Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

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11 days from

£12036.0

* 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

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
24 January, 2025 to 03 February, 2025 on Ocean Adventurer
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.

Lower Deck Twin
£ 14229 GBP pp
Lower Deck Twin
A Lower Deck Twin cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Main Deck Twin Window
£ 16422 GBP pp
Main Deck Twin Window
A Main Deck Twin Window cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and two windows with exterior views.
Main Deck Twin Porthole
£ 14994 GBP pp
Main Deck Twin Porthole
A Main Deck Twin Porthole cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Triple Cabin
£ 12036 GBP pp
Triple Cabin
A Triple Cabin has two lower berths and one upper berth, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Superior Cabin
£ 17544 GBP pp
Superior Cabin
A Superior cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. Note: this cabin has either corner or parallel bed configuration.
Owner's Suite
£ 24837 GBP pp
Owner's Suite
An Owner's Suite has a double bed and private sitting room. One features a large panoramic window facing aft, and the other two suites face port and starboard.
Deluxe
£ 17544 GBP pp
Deluxe
A Deluxe Cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views.
Suite
£ 23001 GBP pp
Suite
A Suite has a double bed, windows with exterior views, private facilities. Cabin 403 has a bathtub; other Suites have showers.
24 January, 2025 to 03 February, 2025 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.

Deluxe Veranda Stateroom
£ 21216 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 Veranda Single
£ 27489 GBP pp
Deck 7 238 sq. ft. 1 One twin single
Studio Single
£ 22389 GBP pp
Deck 3 177 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths
Studio Double
£ 17697 GBP pp
Deck 3 175-186 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths
Junior Suite
£ 29478 GBP pp
Deck 6 296-299 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed
Explorer Suite
£ 30651 GBP pp
Deck 7 269 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed
Studio Veranda Stateroom
£ 18462 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 Forward Stateroom
£ 19635 GBP pp
Deck 4 168-195 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths
Royal Veranda Stateroom
£ 26316 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
Grand Veranda Stateroom
£ 22389 GBP pp
Deck 6 195-205 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed
Owners Suite
£ 31824 GBP pp
Deck 7 443 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed
Deluxe Veranda Middle Stateroom
£ 20859 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
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.

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
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
Studio Single
£ 30903 GBP pp
Deck 3 177 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths
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
Junior Suite
£ 35493 GBP pp
Deck 6 296-299 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed
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
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
Owners Suite
£ 39726 GBP pp
Deck 7 443 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed
Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom
£ 27027 GBP pp
Deck 4 168-195 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths
Studio Double
£ 24120 GBP pp
Deck 3 175-186 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths
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.

Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom
£ 24426 GBP pp
Deck 4 168-195 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 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
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
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
Junior Suite
£ 32127 GBP pp
Deck 6 296-299 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths 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
Studio Double
£ 21876 GBP pp
Deck 3 175-186 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths
show reverse itinerary
Day 1 - Punta Arenas, Chile
Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in Patagonia. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and shops to keep you busy for days. By early afternoon, a polar expeditions representative will meet everyone at the official starting point hotel, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.
Day 2 - Embarkation Day
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 is approaching King George Island for your arrival. Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctica landscapes will be from a very unique perspective, as your plane descends for landing in the South Shetlands. After landing, stretch your legs and spend some time exploring the island before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship. Meet the rest of your shipmates and 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. Your first sightings will be from the ship itself. As the Captain and Expedition Team keep their eyes out 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 geology, history and wildlife of the region. Even more exciting are your daily excursions to land. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking up to a beach that is dotted with penguins and seals is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica. Each landing is different and is 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 or chinstrap penguin. You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs in Pleneau Island one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming shot of a calving glacier at Petermann Island to the complete silence of night while camping on the ice in Antarctica, you’ll welcome each day with the excitement and energy of a young child. Our Expedition Team will be with you all along, providing insights into the places you visit
Days 6 and 7 — The Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach 66° 33’ S. You and your shipmates will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of champagne! With a toast to the first explorers who ventured this far south, you can take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world still visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home to the midnight sun, Weddell seals and some of the most magical, odd ice formations you’ll see anywhere in Antarctica.
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 we return to the Drake Passage. We’ll continue to journey onto land and out by Zodiac twice daily as we travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for any species of penguins, seals and whales that may have eluded you on the journey south.
Day 10 — Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas
After your week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to the Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your three-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile brings your adventure to an end. After we transfer you from the airport to the hotel, you can enjoy a final dinner in the city to reminisce about all the sights and sounds of Antarctica.
Day 11 — Depart for Home
Say goodbye to your fellow explorers and depart for home
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 £12036.0

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