• Home
  • Destinations
  • Cruises For under $999
  • Exclusive Offers
  • Alaska Cruises
  • Antarctica Cruises
  • Australia/New Zealand Cruises
  • Bermuda Cruises
  • Cambodia and Vietnam
  • Canada New England Cruises
  • Caribbean Cruises
  • European Cruises
  • Hawaii Cruises
  • Iceland Cruises
  • South America Cruises
  • Avalon Waterways
  • Cunard
  • Hurtigruten
  • Viking Cruises
  • Atlas Ocean
  • Oceania Cruises
  • Ponant Cruises
  • Seabourn Cruises
  • Scenic Yachts
  • Silversea Cruises
  • Viking Ocean Cruises
  • Viking River Cruises
  • Windstar
  • Cruise Ports Worldwide
  • Cruise Ships FAQ
  • Abercrombie and Kent
  • Beaches Vacations
  • Mt Sobek
  • Sandals Vacations
  • Sandals Honeymoons
  • Rocky Mountain Tours
  • USA
  • Yacht Charters
  • Contact Us!
  • Join Us
  • Home
  • Destinations
  • Cruises For under $999
  • Exclusive Offers
  • Alaska Cruises
  • Antarctica Cruises
  • Australia/New Zealand Cruises
  • Bermuda Cruises
  • Cambodia and Vietnam
  • Canada New England Cruises
  • Caribbean Cruises
  • European Cruises
  • Hawaii Cruises
  • Iceland Cruises
  • South America Cruises
  • Avalon Waterways
  • Cunard
  • Hurtigruten
  • Viking Cruises
  • Atlas Ocean
  • Oceania Cruises
  • Ponant Cruises
  • Seabourn Cruises
  • Scenic Yachts
  • Silversea Cruises
  • Viking Ocean Cruises
  • Viking River Cruises
  • Windstar
  • Cruise Ports Worldwide
  • Cruise Ships FAQ
  • Abercrombie and Kent
  • Beaches Vacations
  • Mt Sobek
  • Sandals Vacations
  • Sandals Honeymoons
  • Rocky Mountain Tours
  • USA
  • Yacht Charters
  • Contact Us!
  • Join Us

Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake on Ocean Explorer

Cruise, Ocean cruise, Small Ship/Yacht
Offer Image
  • Offer Image
  • Offer Image
  • Offer Image
  • Offer Image
  • Offer Image
  • Offer Image
  • Offer Image
  • Offer Image
  • Offer Image
  • Offer Image
  • Offer Image
  • Offer Image
  • Offer Image
  • Offer Image
  • Offer Image
  • Offer Image
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Answer the call of Antarctica by flying over the notorious Drake Passage by charter plane to land at King George Island before exploring the Antarctic Peninsula by ship. In just 8 adventure-packed days, you’ll experience rewarding shore visits and Zodiac cruises, marvel at intimate wildlife encounters, explore historic sites and make the most of your landmark visit to the 7th Continent. Select from a range of adventure options and onboard activities that match your personal interests and make your expedition uniquely yours.

  • Fly over the Drake Passage and experience the fastest, most direct way to Antarctica
  • 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
  • Cruise in a Zodiac to get water-level views of icebergs, wildlife and more
Interests
  • Expedition Cruises
About Ocean Explorer
Ship Overview Ship Overview

Ocean Explorer, the newest addition to our fleet, 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. 

Ship's Registry
Portugal
Ship Length
342 ft
Cruising Speed
16.5 knots
Passenger Capacity
138
Crew Size
105
Laundry Service
Number of Decks
8

Deck Plans
Deck Plans

Deck Plan
Deck 3
Deck 4
Deck 5
Deck 6
Deck 7
Deck 8
Deck 9
Symbol Legend
Legend Image for Interconnecting Suites
Interconnecting Suites
Deck 3
Deck 3
Deck plans are not yet available

