days
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Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, where you arrive and prepare for your expedition before boarding your ship and sailing into the Southern Ocean. You then cross the Drake Passage, spending time at sea learning from your expedition team and watching for wildlife. The voyage continues to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, where you explore dramatic icy landscapes through Zodiac excursions and encounter penguins, seals, and whales. You then travel farther south across the Antarctic Circle, experiencing one of the most remote parts of the planet, before turning north along the peninsula with continued exploration and wildlife sightings. The journey concludes with the crossing of the Drake Passage back to South America, ending in Ushuaia where you disembark and continue your onward travels.
For all voyages:
Mandatory Transfer & Hotel Package Includes:
For all voyages:
To confirm reservations, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the net, discounted rate (minimum US$1000 per person) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. The deposit must be paid by major credit card, wire transfer, check or money order. For any bookings within 120 days of departure full payment is required. Deposit amounts may vary for special promotions and are subject to the promotion terms and conditions. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.
All late payments are subject to a penalty of 1.5% interest per month, or 18% per annum. QEI reserves the right to cancel any booking that is not paid within 120 days of departure or deny boarding on any unpaid balances.
Rates per person
Approximately 182 sq. ft. (16.9 sq. m.), these Deck 4 cabins are furnished with one double bed that can be reconfigured into two singles. Guests in these elegant suites enjoy front-of-ship privacy, as well as sweeping views from their very own veranda.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
182 ft2 (16.9m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
Approximately 208 sq. ft. (19.3 sq. m.), these cabins, located throughout the ship, feature one double bed that can be reconfigured into two singles, plus separate sitting area furnished with two club chairs and a reading table. The floor-to-ceiling window opens onto a walkout balcony. The Veranda Stateroom is equipped with a desk and chair, TV, state-of-the-art ‘infotainment’ system, as well as private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. Note: 611 and 612 are not furnished with club chairs and reading table.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
208 ft2 (19.3 m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
Approximately 205 sq. ft.(19.2 sq. m.), these cabins, located throughout the ship, feature one double bed that can be reconfigured into two singles, plus a separate sitting area furnished with a sofa bed. The floor-toceiling window opens onto a walkout balcony. The Veranda Suite is equipped with a desk and chair, TV, state-of-the-art ‘infotainment’ system, as well as a private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
205 ft2 (19 m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
These cabins are located on Deck 3 and approximately 177 sq. ft. (16.5 sq. m,) in size, with one double bed and a porthole view. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
1
166 ft2 (15.4 m2)
Porthole view
Located on Deck 6 and approximately 298 sq. f. (27.7 sq. m,) in size. These 2-room suites, specifically designed for three guests, are configured with two singles in the inner bedroom and a third bed in the outer room beside the bedroom. Also, the other portion of the outer room is furnished with a sofa. From the bedroom there a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a double sized walkout balcony. There are also 2 TV’s, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with bathtub (with shower head) , vanity and heated floor.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
3
298 ft2 (27.7m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
Designed for one. This unique cabin is located on Deck 7 and approximately 162 sq. ft. (15.1 sq. m.). It has one twin bed with a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
1
162 ft2 (15.1m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
This unique 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 269 sq. ft (25.0 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom, and the outer sitting area is furnished with a sofa-bed. Walk-out from either room to a double sized balcony. There are also 2 TV’s, state-of-the-art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. There’s an additional powder room in the outside sitting area.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
269 ft2 (25m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
This palatial 2–room suite (443 sq. ft/41.2 sq. m.) on Deck 7 offers stunning views from its large veranda on the highest cabin level. The suite encompasses a triple–sized balcony, master bedroom, living room, dining area and two large master bathrooms. The inner bedroom, with a double bed that can be made into two singles, features an en suite with bathtub, vanity and heated floor. The outer room contains a sofa bed, club chair and 4–seat dining table. Additional amenities include two TVs and a state-of-the-art ‘infotainment’ system.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
443 ft2 (41.2m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
Approximately 182 sq. ft. (16.9 sq. m.), these Deck 4 cabins are furnished with one double bed that can be reconfigured into two singles. Guests in these elegant suites enjoy front-of-ship privacy, as well as sweeping views from their very own veranda.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
182 ft2 (16.9m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
Approximately 208 sq. ft. (19.3 sq. m.), these cabins, located throughout the ship, feature one double bed that can be reconfigured into two singles, plus separate sitting area furnished with two club chairs and a reading table. The floor-to-ceiling window opens onto a walkout balcony. The Veranda Stateroom is equipped with a desk and chair, TV, state-of-the-art ‘infotainment’ system, as well as private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. Note: 611 and 612 are not furnished with club chairs and reading table.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
