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Penguins navigating the icy slopes

Drake Express

King George Roundtrip - Example 10 Day Cruise aboard World Traveller
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Embark on a 10-day Drake Express cruise aboard World Traveller. Start your expedition in Punta Arenas, Chile. From there, fly over the Drake Passage to King George Island, gateway to Antarctica and home to numerous research bases. Board on World Traveller and cruise through the Antarctic Peninsula and Antarctic Sound. Depending on ice and weather, visit sites like Cierva Cove, Beak Island, Paulet Island, and Brown Bluff. Take part in Zodiac safaris and go ashore to explore remote beaches, volcanic landscapes, and historic expedition sites. Watch chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, elephant and leopard seals, and possibly spot whales from the deck. Your Captain and expedition team adjust the route daily to maximize exploration opportunities. Disembark at King George Island and return to Punta Arenas by charter flight.
Antarctic PeninsulaA whale plays near the surface at dusk.Mirror-like waters in Paradise BayBrown Bluff and Speret Islands, AntarticaSunny dayPenguins navigating the icy slopes
Highlights
  • Explore Beak Island’s stark terrain and unique geological formations
  • Visit Elephant Island, home to elephant seals
  • Explore Deception Island’s volcanic caldera and heated springs
  • Witness Gentoo penguin rookeries on Barrientos Island
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile

Arrive at your convenience in Punta Arenas and check into your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to do as you please before resting up for your journey the next day.

Day 2: Fly Punta Arenas to King George Island | Embark

Your charter flight arrives at or leaves from Eduardo Frei Montalva Station on King George Island, a Chilean air base used for Antarctic expeditions with flights over the Drake Passage. Located on the Fildes Peninsula, where Chile claimed Antarctic territory, this base is a key research station. It consists of over 40 buildings, including a school, bank, hospital, and post office, making it more like a small village. King George Island is often called the unofficial capital of Antarctica because of the many research stations there. It is a haven for wildlife, including chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, elephant seals, leopard seals, and Weddell seals, making it an excellent location for scientific research.

Day 3-7: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula – Captain’s Choice

Nicknamed The White Continent for its vast expanse of icebergs, snow, and glaciers, Antarctica is often the final frontier for experienced explorers to conquer. As you navigate Antarctic waters, you may set foot on sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, Hidden Bay, and many more. Each landing throughout the continent offers its own unique landscape, from expansive tundra to rugged mountain peaks, all beckoning you to follow the paths that few explorers have trekked before.

CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Your Captain can expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs, and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with the expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.

Day 8: Exploring Antarctic Sound - Captains Choice

Imagine setting foot on the ethereal landscape of the Antarctic Sound, where the whispers of ancient glaciers echo. It’s a land of stark contrasts, known for tabular icebergs, stunning blue waters, and abundant wildlife. It’s a place where the horizon seems endless, and time stands still. Each landing becomes a thrilling chapter in your adventure book. Step ashore onto remote, ice-strewn beaches and feel the crisp Antarctic air invigorate your senses. Greet curious penguins waddling across the snowy expanses, while seals lounge nonchalantly on drifting ice floes. Amid the Antarctic Sound’s possible landings, Paulet Island stands out with its volcanic landscape and some of the largest colonies of Adelie penguins in Antarctica. Remnants of historical expeditions can be found throughout, connecting you to explorers of the past. This is not just a destination; it’s an invitation to the adventure of a lifetime. Together, you will unearth the secrets of this frozen frontier.

CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs, and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with the expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.

Day 9: King George Island, South Shetland Islands | Disembark | Fly to Punta Arenas, Chile

King George Island has come to be known as the unofficial capital of Antarctica with its various research stations located on the island. As a haven for an incredible amount of wildlife, including chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, and elephant, leopard, and Weddell seals, it’s a prime locale for scientific research. If your expedition begins or ends here, then your charter flight lands in or departs from Eduardo Frei Montalva Station, the Chilean air base for Antarctica expeditions with flight options over the Drake Passage. Lying within the Fildes Peninsula, where Chile laid claim to Antarctic territory, the base is an important research station. Made up of over 40 buildings, including a school, bank, hospital, and post office, it resembles a smaller village rather than a base.

Day 10: Punta Arenas, Chile

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your flight home.

Ship/Hotel

World Traveller

World Traveller cruising
World Traveller side view
Dining

World Voyager

World Voyager far view
Hoziron Bathroom
Spa Lounge

Punta Arenas - Hotels

Dates & Prices

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    Veranda Deluxe Stateroom (E2)
    Located: Deck 6 Occupancy: Up to 3 guests • 300 sq. ft. (including balcony) • Living room with sofa and vanity
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    Horizon Deluxe Stateroom (E1)
    Located: Deck 6 Occupancy: Up to 2 guests • 300 sq. ft. including floor-to-ceiling Juliette • Balcony with top-drop electric window • Interior seating area with sofa and TV
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    Journey Suite (JS)
    Located: Deck 5 and 6 Occupancy: Up to 3 guests • 382 sq. ft. • Oversized private balcony with teak furnishings • Walk-in closet and wardrobe • Living room with sofa and vanity • Includes 2 wall-mounted TVs with “infotainment” system
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    Discovery Suite (DS)
    Located: Deck 5 Occupancy: Up to 2 guests • 445 sq. ft. • Oversized private balcony with teak furnishings • Walk-in closet and wardrobe • Living room with sofa and vanity • Includes 2 wall-mounted TVs with “infotainment” system
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    Navigator Suite (NS)
    Located: Deck 5 and 6 Occupancy: Up to 3 guests • 465 sq. ft. • Oversized private balcony with teak furnishings • Double sinks and tub • Walk-in closet and wardrobe • Living room with sofa and vanity • Includes 2 wall-mounted TVs with “infotainment” system
    Included
    • 9 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
    • 9 Nights Accommodations
    • Accommodations as listed
    • Ground transportation as listed
    • Activities as listed
    • Meals as listed
    • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
    • Complimentary Reusable Water Bottle 
    • Pre-Paid Gratuities
    • Unlimited beverages, including fine wines, spirits and craft beers
    • Open bars and lounges, including 24-hour bar service with specialty canapes
    • Specialty coffees, teas and fresh-pressed juices
    • Champagne and gourmet canapes during meet and greet
    • 24-hour room service, including spirits, wine and beer
    • L'OCCITANE bath amenities
    • Atlas Ocean Voyages provides an Emergency Medical and Trip Delay Travel Protection plan on your behalf. The plan includes reimbursement for expenses such as trip cancellation, trip delays, baggage loss, medical situations and more.

      While not required, we strongly recommend that all our guests purchase additional travel insurance with increased maximum reimbursement. Please refer to the plan documentation at HERE for specific terms, conditions.
    • Government taxes and fees
    • Stocked in-room minibar
    • Use of walking sticks and binoculars
    • Butler service and expanded room service menu in suites
    • Afternoon and high tea
    • Polar Plunge
    • Atlas Ocean Voyages parka and vest
    • Use of knee boots
    • 1-Night Post-Cruise Hotel Stay on select Antarctica Expeditions
    • Private Charter Jet Service between Punta Arenas and King George Island
    • Shore landings led by expert field guides
    • Enrichment lectures and destination briefings
    • Escorted sightseeing safaris by Zodiac
    • Private group transfers between airport and yacht
    • Atlas Immersive Experience on board or ashore
    Excluded
    • Travel Insurance
    • Personal Expenses
    • Flight costs (please request a quote)
    • Additional excursions during free time
    • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
    • Port charges and fees
    • Optional excursions require additional cost

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