Adventure Activities
The Small Ships Advantage
Sustainability
About Quark Expeditions
Quark Expeditions logo
More trips from Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions is the Leader in Polar Adventures. Founded in 1991, Quark has been pioneering small-ship, explorer voyages to the Arctic and Antarctica for over three decades. Each voyage sails on a purpose-built, ice class vessel with an unparalleled team of expedition specialists, naturalists and guides. Quark Expeditions’ newest vessel Ultramarine, is a state-of-the-art ship with incredible features such as two twin-engine helicopters, water-level Zodiac embarkation, spa and sauna, and beautiful balcony suites. Quark Expeditions introduces you to unforgettable encounters with wildlife – like coming face to face with half a million penguins, witnessing elephant seals bathe in the sun, or gasping in delight as pods of orcas pass by. Choose from one of Quark’s incredible adventure options to heighten your experience like kayaking, camping, hiking, snowshoeing, photography courses, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery from the observation lounge.
 

Mar 08, 2026 through
Mar 15, 2026
Mar 4, 2026 7:00 PM
7 Nights from
$22,595.00 (USD)
Per Person
Cat: Veranda Stateroom
Contact Us
Terms & Disclaimers
8407326
Terms and Disclaimers
Charges not included in the price may include but are not limited to: airfare to and from the start of your trip; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; applicable cruise taxes, fees, fares and port charges; passports; visas and vaccinations; transfers; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; porterage at airports or train stations; Travel Protection premiums; and all other items of a personal nature.
If you are interested in an offer, please click on Contact Us . This will open a "Trip Request" that will allow you to send your request to us. We will be able to confirm availability and make further recommendations.
All fares are quoted in US dollars (US$). Rates for expeditions, flights, as well as optional pre-expedition and post-expedition extensions are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change prior to departure. Substantial changes in tariffs, exchange rates and the price of fuel, services and labor sometimes increase the cost of expedition arrangements significantly. Quark reserves the right to alter prices or introduce surcharges accordingly, even if payment has been received in full. All travelers are required to pay for their excursion and additional purchases in conjunction with their excursion in the same currency. The fare does not include tobacco, alcoholic or special beverages (bottled or tap), miscellaneous extras, personal needs or medical care. Such goods and services, if available for purchase aboard the vessel/camp, are at the travelers’ own expense. Payment for all such goods and services including any charges for extra baggage must be made in cash or by traveler’s checks in US dollars (or other currency acceptable to the carrier) upon demand by the carrier prior to the traveler’s disembarkation. Taxes, port charges, embarkation and loading expenses, stamps, health fees and any other charges whatsoever imposed by governmental authorities in any port or place shall be for the account of the traveler if not included in the fare paid to Quark.
Ship's registry: Portugal
Jan 04, 2026 through
Jan 11, 2026
Dec 31, 2025 7:00 PM
7 Nights from
$26,495.00 (USD)
Per Person
Cat: Veranda Suite
Contact Us
Terms & Disclaimers
8407325
Terms and Disclaimers
Charges not included in the price may include but are not limited to: airfare to and from the start of your trip; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; applicable cruise taxes, fees, fares and port charges; passports; visas and vaccinations; transfers; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; porterage at airports or train stations; Travel Protection premiums; and all other items of a personal nature.
If you are interested in an offer, please click on Contact Us . This will open a "Trip Request" that will allow you to send your request to us. We will be able to confirm availability and make further recommendations.
All fares are quoted in US dollars (US$). Rates for expeditions, flights, as well as optional pre-expedition and post-expedition extensions are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change prior to departure. Substantial changes in tariffs, exchange rates and the price of fuel, services and labor sometimes increase the cost of expedition arrangements significantly. Quark reserves the right to alter prices or introduce surcharges accordingly, even if payment has been received in full. All travelers are required to pay for their excursion and additional purchases in conjunction with their excursion in the same currency. The fare does not include tobacco, alcoholic or special beverages (bottled or tap), miscellaneous extras, personal needs or medical care. Such goods and services, if available for purchase aboard the vessel/camp, are at the travelers’ own expense. Payment for all such goods and services including any charges for extra baggage must be made in cash or by traveler’s checks in US dollars (or other currency acceptable to the carrier) upon demand by the carrier prior to the traveler’s disembarkation. Taxes, port charges, embarkation and loading expenses, stamps, health fees and any other charges whatsoever imposed by governmental authorities in any port or place shall be for the account of the traveler if not included in the fare paid to Quark.
