Antarctic Express Cruise: Crossing the Circle

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11 days from

£21876 GBP pp

* Current p/p indicative rate.

Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ships
Optional Extras

Highlights

  • The fastest, most direct way to Antarctica
  • Fly over Drake Passage
  • All the Antarctic Peninsula highlights
  • Photography instruction included
  • Optional polar camping along the Peninsula
  • On board lecturers and educational presentations from Polar specialists

Highlights

  • The fastest, most direct way to Antarctica
  • Fly over Drake Passage
  • All the Antarctic Peninsula highlights
  • Photography instruction included
  • Optional polar camping along the Peninsula
  • On board lecturers and educational presentations from Polar specialists
Capacity: 118, Type: Expedition
Feture image for Antarctic Express Cruise: Crossing the Circle

A short, comfortable flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island in Antarctica has you with boots on the ground, overtaken by the sheer magnitude of the Seventh Continent. Fully immersed in the Antarctic environment, you’ll experience a roller coaster of emotions, from excitement to awe, from exquisite solitude to incredible gratitude for the wonder of it all. You may go in search of whales and find yourself bearing witness to a glacier calving. Or, you might plan to climb one more peak for a better vantage point and find yourself in a rookery of curious penguins. Antarctica will leave you in awe, but it won’t leave you unchanged.

  • The fastest, most direct way to Antarctica
  • Fly over Drake Passage
  • All the Antarctic Peninsula highlights
  • Photography instruction included
  • Optional polar camping along the Peninsula
  • On board lecturers and educational presentations from Polar specialists
09 January, 2026 to 19 January, 2026 on Ocean Explorer
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Studio Double
£24120 GBP pp
Deck 3 175-186 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths
Studio Veranda Stateroom
£25548 GBP pp
Deck 6 173 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed
Deluxe Veranda Middle Stateroom
£28353 GBP pp
Deck 4 203-272 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus some with fold out sofa bed
Deluxe Veranda Stateroom
£29220 GBP pp
Deck 4 200-205 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed
Studio Single
£29795 GBP pp
Studio Single
Deck 3 177 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths
Grand Veranda Stateroom
£30903 GBP pp
Deck 6 195-205 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed
Royal Veranda Stateroom
£31821 GBP pp
Deck 4 Deck 6 189-272 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed
Explorer Suite
£36870 GBP pp
Deck 7 269 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed
Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom
£38582 GBP pp
Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom
Deck 4 168-195 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths
Junior Suite
£59590 GBP pp
Junior Suite
Deck 6 296-299 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed
Owners Suite
£73790 GBP pp
Owners Suite
Deck 7 443 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed
28 February, 2026 to 10 March, 2026 on Ocean Explorer
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Studio Double
£21876 GBP pp
Deck 3 175-186 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths
Studio Veranda Stateroom
£23151 GBP pp
Deck 6 173 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed
Deluxe Veranda Middle Stateroom
£25701 GBP pp
Deck 4 203-272 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus some with fold out sofa bed
Deluxe Veranda Stateroom
£26466 GBP pp
Deck 4 200-205 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed
Grand Veranda Stateroom
£27945 GBP pp
Deck 6 195-205 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed
Royal Veranda Stateroom
£28761 GBP pp
Deck 4 Deck 6 189-272 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed
Explorer Suite
£33402 GBP pp
Deck 7 269 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed
Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom
£34842 GBP pp
Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom
Deck 4 168-195 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths
Junior Suite
£53990 GBP pp
Junior Suite
Deck 6 296-299 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed
21 January, 2027 to 31 January, 2027 on Ocean Explorer
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Studio Single
£31095 GBP pp
Studio Single
Designed for one. These cabins are located on Deck 3 and approximately 166 sq. ft. (15,4 sq. m,) in size, with one double bed and a porthole view. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Studio Veranda Single
£33595 GBP pp
Studio Veranda Single
Designed for one. This unique cabin is located on Deck 7 and approximately 162 sq. f. (15.1 sq. m.). It has one twin bed with a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Deluxe Veranda Forward
£40112 GBP pp
Deluxe Veranda Forward
Located on Deck 4 and approximately 182 sq. f. (16.9 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Veranda Stateroom
£42152 GBP pp
Veranda Stateroom
Located throughout the ship and approximately 208 sq. f. (19.3 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with two club chairs and a reading table. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. Note: 611 and 612 do not have the club chairs and a reading table.
Veranda Suite
£44872 GBP pp
Veranda Suite
Located throughout the ship and approximately 205 sq. ft. (19.2 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with a sofa-bed. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Junior Suite
£62190 GBP pp
Junior Suite
Located on Deck 6 and approximately 298 sq. f. (27.7 sq. m,) in size. These 2-room suites have one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom and an outer sitting room furnished with a sofa-bed, and activity table for two. From the bedroom there a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a double sized walkout balcony. There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with bathtub, vanity and heated floor.
Penthouse Suite
£71990 GBP pp
Penthouse Suite
This unique 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 269 sq. f (25.0 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom.and the outer sitting area is furnished with a sofa-bed. Walk-out from either room to a double sized balcony . There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. And an additional powder room in the outside sitting area.
Owners Suite
£76990 GBP pp
Owners Suite
This palatial, airy apartment offers stunning views from its large private veranda on the highest cabin level. The luxurious suite features a large master bedroom, living room and dining area and two large master bathrooms, among other amenities.
show reverse itinerary
Day 1 — Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile

Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in southern Patagonia. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and shops to keep you busy for days. By early afternoon, a Quark Expeditions® representative 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.

Day 2 — Fly to King George Island and Embarkation

Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will have you crossing the legendary Drake Passage in only a few hours. Far below, the ship will approach King George Island for your arrival. Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctic landscapes will be from a unique perspective, as your plane descends for landing in the South Shetland Islands. After landing, stretch your legs with a one-mile (1.6 km) walk to the shore, before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!

Days 3 to 5 — Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands

There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As your ship approaches the White Continent, you may be overcome by feelings of excitement and awe. Much of Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes. As your captain and Expedition Team keep a lookout for whales and seabirds, you’ll be alerted to any new sightings. Our team of expert lecturers will also provide in-depth explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region. Even more exciting are your land excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking on a beach dotted with penguins is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica. Each landing is different and dependent on weather, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities, and it won’t be long before you can tell the difference between an Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap penguin. You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming sound of a calving glacier to the thrill of spotting apex predators like leopard seals and killer whales in action, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore this unrivaled travel experience. Your Expedition Team will accompany you along the way, ensuring safety and providing insights into the places you visit.

Days 6 and 7 — Antarctic Circle

Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula do not reach 66°33´ S. If conditions allow us to cross this famed line at 66°33´ S, you and your shipmates will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of sparkling wine! As you toast the first explorers who ventured this far south, you can take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals and some of the most peculiar, yet magical ice formations you’ll see anywhere on the continent.

Days 8 and 9 — Northbound Along the Peninsula

If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time you return to King George Island. You will continue to explore by Zodiac or on land as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.

Day 10 — Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas

After your week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your two-and-a-half-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.

Day 11 — Depart 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.

Please Note:

Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.

Ocean Adventurer
The 118-passenger Ocean Adventurer, (formerly the Sea Adventurer) is among the very few vessels in the world specifically constructed for expedition voyages to the remote polar regions. Her ice-st…

Ocean Adventurer

Refurbished 2018
Length 101 metres

The 118-passenger Ocean Adventurer, (formerly the Sea Adventurer) is among the very few vessels in the world specifically constructed for expedition voyages to the remote polar regions. Her ice-strengthened hull permits her to glide easily and safely through ice-strewn waters that are not accessible to conventional cruise vessels.

She has advanced communications and navigation equipment, and newly installed, state-of-the-art Sperry Gyrofin stabilizers. In 1998 the Adventurer had a $13 million conversion done in Scandinavia. She is a handsome expedition vessel, done in the style of great ocean liners when ships were ships. With lots of varnished wood, brass, and wooden decks, the ship has all new outside cabins, with lower beds and private facilities.

There is a Main Lounge, bar, Clipper Club, library/card room, gymnasium and gift shop. A multi-national staff serves American and Continental cuisine. The ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiacs and a special loading platform. An ice class rating of A-1 allows the Clipper Adventurer to go to places larger cruise ships can only dream of, and she does it in comfort and style unsurpassed by other vessels her size.

