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Antarctica

Antarctic Express – Fly South, Sail North

9 Days aboard Ocean Explorer. From AUD $25,795$22,055pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
No obligation enquiry
Details

Overview

Take the fastest route to Antarctica – a three-hour flight – and enjoy your first glimpse of the continent from the air, a unique introduction to the vast and dramatic landscape that remains one of the last unspoiled regions in the world. Continue your journey on ship, where an adventure beyond your wildest imagination awaits. Later, return through the world’s most legendary – and exciting – passage of water, as you follow the path of historic explorers across the infamous Drake Passage.

Expect the unexpected and be rewarded with unique wildlife and natural attractions, each highlight surpassing the last. Marvel at the contrast of a desolate landscape inhabited by abundant wildlife including curious, playful penguins and seals. And embrace the excitement of standing on the continent for the very first time.

Save up to A$1550 pp

Book by 31 December 2025

Antarctic Express - Fly South, Sail North
Antarctic Express - Fly South, Sail North
Antarctic Express - Fly South, Sail North
Antarctic Express - Fly South, Sail North
View cruise map

Itinerary Highlights

  • Spot iconic Antarctic wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whales
  • Marvel at many of the Antarctic Peninsula highlights
  • Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile
  • Day 2: Embarkation Day
  • Day 3 to 6: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
  • Day 7 and 8: Crossing the Drake Passage to Ushuaia
  • Day 9: Disembark and overnight in Ushuaia, Argentina

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.

Ship Information

For more information on the Ocean Explorer please view the ship page.

View Ocean Explorer

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
View cruise map

Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile

Your journey begins in Punta Arenas. This port city is situated at the southern tip of Chile, on the north bank of the Strait of Magellan. Once a Chilean penal colony, Punta Arenas has transformed into a vibrant city offering you plenty of attractions including historic sites and museums. Explore the city by day, and then join us for an evening dinner to meet your fellow Antarctic adventurers.

Dinner included.

Day 2: Embarkation Day

Today you board your chartered flight to Antarctica. The journey over the Drake Passage will take you less than four hours, whereas our ship-based travelers take two days to make the journey by sea. Your first glimpse of Antarctica comes into view shortly before the aircraft descends towards King George Island—hope for clear skies so you can appreciate the vastness of this great continent! You will have free time to photograph parts of the island and stretch your legs before joining the ship. Once aboard, you’ll enjoy your first trip in a Zodiac and begin your exploration of the Antarctic region.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 3 to 6: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands

You’ll get a sense that you’ve arrived on a new planet during the start of your Antarctic voyage, as the pristine nature and dramatic environments are like nothing else on earth. From the vessel you can watch whales swim and feed in nutrient-rich waters and spot penguins frolicking in the water and jumping aboard ice floes. Just as amazing as the wildlife are the towering snowcovered mountains and massive glaciers of the Peninsula, which will be your playground for the next few days.

Every Zodiac excursion and landing presents new sights, sounds and smells. Some landings may be as relaxing as sitting on a beach, taking photographs of curious gentoo penguins. Other landings may provide exhilarating panoramic views of the Antarctic continent by hiking atop a hill. Perhaps you’ll catch a calving glacier crumbling into the sea at Petermann Island, or take a Zodiac cruise in search of fur and elephant seals around Pleneau Island.

Even common travel experiences like mailing a postcard take on an extra level of excitement in Antarctica. While weather and sea conditions determine which landings we can make, your Expedition Team will ensure that each day of your Antarctic adventure leaves a lasting impression.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 7 and 8: Crossing the Drake Passage to Ushuaia

A rite of passage for any Antarctic adventurer, crossing the Drake signals the end of your journey. No matter the sea conditions, you will benefit from having developed your sea legs over the course of the previous four days. While the journey home has begun, your wildlife spotting continues. Your Expedition Team will be available on deck and on the ship’s bridge to help you spot the majestic wandering albatross and a number of whale species, such as minke and humpback.

When you’re not looking at photos and reminiscing about the previous days, the Expedition Team will conclude their series of engaging presentations on subjects such as marine biology, polar history and glaciology

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 9: Disembark and overnight in Ushuaia, Argentina

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, after which you can continue your onward journey, or catch your flights home.

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.

Breakfast included.

