Antarctic Express – Crossing the Circle – Ocean Explorer, Feb 2026

Antarctic Express – Crossing the Circle – Ocean Explorer, Feb 2026

Trip Summary

Dates: Feb 28, 2026 – Mar 10, 2026
Duration: 11 Days
Adventure Options: Kayaking, Paddleboarding
Starting at $27,295.00View Prices

About the Polar Circle Air Cruise Itinerary

Enjoy Antarctica in style — by flying and then cruising south of the Antarctic Circle! For those who don’t have the time or are not interested in cruising across the Drake Passage, this is the trip for you. Take a three-hour flight over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage, landing you on […]

Itinerary Map

Pricing Information

$18,295 - Studio Double
$19,395 - Studio Veranda Stateroom
$20,495 - Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom
$21,595 - Deluxe Veranda Middle Stateroom
$22,195 - Deluxe Veranda Stateroom
$23,495 - Grand Veranda Stateroom
$24,095 - Royal Veranda Stateroom
$26,895 - Junior Suite
$24,795 - Studio Veranda Single
$27,995 - Explorer Suite
$30,195 - Owners Suite
$23,495 - Studio Single

About the Polar Circle Air Cruise Itinerary

Enjoy Antarctica in style — by flying and then cruising south of the Antarctic Circle! For those who don’t have the time or are not interested in cruising across the Drake Passage, this is the trip for you. Take a three-hour flight over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage, landing you on one of the most spectacular places on earth: the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, and remotest continent – Antarctica. This trip takes you in-depth on the White Continent to explore below 66 degrees south. Prepare for incredible ice, curious wildlife and an adventure of a lifetime. Want to fly one Drake Passage and cruise the other? Check out the Fly & Cruise the Drake itineraries.

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Punta Arenas


Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, where you are welcomed and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you attend a briefing that provides important information about your voyage and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.


Day 2: Fly the Drake


Your Antarctic adventure begins with a three-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. As you exit the airplane, the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. Explore the area surrounding Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen station, before boarding a Zodiac to embark your expedition vessel.


Days 3-5: Antarctica Peninsula and South Shetland Islands


Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Each day, disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations, and enjoy spectacular views from ship while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.

No journey is the same as flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience each time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several spots that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel, or many other magnificent places.


Days 6-7: 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 8-9: Northbound along Peninsula


You will continue to journey onto land by Zodiac twice daily as you 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: Return to Punta Arenas


Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas. The program ends upon arrival at the airport in Punta Arenas. Note: Transfer to the city will be available for passengers staying overnight in Punta Arenas. One complimentary hotel night in Punta Arenas is offered.


Day 11: Departure


After breakfast, you are free to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.


Welcome Aboard the Ocean Explorer


Ocean Explorer is modern, 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.

Technical Specs

STAFF AND CREW: 105

DRAFT: 17.3ft (5.3 m)

REGISTRATION: Portugal

GUESTS: 138

ZODIACS: 15

LIFEBOATS: 2

LENGTH: 342 ft (104.4 m)

ICE CLASS: 1A, PC6

CRUISING SPEED: 16.5 knots, in open water

Cabins & Amenities

  • 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: the innovative X-Bow design ensures calm, energy-efficient sailing in rough waters.
  • Dry sauna
  • Gym
  • Jacuzzis

Notes

  • Adventure options: Kayaking $995, Camping $295, Paddling Excursion $295 . Adventure options must be pre-booked and paid for prior to start of the trip. Space is subject to availability. Some activities require experience

Book now for early bird discounts on the 2024-25 season

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