208 ft2 (19.3 m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
Approximately 205 sq. ft.(19.2 sq. m.), these cabins, located throughout the ship, feature one double bed that can be reconfigured into two singles, plus a separate sitting area furnished with a sofa bed. The floor-toceiling window opens onto a walkout balcony. The Veranda Suite is equipped with a desk and chair, TV, state-of-the-art ‘infotainment’ system, as well as a private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
205 ft2 (19 m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
These cabins are located on Deck 3 and approximately 177 sq. ft. (16.5 sq. m,) in size, with one double bed and a porthole view. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
1
166 ft2 (15.4 m2)
Porthole view
Located on Deck 6 and approximately 298 sq. f. (27.7 sq. m,) in size. These 2-room suites, specifically designed for three guests, are configured with two singles in the inner bedroom and a third bed in the outer room beside the bedroom. Also, the other portion of the outer room is furnished with a sofa. From the bedroom there a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a double sized walkout balcony. There are also 2 TV’s, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with bathtub (with shower head) , vanity and heated floor.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
3
298 ft2 (27.7m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
Designed for one. This unique cabin is located on Deck 7 and approximately 162 sq. ft. (15.1 sq. m.). It has one twin bed with a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
1
162 ft2 (15.1m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
This unique 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 269 sq. ft (25.0 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom, and the outer sitting area is furnished with a sofa-bed. Walk-out from either room to a double sized balcony. There are also 2 TV’s, state-of-the-art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. There’s an additional powder room in the outside sitting area.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
269 ft2 (25m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
This palatial 2–room suite (443 sq. ft/41.2 sq. m.) on Deck 7 offers stunning views from its large veranda on the highest cabin level. The suite encompasses a triple–sized balcony, master bedroom, living room, dining area and two large master bathrooms. The inner bedroom, with a double bed that can be made into two singles, features an en suite with bathtub, vanity and heated floor. The outer room contains a sofa bed, club chair and 4–seat dining table. Additional amenities include two TVs and a state-of-the-art ‘infotainment’ system.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Ocean Explorer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
443 ft2 (41.2m2)
Floor to ceiling windows, Walk out balcony
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Zodiacs are used for transferring you ashore, transporting your luggage when necessary and for taking you ocean-level cruising among icebergs, whales and seabirds. During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites that are accessible only by Zodiac.
These large, heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe and were specially designed for expedition work. Zodiacs are the workhorses of Polar expeditions. Separate air compartments retain a large reserve of buoyancy even if these sturdy boats are damaged. Their flat bottom design permits the craft to land directly onto the cobble and ice-strewn beaches that you will encounter on your Polar expedition.
Hiking in the polar regions differs from your typical trail experience. Here, in a tree-less terrain, you are the tallest figure on the landscape as you walk over spongy tundra, crusty snow or sandy beaches in remotes parts of the Arctic and Antarctica. Stepping ashore anywhere in the polar regions means you’re not a distant observer.
Our organized hikes range from short jaunts to the top of lookouts or visits to see wildlife or longer walks of several kilometers over ice and rock and snow. Hiking excursions may last from two to three hours with plenty of time for photographs of wildlife, learning moments from your experienced guides, or just time to stand back and admire the incredible polar surroundings.
No experience is necessary but participants should be able to get in and out of a Zodiac and walk on uneven terrain. Hiking options are tailored to all interests and abilities, from those who want to contemplate the landscape in silence to photographers who want that perfect image to energetic travelers who want to summit a peak in the hopes of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat.
Equipment you’ll be provided with for hiking outings
Other recommended gear/clothing
The Polar Plunge is scheduled once during each voyage. Throughout the journey, the Expedition Leader and Captain constantly monitor conditions in order to choose the optimal time and location. The Polar Plunge sometimes takes place onshore or, in many cases, from the gangway or Zodiac. All participants wear a tethered harness and plunge into the polar waters from the side of Zodiac or safety of the gangplank cheered on, of course, by fellow passengers and Expedition Team.
Safety is paramount—the onboard physician always attends the Polar Plunge. Guides in survival gear circle the area in Zodiacs as guests take their turn jumping or cannon-balling into the polar waters.
Enjoy daily chats with and presentations by our world-class onboard polar experts—expedition guides, specialists, photography guides and other special guests who will introduce you to the fascinating history, biology, ornithology, glaciology and geology of the region, and much, much more.
Documenting your voyage so you can take the memories home is a rewarding experience. Our photography guides will help you hone your skills to capture the beauty of the polar regions.
$395 Per Person
Every sweep of the paddle as your craft glides through the pristine polar waters creates an incredible soundtrack: the jostle of glacial ice, the lapping of waves against the rocky shore, the perpetual drip from your paddle, the call of seabirds, and the occasional splash as wildlife break the surface of the water.
