Crossing the Circle - Southern Expedition
14 Days - Ultramarine
Setting foot on the 7th Continent is a polar achievement relatively few people experience in their lifetime. Even more rare is the incomparable milestone that’s achieved when a traveler crosses the iconic Antarctic Circle. Navigating south of 66°33' S is—for most guests—the highlight of the 14-day itinerary Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition, which rewards passengers daily with views of dramatic ice formations, humpback whales swimming alongside the ship, leopard seals diving beneath your Zodiac, penguins sliding off icebergs into crystal waters, or giant petrels soaring above the crackling sea.
Starting in 2021, this itinerary allows you to the opportunity to experience our pioneering new vessel, Ultramarine. This purpose-built vessel is designed to extend the boundaries of polar exploration and offer an unmatched Antarctic experience, including a flightseeing tour you’ll never forget and a range of adventure options more extensive than any other ship in its class.
from AUD $30100 $21070pp
Home » 14 Day Ultramarine: Crossing the Circle – Southern Expedition
Itinerary Highlights
- Be one of the few travelers to venture to 66°33'S
- Visit Antarctic research stations
- Witness abundant Antarctic wildlife, including penguins, seals and whales
- Experience western Antarctic Peninsula highlights and visit iconic landing sites
- Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts
- Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Antarctic, with an optional paddling excursion
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
- Days 3 and 4: Crossing the Drake Passage
- Days 5 to 7: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
- Days 8 and 9: Antarctic Circle
- Days 10 and 11: Northbound Along the Peninsula
- Days 12 and 13: Crossing the Drake Passage
- Day 14: Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).
Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier.
As the ship sets sail in the late afternoon, you will begin your Antarctic journey, passing through the Beagle Channel. Named after the famed ship on which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents great photo opportunities of landscapes and seabirds. Eventually the channel opens up to the Southern Ocean, and onwards to Antarctica.
Days 3 and 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.
Days 5 to 7: 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 visit to 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 local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the elusive leopard seal.
Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are exploring the Antarctic terrain, visiting a research station or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with five different species of seals. Zodiac and ship cruising can offer opportunities to view some of the larger local marine mammals more intimately, such as Antarctic minke and humpback whales. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.
Your days will be busy spotting wildlife and being mesmerized by the astounding beauty of Antarctica. Listening to the crackling and crumbling of icebergs and glaciers and watching penguins waddling on the beach will become your daily entertainment, while sea kayaking, paddle excursions, or camping are optional activities available on select voyages (at an extra cost).
Days 8 and 9: Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is both a memorable experience and impressive achievement, as few travelers reach so far south. If conditions allow us to cross this famed latitude of 66°33 ́ S, we’ll toast the first explorers who ventured here, and you can raise a glass and 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 your best chances of encountering sea ice – the foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem.
Days 10 and 11: Northbound Along the Peninsula
By now, your knowledge of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, crabeater and Weddell seal. Terms like ‘bergy bits’ and ‘pancake ice’ will become part of your vocabulary, yet there are still many tales to be told. As you head north, Zodiac excursions will fill your days, and your Expedition Team will continue looking out for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.
Days 12 and 13: Crossing the Drake Passage
As you recross the Drake, Antarctica fades away, leaving you with a collection of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with your newfound friends will make the crossing fly by, regardless of weather and sea conditions. Your Expedition Team will round up its series of presentations as well, with a slideshow of the adventures you've shared and wildlife you’ve witnessed over the course of your voyage. Be sure to take some time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced so far.
