expedition Specialists: We focus exclusively on polar voyages, with advice rooted in real, firsthand expertise.
Travel that gives back: Every booking directly funds our mission to protect and restore global rainforests.
Flying over the Drake Passage changes what an 11-day Antarctic expedition can hold. From Punta Arenas, a charter flight reaches King George Island in about two hours; a Zodiac transfer then brings you aboard World Voyager. Instead of spending four days on an open-ocean crossing, the voyage focuses on the South Shetland Islands, the western Antarctic Peninsula and the attempt to cross 66°33′ South.
Daily plans remain genuinely flexible. The expedition team selects shore landings and Zodiac cruises according to weather, ice, wildlife and local regulations. Penguin colonies, sculpted ice, Weddell seals and whales may all feature, but no landing or wildlife sighting is guaranteed.
This trip best suits travellers who want to reach far south without sailing the Drake Passage and who are comfortable with polar-aviation delays and changing plans. It is not ideal if you need fixed calls or a guaranteed Antarctic Circle crossing.
Keep in mind this is an expedition cruise, so your itinerary will depend greatly on the weather, amount of ice and wildlife breeding behavior.
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Arrive in Punta Arenas and be at the official starting hotel by mid-afternoon. Equipment checks and biosecurity procedures prepare clothing and luggage for Antarctica, followed by the mandatory expedition briefing and a welcome dinner. The hotel night and breakfast are included.
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Transfer to Punta Arenas airport for the charter flight across the Drake Passage. After roughly two hours, land on King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, continue to the shore and board a Zodiac for World Voyager. The ship then sets course for the Antarctic Peninsula.
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The expedition team begins with the best safe opportunity available in the South Shetland Islands or northern Peninsula. This may be a Zodiac approach to sculpted ice or a shore landing near penguin colonies; exact sites depend on weather and sea conditions. Each landing differs, and the team explains how to distinguish Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins while enforcing wildlife-distance and biosecurity rules. It is a practical first lesson in expedition travel: the day is built around the strongest conditions, not a fixed call, and neither a landing nor any sighting is guaranteed.
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Along the western Antarctic Peninsula, water-level exploration may become the focus. A Zodiac cruise can search among icebergs for whales and seals, while another safe window may allow a walk near a penguin rookery. The sound of a calving glacier, shifting ice and animal behaviour make this perspective different from watching only from the ship. The expedition and education teams add context on regional glaciology, history and wildlife. Weather, ice and wildlife still decide the sequence, so these are possibilities rather than promised encounters or a named landing.
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As World Voyager works south through the Peninsula’s channels, the expedition team balances time on deck with the best available shore or Zodiac opportunity. Changing ice and access can reveal a different side of the Peninsula from the previous days. Expert briefings explain how glaciology shapes the landscape and why routes must sometimes change. Pre-booked sea kayaking may operate when the daily programme, weather, sea and safety conditions allow; it remains an optional activity and is never assured. The exact place and order of exploration stay in the expedition leader’s hands.
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World Voyager continues towards 66°33′ South, where sea ice may become a more important part of both the landscape and navigation. This southern sector offers the voyage’s best chance to encounter sea ice, the foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem. Weddell seals, penguins and seabirds are possible rather than promised, and the expedition team watches ice, wind, visibility and weather before deciding how far the ship can safely progress. The Circle attempt depends on those decisions; reaching the latitude remains an objective rather than a scheduled certainty.
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If conditions permit, World Voyager may cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′ South. Should the crossing succeed, a toast honours the early explorers, but reaching the latitude is not guaranteed: sea ice, wind, visibility and safety can require the expedition leader to alter course or turn north. Whether or not the line is reached, the day explains why this southern objective matters. Comparatively few travellers venture this far, and sea ice shapes both the route and the surrounding marine ecosystem. The achievement depends on the conditions as much as on the plan.
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Now heading north along the western Antarctic Peninsula, expedition opportunities continue rather than simply becoming transit. Depending on conditions, the team may choose a Zodiac cruise or a shore outing, revisiting the wider region from a different direction. Seabirds, seals, whales and icebergs that were absent on the southbound leg may appear, but no species or landing can be promised. The expedition team keeps searching known habitats and adapting the plan, so the value of the return route lies in fresh opportunities rather than repeating a fixed list of stops.
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On the final full expedition day before King George Island, the team looks for the strongest safe opportunity still available on the northbound route. That may mean a final Zodiac exploration, time on land or careful observation from the ship, depending on weather, ice and local conditions. The search continues for seabirds, seals, whales and ice formations that may have eluded the voyage earlier, without guaranteeing any encounter. The Antarctic programme closes in the same spirit in which it began: expert decisions, flexible timing and attention to what the conditions make possible.
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Disembark World Voyager at King George Island and travel by Zodiac to shore. Heated pre-boarding facilities provide shelter before the roughly two-hour charter flight to Punta Arenas. A group transfer then takes you to the included post-expedition hotel for the final night.
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After breakfast, the expedition programme ends in Punta Arenas. Continue independently to the airport or into a wider Patagonia journey; the airport transfer is not included. Leave margin in onward plans in case polar weather has affected the previous day’s flight.
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