OVERVIEW
Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries. And this expedition offers you the chance to discover why, with an unforgettable journey through the spectacular wilderness of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll encounter a world where nature creates the rules, her unpredictable temperament making each trip unique, exciting and personal.
Imagine cruising in a Zodiac through crackling sea ice like shattered glass, witnessing penguins building their nests, or navigating through a maze of icebergs, each one uniquely shaped by its journey through the sea. You’ll enjoy iconic Antarctic highlights, exhilarating adventures and be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Discover why this trip is perfect for first-time visitors to Antarctica.
• Explore highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula.
• Travel safely and comfortably aboard any of Quark Expeditions’ three small, ice-strengthened expedition vessels.
• Learn about the environment and wildlife from on-board lecturers and specialists.
• Experience abundant wildlife: penguins, seals, whales and more!.
• On select itineraries, arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the tango capital of the world, and let us take care of the rest of your journey.
ITINERARY IN BRIEF
Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina
Day 2: Embarkation day
Day 3 & 4: Crossing the Drake Passage
Day 5, 6, 7 & 8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Day 9 & 10: Crossing the Drake Passage
Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
NOTE: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. The on-board expedition leader will determine the final itinerary. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.
Contact us for more details.
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ARRIVE IN USHUAIA, ARGENTINA
You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.
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EMBARKATION DAY
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you see land, you’ll be in the world’s most southern continent!
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CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE
Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team who will prepare you for the wildlife, glaciology, and history that will greet you upon your arrival.
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CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE
In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.
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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 time we visit Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience.
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SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or consorting with chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, all of which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals as well as curious whales, such as humpbacks, fins, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.
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SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier.
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SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.
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CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air.
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CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE
Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team and celebrate the experiences shared exploring Antarctica.
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DISEMBARKATION IN USHUAIA
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure onward or catch your flights home.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Staff and Crew 124.
- Guests 199.
- Length 137.
- Draft 6.
- Ice Class 1B.
- Cruising Speed 15 knots.
- Registration Bahamas.
- Lifeboats 6.
SHIP AMENITIES:
- Chef-prepared meals (all meals and daily snack included).
- One dining room with unreserved seating.
- Bar staffed by a professional bartender.
- Polar Boutique.
- Multi-purpose lounge and presentation room.
- Exercise Room.
- Ship-to-shore satellite communications with email, and wireless, Internet access.
- Polar Library with a large collection of polar books.
COMMON AREAS ABOARD OCEAN ENDEAVOUR
The ship offers a superb guest experience in part due to her abundant public gathering spaces. The Nautilus Lounge’s couches, tables, chairs and large viewing windows create an inviting space for holding lectures, briefings and events. The Aurora Lounge also offers lectures. The Meridian Club is an additional lounge with panoramic windows and access to an outside deck, which plays host to yoga classes and informal ping pong matches. The library, found in the Compass Club, features polar materials and reference books. The Reception area is staffed 24 hours a day for questions about the ship, activities, etc. Three outside decks with ample space allow for excellent observation of the polar landscape. The Ocean Endeavour also offers the Polar Boutique for gifts and any needed gear. The medical clinic is staffed with an English-speaking doctor. Internet is available for purchase, weather permitting.
DINING ABOARD OCEAN ENDEAVOUR
The Ocean Endeavour’s Polaris Restaurant offers a contemporary approach to cuisine in the newly-refurbished restaurant with large buffets for breakfast and lunch, including a made-to-order food station. Dinner is plated and ordered from a menu with complimentary wine. An assortment of fresh-baked cookies/pastries are offered each afternoon, as is a cocktail hour with hot and cold snacks. The Compass Club offers a tea and coffee station and uniquely offers a juice and smoothie bar, all available for purchase. The ship’s bar is found in the Nautilus Lounge, with a professional bartender serving a selection of soft drinks, juices, liquors, spirits and beer, all of which can be charged to your shipboard account.
ACTIVITIES ABOARD OCEAN ENDEAVOUR
One of the unique things about the Ocean Endeavour, is the wide range of adventure activities offered. Her onboard photo library offers a couple laptops for photo uploads (later shared with all guests). A fleet of tandem kayaks and stand-up paddleboards enables regular paddles in the icy cold waters. Aboard the Ocean Endeavour is camping gear, snowshoes, cross-country skis and mountaineering equipment for added cost, off-ship explorations to witness Antarctica from a different perspective. Zodiac cruising and on-shore hiking are included with every departure. All adventure activity groups are lead by three guides and have a designated Zodiac. Every off-ship excursion is accompanied by expedition guides.