Our Paddle Excursion Program provides sit-on-top, two-person, inflatable kayaks that provide guests with an intimate, water-level experience in unforgettable locations in both the Arctic and Antarctica. These stable, rugged and comfortable crafts are an ideal way to see the polar regions from a different perspective. On-ship, you’ll be provided with instruction and equipment including dry suits, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and waterproof gloves. Experienced guides will lead you safely throughout the paddling excursion. Your group will always be escorted by a safety driver in another kayak who will stay close by to provide additional support.
Excursions last a minimum of one hour and are offered to participants once per voyage. Each group includes 10 paddlers, 1 guide and 1 one safety Zodiac driver. The wind, weather and water conditions determine the timing and location of Paddling Excursions
$1,995 Per Person
Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the polar regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable. The Sea Kayak Program enables a small group of like-minded individuals to forge bonds as they explore fjords, glacial faces or mazes of sea ice.
Quark Expeditions Sea Kayak Program is a voyage-length program available in Antarctica, in which kayakers (those who have minimal experience as well as seasoned paddlers) will enjoy the polar regions from a unique perspective.
Conditions and logistics permitting, your kayak guide(s) will endeavor to have you paddling as often as possible throughout the voyage. Typically, sea kayakers are shuttled by Zodiac from the ship to an ideal starting point, where the kayak excursion begins. Guests return to the ship by Zodiac at the end of their paddling experience. Some kayak excursions are designed so guests can go ashore and explore.
In addition to the kayak guides, a safety driver in a Zodiac will always stay nearby to offer assistance if required. Excursions typically last one and a half to three hours.
Note: Due to its popularity and limited space, if you want to ensure a space in the Sea Kayak program, please register when you book your expedition. While the program routinely fills up well before the voyage, if there are vacant spaces when you board the vessel you may sign up. Quark Expedition guides attempt to lead guests on as many sea kayak excursions as possible, but the number of excursions will depend on weather and sea conditions as well as logistical factors. Be prepared to paddle in a double or single kayak depending on availability.
Is Kayaking Experience Necessary?
The Sea Kayak program was developed to accommodate kayakers with a range of experience. Please don’t hesitate to consult with our polar travel advisors if you have any questions.
Provided gear
Other recommended gear/clothing
USD $1,595 per person
The Guided Photography Program is designed for photographers of all levels. Each day of the voyage, guests who enroll will receive priority boarding on the first wave of Zodiacs. This small group (16 max capacity, 8 per Zodiac) will be led by the same guide each day and will receive professional photography advice, tips, and feedback during outings and in post-excursion workshops. This program is a great opportunity to not only explore but also improve your photography skills.
USD $495 per person
Imagine for a moment, staring at the stars in the indigo glow of an Antarctic night as you bed down for the night outside in the elements. The buzz of your daily life becomes a distant memory as you listen to the bray of penguin, the ethereal calls of the Weddell sea – even the exhalation of a humpback whale. And then you fall asleep.
Antarctic Camping with Quark Expeditions is an unforgettable experience. After dinner onboard, you’ll be escorted ashore by Zodiac to camp out on the snow for the night in your ready-to-roll bivy sack (tents can be used upon request). Once you decide on your spot, you set up camp and enjoy the peace as the Antarctic night unfolds.
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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. With its distinctive X-Bow design and remarkable twostory forward lounge, Ocean Explorer sets a striking stage for your expedition of a lifetime. Spacious cabins feature a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design, and almost all have verandas. You can relax and find comfort in our signature Tundra Spa & Sauna (with large windows), well-equipped gym and two outdoor Jacuzzis. Ocean Explorer has been designed with 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 industryleading mix of sustainability systems, including fuelefficient Rolls Royce engines.
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.
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.
In addition to forming the double-story library, the innovative X-Bow design ensures calm, energy-efficient sailing in rough waters.
Observation areas on Decks 7 and 8 allow for higher, longer-view landscape photography while contending with less sea spray.
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.
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.
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Yes!!! Once we arrive in Antarctica it will be the ultimate goal of the Captain, Expedition Leader, and the Expedition Team to make sure we get off the ship as much as possible. You’ll participate in landings, zodiac cruises, and any additional activities you’ve signed up for. Check the “Detailed trip itinerary” below for more details on each outing.
The price shown is the “all-in” price after all taxes, fees, port fees, and permits required; which are handled by the tour operator. The only main additional costs will be mandatory travel insurance, optional gratuity, and additional activities.
Not necessarily, no! Our group trips are usually made up of around 50% solo travelers! Prices are always per person, per bed. If you’re a solo traveler, we will match you with a same-gender roommate from our group to share your cabin with. There is also the option for solo cabin availability on certain trips. Please send us a message about solo cabins if that’s your preference.
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