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Ocean Explorer, Antarctic Explorer ex Ushuaia Return

10 Night Cruise Only


Cruise Itinerary
Date Port Arrive Depart
19 Dec 2025 Ushuaia, Argentina Hotel
20 Dec 2025 Ushuaia, Argentina Embark
21 Dec 2025 Drake Passage
22 Dec 2025 Drake Passage
23 Dec 2025 South Shetland Islands, Antarctica
24 Dec 2025 South Shetland Islands, Antarctica
25 Dec 2025 Antarctic Peninsula
26 Dec 2025 Antarctic Peninsula
27 Dec 2025 Drake Passage
28 Dec 2025 Drake Passage
29 Dec 2025 Ushuaia, Argentina Disembark
9 Night Cruise sailing from Ushuaia roundtrip aboard Ocean Explorer. Hotel stay pre-cruise in Ushuaia.

Day 1 — 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. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.

Day 2 — Embarkation Day
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This historic channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of excitement as you depart—the next time you see land you’ll be in 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 who will prepare you for the wildlife, glaciology and history that will greet you upon your arrival. 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 White 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 local 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, fins, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight 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 — Disembarkation in Ushuaia
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure on land or catch your flights home.

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. Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship.

Spacious cabins feature a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design and almost all have verandas. Guests can relax and find comfort in the spacious gym, sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis.

Ocean Explorer features 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 industry-leading mix of sustainability systems, including fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines.


Ship Profile & Stats
  • Maiden voyage: 2021
  • Length: 104.4 m
  • Draft: 5.3 m
  • Speed: 16.5 knots
  • Ship registration: Portugal
  • Passenger capacity (dbl): 138
Ship Amenities
  • Desk and Chair
  • TV
  • Infotainment System
Ship Facilities
  • Two Story Library
  • Observation Lounge
  • Sauna
  • 2 Outdoor Jacuzzis
  • 15 Zodiacs
  • Main Dining Room
  • Private Dining Room
  • Latitude Bar
  • Fitness Centre
  • Polar Boutique
  • Explorer Lecture Lounge
  • Observation Bistro
  • Sun Deck
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.

Deck 3

Deck 4

Deck 5

Deck 6

Deck 7

Deck 8

Owners Suite
This palatial, airy apartment offers stunning views from its large private veranda on the highest cabin level. The luxurious suite features a large master bedroom, living room and dining area and two large master bathrooms, among other amenities. 443 sqf.

This unique 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 269 sq. f (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.

Junior Suite
The decor and layout of this stately suite will amaze. The private veranda, convenient Deck 6 location, plus proximity to the lounge and downstairs dining room are equally impressive. 296-299 sqf.

Royal Veranda Stateroom
This spacious, classic stateroom allows you to stretch freely. Centrally located on Decks 4 and 6. 189-272 sqf.

Grand Veranda Stateroom
Near the center of the ship on Deck 6, this stateroom offers easy access to the lounge, dining room and a private veranda. 195-205 sqf.

These classic staterooms ensure guests have easy access to all amenities the ship has to offer. 203-272 sqf.

Revel in superior comfort of this stateroom on Deck 4 while taking in the panoramic ocean views from your private veranda. 200-205 sqf.

Enjoy privacy and elegance at the front of the ship where guests are treated to sweeping views from their private veranda. 168-195 sqf.

Studio Veranda Stateroom
Located on Deck 6 and approximately 173 sq. f. (16.1 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.

Designed for one. This unique cabin is located on Deck 7 and approximately 162 sq. f. (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.

Enjoy the calm ambience of this stateroom which features a porthole window and every amenity essential for your polar voyage. 175-186 sqf.

Designed for one. 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..
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*All prices are per person twin share unless stated as solo, triple or quad share.
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