Day 14: Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a little taste of Patagonia with a Tierra del Fuego National Park tour before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
06 Jan 2025 - 19 Jan 2025 | AUD $28985pp | Save 15% | |
Explorer Triple | AUD $28985pp | Save 15% | |
Explorer Suite | AUD $33915pp | Save 15% | |
Balcony Suite | AUD $37485pp | Save 15% | |
Deluxe Balcony Suite | AUD $44540pp | Save 15% | |
Terrace Suite | AUD $45815pp | Save 15% | |
Solo Panorama Cabin | AUD $47940pp | Save 15% | |
Penthouse Suite | AUD $49385pp | Save 15% | |
Owner's Suite | AUD $61455pp | Save 15% | |
Ultra Suite | AUD $67745pp | Save 15% | |
07 Feb 2025 - 20 Feb 2025 | AUD $26180pp | Save 15% | |
Explorer Triple | AUD $26180pp | Save 15% | |
Explorer Suite | AUD $30940pp | Save 15% | |
Balcony Suite | AUD $34340pp | Save 15% | |
Deluxe Balcony Suite | AUD $40375pp | Save 15% | |
Terrace Suite | AUD $41650pp | Save 15% | |
Solo Panorama Cabin | AUD $43095pp | Save 15% | |
Penthouse Suite | AUD $45050pp | Save 15% | |
Owner's Suite | AUD $55760pp | Save 15% | |
Ultra Suite | AUD $61795pp | Save 15% | |
01 Mar 2025 - 14 Mar 2025 | AUD $21070pp | Save 30% | |
Explorer Triple | AUD $21070pp | Save 30% | |
Explorer Suite | AUD $24920pp | Save 30% | |
Balcony Suite | AUD $27230pp | Save 30% | |
Deluxe Balcony Suite | AUD $32130pp | Save 30% | |
Terrace Suite | AUD $33250pp | Save 30% | |
Solo Panorama Cabin | AUD $34860pp | Save 30% | |
Penthouse Suite | AUD $36050pp | Save 30% | |
Owner's Suite | AUD $44310pp | Save 30% | |
Ultra Suite | AUD $49280pp | Save 30% | |
06 Jan 2026 - 19 Jan 2026 | AUD $27774pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Explorer Triple | AUD $27774pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Explorer Suite | AUD $32700pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Balcony Suite | AUD $36011pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Deluxe Balcony Suite | AUD $42471pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Terrace Suite | AUD $44167pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Solo Panorama Cabin | AUD $45782pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Penthouse Suite | AUD $47477pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Owner's Suite | AUD $58863pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Ultra Suite | AUD $65323pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
28 Feb 2026 - 13 Mar 2026 | AUD $23633pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 20% | |
Explorer Triple | AUD $23633pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 20% | |
Explorer Suite | AUD $27813pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 20% | |
Balcony Suite | AUD $30701pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 20% | |
Deluxe Balcony Suite | AUD $36173pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 20% | |
Terrace Suite | AUD $37617pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 20% | |
Solo Panorama Cabin | AUD $38909pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 20% | |
Penthouse Suite | AUD $40353pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 20% | |
Owner's Suite | AUD $50157pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 20% | |
Ultra Suite | AUD $55629pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 20% |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Solo Panorama Cabin
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Deck 6
- Approx. 132 square-feet
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Single bed
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Explorer Triple
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Deck 3
- Approx. 285 square-feet
- Three separate single beds
- Sitting area
- Picture window
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Explorer Suite
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Deck 3
- Approx. 285 square-feet
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Picture window
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Balcony Suite
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Decks 4 and 6
- Approx. 226 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 52 square-foot balcony
- Connecting cabins available
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Deluxe Balcony Suite
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Decks 4 and 6
- Approx. 299 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 70 square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
Terrace Suite
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Deck 6
- Approx. 350 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 100-square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Private extra-wide balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
Penthouse Suite
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Deck 7
- Approx. 369 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 67 square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
Owner's Suite
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Deck 6
- Approx. 446 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 46.3 square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds in a private bedroom
- Walk-in closet
- Sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
- Separate powder room
Ultra Suite
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Deck 6
- Approx. 563 square-feet of interior living space
- Approx. 46 square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds
- Walk-in closet
- Sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
- Separate powder room
Ultramarine Deckplan
Specifications
- Staff and Crew: 140
- Guests: 199
- Ice Class: 1A+, PC6
- Length: 420 ft (128m)
- Draft: 16.4ft (5.1m)
- Cruising Speed: 16 knots, in open water
- Registration: Marshall Islands
- Lifeboats: 4, fully enclosed
Whats included?
- Leadership throughout your 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
- One 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather and logistics permitting)
What’s not included?
- International airfare
- Passport and applicable visa expenses
- Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
- Meals unless otherwise specified
- Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
- Excess-baggage fees on international flights
- Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
- Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
- Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
- Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
- Additional overnight accommodation
- Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
- Optional transfer package (see notes)
- Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
Notes
OPTIONAL TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- One pre-night’s hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast
- Group transfer from hotel to airport in Buenos Aires
- Group flight departing from Buenos Aires’ domestic airport (Aeroparque/AEP) to Ushuaia, and returning to Buenos Aires’ international airport (Ezeiza/EZE)
- Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship, and return (Note: Transfer on arrival in Buenos Aires from airport to hotel at the beginning of the journey is not included. Please make your way to the included hotel.)
- Combined airport transfer and express bus tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park after disembarkation in Ushuaia
PACKAGE PRICE: USD 995
It is also possible to join the ship in Ushuaia on embarkation day and opt out of the transfer package services at no additional cost. If you choose this option, your expedition will commence on Day 2.
Adventure Options:
- Sea Kayak: US$1,995 per person
- Paddling Excursion: US$395 per person
- Stand up paddle boarding: US$295 per person
- Camping: US$295 per person (only 9 Jan 22 departure)
- Exclusive Heli-landing: US$395 per person
- Alpine Heli-trekking: US$495 per person