Antarctic Cruises

These 10- and 20-day cruises from Quark Expeditions let you explore the lower southern hemisphere via water and land excursions in Antarctica and the surrounding islands. At each port of call, passengers will have opportunities to snap pictures of local wildlife—including penguins, seals, and whales—while learning about each habitat from a team of specialists. During days at sea, the same specialists present lectures and educational programs on geology and wildlife. Passengers are responsible for their own flights to and from South America for both cruises.

The 10-day cruise departs from Ushuaia, Argentina, on the Sea Adventurer, which can accommodate up to 117 passengers at a time. The ship contains a multipurpose lounge, a fleet of Zodiac boats for shoreline expeditions, and a dining room where passengers can enjoy gourmet meals. This cruise ends with a one-way flight (included) to Punta Arenas, Chile, where you’ll spend one night before returning home. Click here for a full itinerary for the 10-day cruise.

The 20-day cruise departs Ushuaia on the Ocean Diamond, a carbon-neutral vessel that can carry up to 189 passengers. Onboard offerings include yoga classes and massage, a library with a large collection of polar books and DVDs, a theater-style auditorium, and a resident photography instructor. This cruise returns to port in Ushuaia, where you’ll spend one night before returning home. Click here for a full itinerary for the 20-day cruise.

Both cruises include:

• Shared cabin with en suite bathroom and exterior views
• Three meals a day in the dining room and snacks
• Water and land excursions in each port of call
• Onboard lectures and educational presentations from polar specialists
• 1-night hotel stay in Argentina (20-day cruise) or Chile (10-day cruise)
• Note: passengers are responsible for their own airfare to and from South America.<p>

Below, we’ve outlined some highlights for each port of call. Note: 10-day excursions do not stop at all ports of call.

Ushuaia, Argentina (November 14 and December 10)

• Gateway to Antarctica: Both cruises depart from this coastal city located at the southernmost tip of Argentina.<p>

Falkland Islands (November 17–18)

• Explore the archipelago: On daily water and land excursions with plenty of photo ops
• Native wildlife: Rockhopper penguins and two endemic species—the Falkland’s flightless steamer duck and cobb’s wren
• Grab a pint: At Port Stanley, a ramshackle town with a British feel to it<p>

South Georgia Island (November 21–24)

• Historic sites: Abandoned whaling stations and outposts from early Antarctic excursions; the burial site of famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton
• Native wildlife: King penguins and elephant seals<p>

Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands (November 27–29 and December 14–17)

• Daily excursions: May include hiking a glacier, photographing penguins on a beach, or whale-watching from an inflatable Zodiac boat
• Native wildlife: Penguins, leopard seals, and whales
• Optional excursions: Kayak (extra fees apply) or Polar Plunge<p>

Punta Arenas (December 18)

• Port city: On the southernmost tip of Chile
• Spend the night: The cruise includes a 1-night hotel stay before you head home.<p>

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much would it cost to fly from an airport not listed as part of this deal? Airfare can range from $1200–$2000 depending on your departure gateway.

2. Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal? There are pre and post packages available to extend your Antarctic trip. These can be booked with your trip by calling at 1-888-979-0917.

3. How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available? You can check online at http://www.quarkexpeditions.com/ or call us at1-888-979-0917.

4. What happens if I buy the Groupon and my travel dates are not available? Purchase of Groupon guarantees availability.

5. Does my child need a Groupon, and can they stay in my room? All passengers would need to purchase a Groupon.