days
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Your journey begins in Punta Arenas, the lively hub of southern Patagonia, where you can explore local museums and shops before meeting your expedition team for a welcome dinner. You then fly to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, catching your first glimpse of Antarctica before boarding your ship by Zodiac. The next several days are spent along the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, where you’ll enjoy unforgettable wildlife encounters, Zodiac cruises, iceberg views, and hikes among thriving penguin colonies. You then cross the Drake Passage, watching for albatross and whales as you reflect on your adventure. The trip concludes in Ushuaia, where you disembark and fly onward to Buenos Aires.
Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in southern Patagonia. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and shops to keep you busy for days. By early afternoon, a Quark Expeditions representative will meet you at the official starting point hotel, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.
Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will enable you to cross the legendary Drake Passage in only two hours, while far below, the ship will approach King George Island for your arrival. Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctic landscapes will be from a unique perspective, as your plane descends onto the South Shetland Islands. After landing, make your way to the shore, before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula.
There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. The Antarctic Continent is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes. As your Captain and Expedition Team keep a lookout for whales and seabirds, you’ll be alerted to any new sightings. Our team of expert presenters will deepen your experience with explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region, and presentations on photography to help you take memory-catching images. Even more exciting are your daily excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget. Walking on a shore inhabited by thousands of penguins is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica. Each landing is different and is dependent on weather, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities, and it won’t be long before you can tell the difference between Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins. You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming sound of a calving glacier to the thrill of spotting apex predators like leopard seals and orcas in action, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore during this unrivaled wilderness experience. Your Expedition Team will accompany you all along the way, providing insights into the places you visit.
A rite of passage for any Antarctic adventurer, crossing the Drake signals the end of your journey. No matter the sea conditions, you will benefit from having developed your sea legs over the course of the previous four days. While the journey home has begun, your wildlife spotting continues. Your Expedition Team will be available on deck and on the ship’s bridge to help you spot the majestic wandering albatross and a number of whale species, such as minke and humpback. When you’re not looking at photos and reminiscing about the previous days, the Expedition Team will conclude their series of engaging presentations on subjects such as marine biology, polar history and glaciology.
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. You will then make your way towards your group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
RATES INCLUDE:
For all voyages:
• An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
• Leadership throughout the voyage by our
experienced Expedition Team, including shore
landings and other activities
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily
program
• All shore landings as per the daily program
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
• All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board
throughout your voyage.
• Complimentary select beer, wines and cocktails
during bar service hours and dinner
• Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available
around the clock
• Formal and informal presentations by our
Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
• A photographic journal documenting your
expedition
• A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for
landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
• Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
throughout the program
• World Voyager guests will receive a free 1GB data
card for limited Wi-Fi access for use on one device,
permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting
on social media and voice applications. (Additional
data can be purchased on ship.) Note: Internet
access in the polar regions is subject to geography,
climate, and other factors beyond our control.
• All luggage handling aboard the ship
• A group arrival transfer in Punta Arenas from
airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
• One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation
in Punta Arenas with breakfast. (Note: The number
of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy
on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers
who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in
standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not
be available.)
• A briefing dinner on Day 1 in Punta Arenas
• A pre-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas
from the hotel to the airport
• Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island
*Your Charter Flight and Hotel Package includes:
• Group flight departing from Ushuaia to Buenos
Aires’s international airport (Ministro Pistarini
International; IATA airport code EZE).
• Group transfer from ship to Ushuaia airport
RATES SPECIFICALLY DO NOT INCLUDE:
• Charter Flight & Hotel Package
• International airfare
• Passport and applicable visa expenses
• Government arrival and departure taxes not
mentioned
• Baggage, cancellation, interruption and
medical travel insurance—strongly
recommended
• Our complimentary alcohol and bar service
does not include spirits
• Excess-baggage fees on international and
domestic flights
• Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac
landing and cruising excursions, or any other
gear not mentioned
• Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal
charges, unless specified
• Phone charges may vary by location
• Our complimentary data card does not include
Premium packages which enable more dataintensive applications
• Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for
expedition staff and shipboard crew
• Additional overnight accommodation
• Arrival and departure transfers, except where
explicitly stated
• Adventure Options not listed in Included
Activities
• Transfer to airport at end of trip
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
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 270 sq. ft. (25 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and
a floor-to-ceiling glass Juliet balcony. A sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state-of-the-art infotainment system, and private bathroom with shower are also featured in each cabin.
2
270 sq. ft. (25 sq. m)
Infininty window
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 215 sq. ft. (20 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 55 sq. ft. (5 sq. m) walk-out balcony.
A sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, stateof-the-art infotainment system, and private bathroom with shower are also featured in each cabin.
2
215 sq. ft. (20 sq. m)
Balcony
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 270 sq. ft. (25 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.5 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom.
A separate sitting area with sofa, walk-in closet, refrigerator, TV, stateof-the-art infotainment system, and private bathroom with shower are also featured in each cabin.
