![](https://polarcruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240207-Antarctica-Seaventure-1396-2-scaled.jpg)
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent - 11 Days
Aboard Ocean Explorer– 138 passengers
If this is your first visit to the White Continent, the classic Antarctic Explorer voyage gives you the best of the stunning Antarctic Peninsula in 11 days. Conquer the famed Drake Passage in a stabilized, polar-class vessel; explore majestic natural environments by zodiac and on foot; get up close and personal with penguins, whales and other wildlife; and enjoy talks on history, biology and glaciology by onboard polar experts. You can personalize your adventure with options that suit your interests, and cross the 7th Continent off the list—your way.
Tour Dates
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Nov 22 - Dec 2, 2024 (11 days)
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Dec 1 - Dec 11, 2024 (11 days)
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Dec 10 - Dec 20, 2024 (11 days)
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Mar 16 - Mar 26, 2025 (11 days)
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Nov 4 - Nov 14, 2025 (11 days)
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Dec 1 - Dec 11, 2025 (11 days)
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Dec 10 - Dec 20, 2025 (11 days)
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Dec 19 - Dec 29, 2025 (11 days)
Itinerary
Day 1: 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. Enjoy the mountains or sample handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.
Day 2: Embark
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 on the world’s most southern continent!
Days 3 and 4: Crossing the Drake Passage
Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife, or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.
Days 5 to 8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
The most common reaction upon reaching the 7th 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.
Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated 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, minkes, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new array of creatures to fascinate you and keep your camera busy.
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. 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.
Days 9 and 10: Crossing the Drake Passage
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air 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.
Day 11: Disembark in Ushuaia
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure onward or catch your flights home.
EXPEDITION SPIRIT: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you may experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed.
Route Map
![](https://polarcruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/1691587267-antarctic-explorer-noflight-768x900.png)
Trips and Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
Dec 19 - Dec 29, 2025 (11 days)Kayaking, Paddling, Camping
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
Dec 10 - Dec 20, 2025 (11 days)Kayaking, Paddling, Camping
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
Dec 1 - Dec 11, 2025 (11 days)Kayaking, Paddling, Camping
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
Nov 4 - Nov 14, 2025 (11 days)Kayaking, Paddling, Camping
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
Mar 16 - Mar 26, 2025 (11 days)Kayaking, Paddling
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
Dec 10 - Dec 20, 2024 (11 days)Kayaking, Paddling, Camping
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
Dec 1 - Dec 11, 2024 (11 days)Kayaking, Paddling, Camping
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
Nov 22 - Dec 2, 2024 (11 days)Kayaking, Paddling, Camping
Transfer Package is $1,195/person on Svalbard Explorer or $895/person on Three Arctic Islands and not included in the cabin cost.
Single Travelers:
- Can book into a dedicated Single cabin (Studio Single or Studio Veranda Single) at the prices listed above
- Can book into a share cabin in Deluxe Veranda Fwd, Veranda Stateroom and Veranda Suite
- Can book a twin cabin at solo occupancy at 1.7x the per person share price in Deluxe Veranda Fwd, Veranda Stateroom and Veranda Suite and 2x the per person price for all higher categories
Adventure Options:
- Kayaking (full program, multiple paddles): $795/person – requires experience
- Paddling (one-time): $195/person
Single Travelers:
- Can book into a dedicated Single cabin (Studio Single or Studio Veranda Single) at the prices listed above
- Can book into a share cabin in Deluxe Veranda Fwd, Veranda Stateroom and Veranda Suite
- Can book a twin cabin at solo occupancy at 1.7x the per person share price in Deluxe Veranda Fwd, Veranda Stateroom and Veranda Suite and 2x the per person price for all higher categories
Adventure Options:
- Kayaking (full program, multiple paddles): $995/person – requires experience
- Paddling (one-time): $295/person
- Camping: $295/person
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime. Please contact us for the real time availability & prices.
Cabin Descriptions
![Ocean Explorer Owner's Suite](https://polarcruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/01-Owners-Suite-2.jpg)
Owner's Suite
This palatial, airy apartment offers stunning views from its large private veranda on the highest cabin level (deck 7). The luxurious suite features a large master bedroom, living room and dining area and two large master bathrooms, among other amenities. One double bed made up of two twin berths plus a fold out sofa bed.
443 square feet (41.2 sq. m.)
![](https://polarcruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/OEX_Cabin_Explorer-Suite_IMG_1143-2-scaled.jpg)
Penthouse Suite
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. And an additional powder room in the outside sitting area.
![Ocean Explorer Junior Suite](https://polarcruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/03-Junior-Suite.jpg)
Junior Suite
Located on Deck 6 and approximately 298 sq. f. (27.7 sq. m,) in size. These 2-room suites have one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom and an outer sitting room furnished with a sofa-bed, and activity table for two. 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, vanity and heated floor.
![](https://polarcruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/OEX_Cabin_Deluxe-Veranda_IMG_1222-2-scaled.jpg)
Veranda Suite
Located throughout the ship and approximately 205 sq. ft. (19.2 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and sitting area furnished with a sofa-bed. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
![](https://polarcruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/OEX_Cabin_Deluxe-Veranda-Fwd_IMG_1198-3-scaled.jpg)
Veranda Stateroom
Located throughout the ship and approximately 208 sq. f. (19.3 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and sitting area furnished with two club chairs and a reading table. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. Note: 611 and 612 do not have the club chairs and a reading table.
![](https://polarcruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/OEX_Cabin_Deluxe-Veranda-Fwd_IMG_1211.jpg)
Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom
Located on Deck 4 and approximately 182 sq. f. (16.9 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
![](https://polarcruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/OEX_Cabin_Studio-Veranda-Suite_IMG_1190-2-scaled.jpg)
Studio Veranda Single
Designed for one. This unique cabin is located on Deck 7 and approximately 238 sq. f. (22.1 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.
![](https://polarcruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/OEX_Cabin_Studio-Double_IMG_1254-scaled.jpg)
Studio Single
Designed for one. These cabins are located on Deck 3 and approximately 166 sq. ft. (15,4 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.
Deck Plan
![Ocean Explorer ship deck plan](https://polarcruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/OEX-Deck-Plan-as-of-August-6-2024-scaled.jpg)
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Leadership throughout your voyage by experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
- An official expedition parka to keep
- 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. Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals
- Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
- 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
- All luggage handling aboard the ship
- Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
- Group arrival transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
- One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia 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.)
- Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day
- Group departure transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from ship to local airport or to luggage storage facility
- Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data intensive applications.)
Exclusions:
- International airfare
- Passport and applicable visa expenses
- Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
- Meals unless otherwise specified
- Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
- Excess-baggage fees on international flights 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 and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
- 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