Ship's registry: Portugal
More Dates
Jan 04, 2026 through
Jan 11, 2026
Dec 31, 2025 7:00 PM
7 Nights from
$26,495.00 (USD)
Per Person
Cat: Veranda Suite
Contact Us
Terms & Disclaimers
8407325
Terms and Disclaimers
Charges not included in the price may include but are not limited to: airfare to and from the start of your trip; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; applicable cruise taxes, fees, fares and port charges; passports; visas and vaccinations; transfers; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; porterage at airports or train stations; Travel Protection premiums; and all other items of a personal nature.
If you are interested in an offer, please click on Contact Us . This will open a "Trip Request" that will allow you to send your request to us. We will be able to confirm availability and make further recommendations.
All fares are quoted in US dollars (US$). Rates for expeditions, flights, as well as optional pre-expedition and post-expedition extensions are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change prior to departure. Substantial changes in tariffs, exchange rates and the price of fuel, services and labor sometimes increase the cost of expedition arrangements significantly. Quark reserves the right to alter prices or introduce surcharges accordingly, even if payment has been received in full. All travelers are required to pay for their excursion and additional purchases in conjunction with their excursion in the same currency. The fare does not include tobacco, alcoholic or special beverages (bottled or tap), miscellaneous extras, personal needs or medical care. Such goods and services, if available for purchase aboard the vessel/camp, are at the travelers’ own expense. Payment for all such goods and services including any charges for extra baggage must be made in cash or by traveler’s checks in US dollars (or other currency acceptable to the carrier) upon demand by the carrier prior to the traveler’s disembarkation. Taxes, port charges, embarkation and loading expenses, stamps, health fees and any other charges whatsoever imposed by governmental authorities in any port or place shall be for the account of the traveler if not included in the fare paid to Quark.
Ship's registry: Portugal
Mar 08, 2026 through
Mar 15, 2026
Mar 4, 2026 7:00 PM
7 Nights from
$22,595.00 (USD)
Per Person
Cat: Veranda Stateroom
Contact Us
Terms & Disclaimers
8407326
Terms and Disclaimers
Charges not included in the price may include but are not limited to: airfare to and from the start of your trip; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; applicable cruise taxes, fees, fares and port charges; passports; visas and vaccinations; transfers; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; porterage at airports or train stations; Travel Protection premiums; and all other items of a personal nature.
If you are interested in an offer, please click on Contact Us . This will open a "Trip Request" that will allow you to send your request to us. We will be able to confirm availability and make further recommendations.
All fares are quoted in US dollars (US$). Rates for expeditions, flights, as well as optional pre-expedition and post-expedition extensions are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change prior to departure. Substantial changes in tariffs, exchange rates and the price of fuel, services and labor sometimes increase the cost of expedition arrangements significantly. Quark reserves the right to alter prices or introduce surcharges accordingly, even if payment has been received in full. All travelers are required to pay for their excursion and additional purchases in conjunction with their excursion in the same currency. The fare does not include tobacco, alcoholic or special beverages (bottled or tap), miscellaneous extras, personal needs or medical care. Such goods and services, if available for purchase aboard the vessel/camp, are at the travelers’ own expense. Payment for all such goods and services including any charges for extra baggage must be made in cash or by traveler’s checks in US dollars (or other currency acceptable to the carrier) upon demand by the carrier prior to the traveler’s disembarkation. Taxes, port charges, embarkation and loading expenses, stamps, health fees and any other charges whatsoever imposed by governmental authorities in any port or place shall be for the account of the traveler if not included in the fare paid to Quark.
Ship's registry: Portugal
Itinerary Image

Itinerary

Day Destination
1 Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile
2 Fly to King George Island and Embarkation
3 to 6 Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
7 Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas
8 Depart Punta Arenas
Detailed Itinerary
Prices are per-person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted.
Loading: Please wait...

www.vacationsbysea.com

Reservations  917-309-2869

Yacht Charters 689-777-6581
8335 Winnetka Suite 9
Winnetka,CA 91306