Next Departure Date: 03 Feb 2027
DatesCabinFromAdditional
03 Feb 2027 - 11 Feb 2027 AUD$22055ppExpand to view prices - Includes specials!
Deluxe Veranda FwdAUD $25795pp AUD$22055ppSave up to A$1550, Pay in full at the time of booking and save extra 5%, Save 10%
Veranda StateroomAUD $26995pp AUD$23081ppSave up to A$1550, Pay in full at the time of booking and save extra 5%, Save 10%
Veranda SuiteAUD $28795pp AUD$24620ppSave up to A$1550, Pay in full at the time of booking and save extra 5%, Save 10%
Junior SuiteAUD $33795pp AUD$28895ppSave up to A$1550, Pay in full at the time of booking and save extra 5%, Save 10%
Studio SingleAUD $33795pp AUD$28895ppSave up to A$1550, Pay in full at the time of booking and save extra 5%, Save 10%
Studio Veranda SingleAUD $36495pp AUD$31204ppSave up to A$1550, Pay in full at the time of booking and save extra 5%, Save 10%
Penthouse SuiteAUD $39295pp AUD$33598ppSave up to A$1550, Pay in full at the time of booking and save extra 5%, Save 10%
Owner's SuiteAUD $41995pp AUD$35906ppSave up to A$1550, Pay in full at the time of booking and save extra 5%, Save 10%
14 Jan 2028 - 22 Jan 2028 AUD$24235ppExpand to view prices - Includes specials!
07 Feb 2028 - 15 Feb 2028 AUD$24235ppExpand to view prices - Includes specials!

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Antarctic Express - Fly South, Sail North
Antarctic Express - Fly South, Sail North
Antarctic Express - Fly South, Sail North
Antarctic Express - Fly South, Sail North
Antarctic Express - Fly South, Sail North
Antarctic Express - Fly South, Sail North
Antarctic Express - Fly South, Sail North
Antarctic Express - Fly South, Sail North
Antarctic Express - Fly South, Sail North
Antarctic Express - Fly South, Sail North

Cabin Details

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 Single
Studio Single
Deluxe Veranda Fwd

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.

Deluxe Veranda Fwd
Deluxe Veranda Fwd
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 Stateroom
Veranda Stateroom
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.

Veranda Suite
Veranda Suite
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.

Junior Suite
Junior Suite
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.

Studio Veranda Single
Studio Veranda Single
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.

Penthouse Suite
Penthouse Suite
Owner's Suite

This massive 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 443 sq. f (41.2 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom. The inner bedroom has a private en-suite with a bathdub, vanity and heated floor. The outer room is furnished with a sofabed, club chair and 4-seat dining table. Walk-out from either room to a triple sized balcony . There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and an additional private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor for the outer room.

Owner's Suite
Owner's Suite

Ocean Explorer Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Infinity class vessel delivered in 2021 by SunStone Maritime Group, the largest expedition-only shipbuilding provider in the world. 
  • 138-passengers. 
  • Built for polar expeditions with an Ice Class 1A and PC6 rating. 
  • Staff and Crew: 105
  • Length: 342 ft (104.4m)
  • Draft: 17.3ft (5.3m)
  • Lifeboats: 2
  • Ice Class: 1A, PC6
  • Registration: Bahamas
  • Zodiacs: 15
  • Cruising Speed: 16.5 knows, in open water

Ocean Explorer is among the most technologically-advanced ships in the industry—it features: 

  • Ulstein X-Bow - a unique inverted bow design to slice through rough seas, minimizing vibration for faster transits with lower fuel consumption. 
  • Zero-speed stabilizers that keep things smooth while sailing, but also level and steady when at rest. 
  • Safe Return to Port system, providing duplicate power to keep the operating and comfort systems working even in cases of engine failure 
  • Dynamic positioning is a computer-controlled system to automatically maintain a vessel's position and heading by using its own propellers and thrusters. 

What's included?

  • 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.
  • Complimentary select beer, wines and select cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
  • Complimentary 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 your expedition
  • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
  • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data-intensive applications.)
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • A group arrival transfer in Punta Arenas from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
  • One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas 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.)
  • A briefing dinner on Day 1 in Punta Arenas
  • A pre-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the hotel to the airport
  • Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island
  • Group Transfer from ship to hotel.

What's not?

  • 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
  • Our complimentary alcohol and bar service does not include spirits
  • Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
  • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
  • Laundry, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
  • Phone charges may vary by location
  • Our complimentary data card does not include Premium packages which enable more data-intensive applications
  • 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
  • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
  • Transfer to airport at end of trip.

Important notes and additional information

Adventure Options:

  • Sea Kayak: USD 1,995
  • Paddling Excursion: USD 395

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

No obligation enquiry

Destination: Antarctica

On any cruise to Antarctica you can expect to experience a wide variety of landscapes, unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities and a healthy mix of historic landing sites. Be astounded by the sensory overload of the huge amount of ice-bergs, glaciers, high mountains and the abundant and tame wildlife.
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Travel information

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

View Antarctica travel guide

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9 Days aboard Ocean Explorer. From AUD $25,795$22,055pp.
No obligation enquiry