Ocean Adventurer, Antarctic Express Crossing the Circle ex Punta Arenas Return – 23 Feb 2023

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Interior Outside Balcony Suite
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Quark Expeditions has been one of the leading innovators and operators of expedition cruises, especially in polar regions, since 1991. The company has pioneered and developed a concept of fantastically adventurous journeys in first class comfort on powerful, polar icebreakers. This concept is unique and many “First Ever” passenger voyages have been successfully operated: the first North Pole voyage, the first transpolar voyage through the North Pole, the first Circumnavigation of Antarctica, the first “Far Side” of Antarctica voyage, the first Weddell Sea voyage, the first Northeast Passage and the first Circumnavigation of the Arctic are all part of this tradition.

Names such as Amundsen, Scott, Shackleton, Franklin, Peary and Nansen are synonymous with the Golden Age of Exploration and, thanks to the polar climates, elements of the past have been well preserved. Viewing these historical sights is a great experience and worthy of care and respect. Quark Expeditions understands this and ensures that all our passengers are fully briefed before any visits take place.

2 lower berths, private facilities, porthole

2 lower berths, private facilities, porthole

2 lower berths, private facilities, window

2 lower berths, private facilities, windows

2 lower berths, private facilities, 2windows

2 lower berths, private facilities, windows

2 lower berths, private facilities with bathtub, windows

Ocean Adventurer - Lower Deck

Ocean Adventurer - Main Deck

Ocean Adventurer - Upper Deck

Ocean Adventurer - Captains Deck

Ocean Adventurer - Bridge Deck

Ocean Adventurer - Observation Deck

As of June 2017, Quark Expeditions’ much beloved polar expedition ship the “Sea Adventurer” will be undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation and be officially renamed the “Ocean Adventurer”.

The new and improved Ocean Adventurer is designed to carry 132 travelers in comfort to the most remote corners of the world. Originally built in Yugoslavia in 1976, this nimble, ice-strengthened ship has become a passenger favourite over the years and underwent refurbishments in 1999 and 2002 with the most significant being in 2017.

With the latest rounds of refurbishments guests will enjoy:
A refreshed, contemporary new look and feel throughout the ship.
The addition of six new twin cabins and three new suites.
All existing cabins will be furnished with all new soft furnishings and brand new bathrooms.
Main common areas such as the Lounge and Dining Room will be remodeled as well as the Bar.
Major technical enhancements – include two new Rolls Royce engines, which will significantly increase fuel efficiency and minimized carbon footprint.

Ship Profile & Stats

  • Length: 330 feet
  • Tonnage: 4,364 tonnes
  • Maiden Voyage: 1975
  • Refurbished: 2017
  • Passenger Capacity (dbl): 117
  • Crew Nationality: International
  • Officer Nationality: International
  • Dining Staff Nationality: International
  • Ship Registration: Bahamas

Ship Facilities

  • Library
  • Club Bar
  • Dining Room
  • Lounge
  • Gift Shop
  • Gymnasium


Cruise Itinerary

DateActivityArriveDepart
23 Feb '23
Punta Arenas, Chile
Hotel
24 Feb '23
Punta Arenas, Chile
Flight to King George Island
24 Feb '23
King George Island, South Shetland Islands
Embark
25 Feb '23
Antarctic Peninsula
26 Feb '23
Antarctic Peninsula
27 Feb '23
South Shetland Islands, Antarctica
28 Feb '23 At sea    
01 Mar '23 At sea    
02 Mar '23 At sea    
03 Mar '23 At sea    
04 Mar '23
King George Island, South Shetland Islands
Disembark Flight to Punta Arenas
04 Mar '23
Punta Arenas, Chile
Hotel
05 Mar '23
Punta Arenas, Chile

All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

8 Night Cruise sailing from King George Island roundtrip aboard Ocean Adventurer. Hotel stays pre and post cruise in Punta Arenas.

Day 1 — Punta Arenas, Chile
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.

Day 2 — Embarkation Day
Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will have you crossing the legendary Drake Passage in only a few hours. 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 for landing in the South Shetland Islands. After landing, stretch your legs with a one-mile (1.6 km) walk to the shore, before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!

Days 3 to 5 — Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As your ship approaches the White Continent, you may be overcome by feelings of excitement and awe. Much of Antarctica 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 lecturers will also provide in-depth explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region.

Even more exciting are your land excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking on a beach dotted with penguins is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica.

Each landing is different and 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 an Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap penguin.

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 killer whales in action, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore this unrivaled travel experience.

Your Expedition Team will accompany you along the way, ensuring safety and providing insights into the places you visit.

Days 6 and 7 — The Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is both a memorable experience and impressive achievement, as few travelers reach so far south. If conditions allow us to cross this famed line at 66°33´ S, we’ll toast the first explorers who ventured here, and you can raise a glass and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and your best chances of encountering sea ice – the foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem.

Days 8 and 9 — Northbound Along the Peninsula
If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time you return to King George Island. You will continue to explore by Zodiac or on land as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula.

Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.

Day 10 — Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas
After your week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your two-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings your adventure to an end. After your group transfer to the hotel, you are free to explore and enjoy an evening on your own, in the city or at the hotel to reminisce about the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

Day 11 — Depart Punta Arenas
After breakfast, you are welcome to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.

vid: 14750 | cfid: 57977-cruise

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