Cabins: All cabins have a window with outside view. Each has private facilities.

Cabins and amenities

  • 61 outside cabins with exterior views and private facilities.
  • Decks 4 and 5 have exterior access, with outside seating.
  • Window-lined dining room on Deck 4 with unreserved seating.
  • Lounge/Presentation Room.
  • 2 bars.
  • Library.
  • Gift shop.
  • 4 hour beverage station.
  • Ship-to-shore satellite communications with email, and wireless, Internet access.
  • Clinic with licensed doctor.
  • Exercise room.

Deck Plan for some trips may vary, please ask for details.

Cabin layout for Ocean Adventurer
Ocean Explorer
Ocean Explorer is a modern ship, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key…

Ocean Explorer

Launched 2021
Length 342 feet
Capacity 138 passengers

Ocean Explorer is a modern ship, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship.  

Spacious cabins feature a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design and almost all have verandas. Guests can relax and find comfort in the spacious gym, sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis.  

Ocean Explorer features ample outdoor viewing areas and multi-height outer decks, which are ideal for long-view photography and wildlife viewing. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of 15 Zodiacs that enable guests to get off the ship quickly and safely for off-ship adventures. In addition to the well-appointed and spacious public areas, Ocean Explorer has an industry-leading mix of sustainability systems, including fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines. 

Two Story Library

Light-filled interior library—at the bow of the ship— allows guests to sit and relax indoors while taking in the surrounding polar landscapes from their choice of two levels.

Leading Edge Sustainability

With the latest sustainability technology in polar expedition, the ship features fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines and the ground-breaking MAGS gasification system that converts waste into energy, eliminating the environmental impact of waste transportation.

ULSTEIN X-Bow

In addition to forming the double-story library, the innovative X-Bow design ensures calm, energy-efficient sailing in rough waters.

High Observation Outdoor Decks

Observation areas on Decks 7 and 8 allow for higher, longer-view landscape photography while contending with less sea spray.

Quiet and Comfortable

Spacious and luxurious cabins ensure your quiet ambience with no sound disturbance from adjoining cabins—and almost all cabins feature a balcony for outdoor viewing.

Stunning Interior Design

Each interior element was carefully hand-picked by designers for you to enjoy, from the dramatic two-story forward lounge, the floor-to-ceiling glass refuge in the library, to the grand fixtures and luxe furnishings throughout the ship.

Main Dining Room

Contemporary meets cozy in this modern dining room with its stylish lighting and contemporary art. Located on Deck 5, the Main Dining Room seats 144 guests, and features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto the spectacular polar wilderness.

Private Dining Room

Tasteful and intimate. This stylish, private dining room on deck 5 provides a relaxed dining experience—with views of the polar landscape—for up to 36 guests.

The Latitude Bar

A popular social hub on Deck 5, the beautifully-lit Latitude Bar—with its lush sofas and faux marble-topped end tables—is large enough to seat 46 and is ideal for enjoying a quiet drink on your own or hanging out with friends.

Library

Located on Deck 6 at the top of the gorgeous atrium staircase, this beautiful Library with floor-to-ceiling glass, accommodates up to 47 people

Dry Sauna

After a day of exciting off-ship adventure, guests can relax on the sauna’s traditional wood benches while gazing at the polar wilderness just outside the large sauna windows. Accommodates 15 people on Deck 7.

Fitness Center

Stay fit with the latest work-out equipment in the Fitness Center on Deck 7.

Jacuzzis

Two outdoor Jacuzzis on deck 7, at the ship’s stern, mean you can relax alfresco while soaking up the breath-taking polar views.

Observation Lounge

This stylish lounge at the top of the ship guarantees incredible views. Guests also frequent this spacious lookout on Deck 8 to enjoy cocktails and conversation with fellow travelers. 

Cabin layout for Ocean Explorer

Camping

$250.00
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.

Kayaking

$950.00
Kayaking in Antarctica is probably one of the most intimate and inspiring ways you can explore this incredible region. Glide through the quiet waters and take in the beauty of Antarctica. Paddle through astounding icebergs, watch penguins, seals and possibly whales swim around your kayak.
Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ship
Optional Extras

11 days from £21876 GBP pp

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