2
270 sq. ft. (25 sq. m)
Balcony
Located on Deck 5, and approximately 345 sq. ft. (32 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.5 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with sofa, double closets, refrigerator, TV, state-of-the-art infotainment system, and private bathroom with shower are also featured in each cabin.
2
345 sq. ft. (32 sq. m)
Balcony
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 365 sq. ft. (34 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.5 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state-of-the-art infotainment system, and private bathroom with shower, dual vanity, and bathtub are also featured in each cabin.
2
365 sq. ft. (34 sq. m)
Balcony
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 270 sq. ft. (25 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and
a floor-to-ceiling glass Juliet balcony. A sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state-of-the-art infotainment system, and private bathroom with shower are also featured in each cabin.
2
270 sq. ft. (25 sq. m)
Infininty window
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 215 sq. ft. (20 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 55 sq. ft. (5 sq. m) walk-out balcony.
A sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, stateof-the-art infotainment system, and private bathroom with shower are also featured in each cabin.
2
215 sq. ft. (20 sq. m)
Balcony
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 270 sq. ft. (25 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.5 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom.
A separate sitting area with sofa, walk-in closet, refrigerator, TV, stateof-the-art infotainment system, and private bathroom with shower are also featured in each cabin.
2
270 sq. ft. (25 sq. m)
Balcony
Located on Deck 5, and approximately 345 sq. ft. (32 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.5 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with sofa, double closets, refrigerator, TV, state-of-the-art infotainment system, and private bathroom with shower are also featured in each cabin.
2
345 sq. ft. (32 sq. m)
Balcony
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 365 sq. ft. (34 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.5 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state-of-the-art infotainment system, and private bathroom with shower, dual vanity, and bathtub are also featured in each cabin.
2
365 sq. ft. (34 sq. m)
Balcony
MORE INFORMATION
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.
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.
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.
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.
$295 Per Person
Stand-up Paddleboarding, popularly known as SUPing, originated in Hawaii. Quark Expeditions is the first company to bring this watersport all the way to Antarctica.
SUPing combines the immersive experience of kayaking but in a standing position. Participants, if they prefer, can kneel, sit or even lie down and stare up at the azure Antarctic sky. Because of their wide base and tail fins, SUP boards are quite stable, enabling participants – after a bit of practice – to stop staring at their feet and admire the surrounding scenery. Imagine seeing Gentoo penguins gliding below you, or making eye contact with a Weddell seal lying on a piece of ice as you paddle by.
Guests receive on-ship and on-water instruction from a qualified SUP guide. In addition, a safety driver (in a Zodiac) stays within range to offer assistance.
Duration: 1 to 1½ hours.
Guide to client ratio: 1 SUP guide and 1 Zodiac safety driver for 10 participants
MORE INFORMATION
World Voyager—the newest addition to Quark’s fleet—is a modern expedition ship built for science and discovery. Every design element, from the deluxe, all-balcony suites—with direct views into the surrounding polar wilderness—to the presentation theaters and the Science Hub, embody the spirit discovery. The never-ending urge to explore and learn more about our polar wilderness.
Wellness amenities, such as the Spa, Sauna, Jaccuzis and outdoor running track, allow guests to rejuvenate throughout their voyage. The beautifully-designed restaurant and spacious lounges foster lively discussions about the day’s discoveries—with guests and polar experts alike.
Another key space on World Voyager is the Science Hub, where guests can share knowledge, information and insights with our scientists in residence and our Expedition Guides as part of our Science and Discovery program. The latest Rolls-Royce propulsion technology ensures a comfortable, fuel-efficient sailing experience as World Voyager navigates the Antarctic waters.
Cabin Information
SHOWERS AND TOILETS
Each cabin has a private bathroom with shower, toilet and wash basin. Shampoo, conditioner and shower gel are provided for your use. The toilet system is very sensitive and can only handle toilet paper. Please do not deposit any tissues, paper towels, feminine products, etc. in the toilet.
ELECTRIC CURRENT
The electrical supply on board is dual voltage 220/110 volts. You will find standard European round-pin and North American flat-pin electrical outlets as well as USB outlets in your cabin and around the ship.
Please be aware that the electricity supply may not be sufficient to power your electronic devices at all times. It is recommended that you check the voltage of your device before plugging it in, as the device may be damaged if
the incoming voltage is higher than that for which it is manufactured. Please see QuarkExpeditions.com/en/terms- and-conditions for more information.
HAIRDRYERS
There is a hair dryer included in each cabin.
BATHROBES
The bathrobes in your cabins are on loan for you to enjoy for the duration of your expedition.
VALUABLES
Please store your valuables in the safe in your cabin. We recommend you travel with as few valuables as possible.
CABIN TEMPERATURE – CLIMATE CONTROL
You may control your cabin temperature by adjusting the thermostat. If you are sharing a cabin with other travelers, please be considerate of their temperature preferences as well.
SHARED CABIN COURTESY
Many travelers elect to share a cabin with passengers they may not have previously met. All passengers have their own schedules and preferences. Please be courteous towards the needs of your fellow cabin mates.