WELLNESS & ACTIVITIES ABOARD OCEAN ENDEAVOUR
The facilities of this health- and wellness-oriented ship include a spa with treatments and beauty products by spa provider VOYA – Organic Beauty From The Sea; a menu for face, body, hair and nails, including the exclusive Explorer’s treatment; and signature VOYA hand and foot rituals. The Ocean Endeavour also offers his-and-her saunas with a large window to not miss any wildlife sightings or icebergs that may be floating by, a salt water pool and a gym with ellipticals, exercise bike and other exercise equipment. Complimentary wellness activities which include yoga and stretching classes are offered.
CABINS DETAILS:
Triple
Approximately 225 square feet, these cabins have three twin beds and a private bathroom. These four inside cabins are located on Deck 4.
Superior Twin
Approximately 226 square feet, these cabins have two lower beds, a pull out sofa bed, a large window and a private bathroom. These four cabins are located on Deck 5.
Twin Porthole
Approximately 95-105 square feet, these cabins have two lower berths, a porthole and a private bathroom. These nine cabins are located on Deck 4.
Twin Porthole Suite (2)
Approximately 190-200 square feet, these cabins have two single beds, a separate living area with a pull out sofa, two portholes and two private bathrooms. These 12 cabins are located on Deck 4.
Inside Single
Approximately 95-105 square feet, these cabins have one lower berth and a private bathroom. These 25 inside cabins are located on Deck 5.
Twin Porthole Upper/Lower
Approximately 76 square feet, these cabins have one lower and one upper berth, a porthole and a private bathroom. These three cabins are located on Deck 4.
Top Deck Double
Approximately 155 square feet, these cabins have one double bed, two large windows (one with an obstructed view due to lifeboats) and a private bathroom. These four cabins are located on Deck 8.
Twin Window
Approximately 95-105 square feet, these cabins have two lower berths, a picture window and a private bathroom. These 13 cabins are located on Deck 5.
Twin Window Suite
Approximately 190-200 square feet, these cabins have two single beds, a separate living area with a pull out sofa bed, two windows and one private bathrooms. These two cabins are located on Deck 5.
Twin Window Suite (2)
Approximately 190-200 square feet, these cabins have two single beds, a separate living area with a pull out sofa bed, two windows and two private bathrooms. These five cabins are located on Deck 5.
Upper Deck Double
Approximately 155 square feet, these cabins have one double bed (not pictured), a window (obstructed view due to lifeboats) and a private bathroom. These four cabins are located on Deck 8.
Upper Deck Twin
Approximately 140 square feet, these cabins have two lower berths, a window (obstructed view due to lifeboats) and a private bathroom. These 14 cabins are located on Deck 7.
Junior Suite
The three Junior Suites on Deck 5 are at least 325 square feet; the two Junior Suites on Deck 7 are at least 164 square feet. All Junior Suites have one double bed, a picture window and a private bathroom. Cabins 7000 and 7002 have bathtubs and bow-facing windows; other Junior Suites have showers and portside views.
Owner’s Suite
Approximately 320 square feet, this suite has one double bed, two large bow-facing windows, a separate sitting room and a private bathroom with a bathtub. This suite is located on Deck 7.
Superior Double
Approximately 182 square feet, these cabins have one double bed, a sofa, a large window and a private bathroom. Cabins 7000 and 7018 have bathtubs; other Superior Doubles have showers. These five cabins are located on Deck 7.
DECKPLAN
INCLUDED
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board.
- Beer and wine during dinner.
- All shore landings per the daily program.
- Leadership throughout the voyage by experienced expedition leaders.
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program.
- Formal and informal presentations by expedition team and special guests as scheduled.
- A photographic journal documenting the expedition.
- Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings.
- Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock.
- A hairdryer and bathrobes in every cabin.
- Comprehensive onboard (2020-21 season) materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader.
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
- All luggage handling aboard the ship.
- Group transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on day 1.
- One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia, with breakfast.
- Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day.
- Group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from ship to local airport, and/or to luggage storage facility in the 2020-21 season.
For itineraries beginning and ending in Ushuaia:
- Group transfer in Ushuaia from the airport to the pre-expedition hotel on day 1.
- One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia, with breakfast.
- Group transfer from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day.
- Group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local airport.
EXCLUSIONS
- International airfare.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above.
- Meals ashore unless otherwise specified.
- Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance (strongly recommended).
- Excess-baggage fees on international flights.
- Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, and any other gear not mentioned above.
- Laundry, bar, massage services, and other personal charges unless specified.
- Phone and internet charges.
- Additional overnight accommodation.
- Optional adventure activities.
- Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew.
- Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated.
NOTES:
- This trip is also available onboard the Ocean Endeavour. Contact us for more details.
- Voyages are subject to ice and weather conditions.
- The itineraries described for expedition voyages illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