HOUSEKEEPING SERVICE
Your cabin will be cleaned on a daily basis. Your towels will be changed along with your bed sheets every third day, subject to the length of the voyage and in accordance with Quark Expeditions®’ sustainability practices. If you would like your towels changed more frequently, please inform your cabin
attendant. Leaving a towel on the rack indicates you will be using it again, while putting a towel on the floor or in the shower or sink means you would like it to be washed.
LAUNDRY
A complete list of laundry fees will be provided on board. Request forms and bags are provided in your cabin. Laundry is collected each morning; please allow 48 hours for your laundry to be returned. Ironing services are also available at a minimal charge. We encourage you to take advantage of the laundry services, as it will mean you can pack fewer articles of clothing. If you prefer to hand wash small items in your cabin, please remember to bring environmentally friendly detergent.
SPRINKLER SYSTEM
The sprinkler heads located throughout the ship, and in your room, are very sensitive. They can be activated by even the slightest touch. Please do not hang any items from the sprinkler heads, or smoke anywhere on the ship outside the designated smoking area. Guests activating the sprinkler system may be responsible for damages that occur.
LIFE JACKETS
Each cabin is equipped with orange SOLAS life jackets. These life jackets are to be used in case of a ship emergency and during emergency lifeboat drills.
Onboard Procedures
WATER
All passengers receive an eco-friendly, reusable water bottle in their cabin upon arrival. You can refill your water bottle at any of the bars on board, or at the self filling stations on Deck 4 across from the Polar Boutique.
ONBOARD ACCOUNTS
To make things as stress-free as possible, items you purchase from the Polar Boutique, lounge or bar (including drinks) are charged to your ship account. Cabin charges can also include laundry, postage, communication charges and adventure options booked onboard (space permitting). Payments of shipboard accounts are made towards the end of the expedition, at the reception area. The US dollar is the standard currency on board. You can use cash, Visa or MasterCard credit cards to pay your shipboard account. Personal checks are not accepted.
Note: If you are sharing a cabin and would like separate accounts, you must advise reception.
GRATUITIES
We understand this is a very personal subject and whatever amount you give is at your own discretion. As a guideline, we suggest the amount of US$20 to US$25 per traveler per day. At the end of the voyage you will have the option to charge a gratuity amount to your onboard account, or to place cash in an envelope. Gratuities are shared among our hotel and expedition team members.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announcements over the ship’s public address system will alert you to wildlife sightings, itinerary changes, and landing instructions for going ashore. Announcements can be heard in cabins and all public spaces.
On some voyages, where Quark Expeditions Language Programs are scheduled, announcements in English will be repeated in other languages. Out of courtesy to other travelers, we ask that you remain quiet during all announcements – even those made in languages that are not your own.
BRIDGE VISITS
During your voyage you may be given access to the Bridge, where you can observe how the Captain and officers sail and navigate the ship. However, the Captain and Bridge officers do restrict access during arrivals and departures from port and during times of complicated navigation. Bridge visits may also be curtailed at the captain’s discretion during inclement weather or rough seas. As the Bridge is an important working area on the ship, we ask that you keep noise to a minimum to avoid distracting the officers from conducting their jobs efficiently.
Understandably, Bridge etiquette includes a ‘no eating, drinking or smoking’ policy.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
Help us take care of our environment. To keep our land and waters clean, kindly use all trash receptacles on board.
Never throw anything over the side of the ship. Due to the complicated process of desalinating sea water for use on board, guests are asked to practice water conservation at all times.
BATTERY DISPOSAL
Please do not throw old batteries in your cabin garbage. Kindly bring them to reception for proper disposal.
LOST & FOUND
If you find any misplaced items, please bring them to reception or give them to a member of the Expedition Team. If you lose anything yourself, advise our staff so that they can assist you.
SMOKING OR VAPING
To protect the health and safety of its guests, Quark Expeditions® maintains a no smoking or vaping policy in the interior of the ship including cabins, near Zodiacs and on landings. Smoking or vaping on the ship is permitted in designated smoking area only, which your Expedition Team
members will be happy to point out for you. Always make sure to extinguish cigarettes properly and dispose of them in the proper receptacle. Please, never throw cigarettes overboard.
DOCTOR
Quark provides an English-speaking doctor on board who manages a medical clinic stocked with a supply of common prescription medicines and basic first aid equipment. If you are under regular treatment for any ailment, you must bring a sufficient supply of medicine for yourself. We cannot accept
responsibility for not having a specific brand or type of drug on board. Should you fall ill, the doctor will refer to the medical forms that you completed and returned to us; therefore it is vital that the information you provide is complete and accurate.
MAIL
Sending polar mail is still a rare and memorable way for loved ones to receive a memento from your voyage. Mail may be posted from the ship and will be charged to your on board account. Please deposit your mail at the expedition counter with your cabin number and name noted clearly in the upper right hand corner of each card or letter.
If your voyage visits a research base, we may be permitted to leave mail. If we are unable to post the mail during your voyage, staff will attempt to do so on subsequent voyages. Please note, delivery can take many months and cannot be guaranteed.
MORE INFORMATION
“
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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