An Antarctic voyage is a multi-day expedition that includes an extended sea passage and a planned stay on the Peninsula. Quark’s “Antarctic Explorer” for the 2026/27 season is scheduled as an 11-day voyage aboard the Ocean Explorer, departing from Ushuaia. Other listed options start as packages in Buenos Aires and last 11 or 12 days, depending on the ship. For comparison, the package start point and the actual embarkation port should therefore be considered separately.
Route, duration and actual embarkation port
In the detailed Ocean Explorer itinerary, Day 1 is set aside for arrival in Ushuaia and an overnight hotel stay; guests board the ship on Day 2. The next two days are spent crossing the Drake Passage and include presentations by the expedition team. Quark describes exploring the Antarctic Peninsula by Zodiac, kayak or on foot. This makes the voyage quite different from a series of traditional port calls: sea days, activities and planned shore landings together make up the expedition program.
The hotel night and transfer from the hotel to the ship are included in the Ushuaia itinerary described. International flights are not included. Quark also lists options departing from Buenos Aires, with different ships and varying trip lengths. A longer package does not therefore automatically mean more days on land; the detailed itinerary and embarkation day for the chosen ship are what matter.
An expedition, not a guaranteed shore landing
The cruise line lists Zodiac transfers, Zodiac cruises and shore landings, according to the daily itinerary, as included expedition services. Kayaking and walking activities are also among the ways of exploring described. This combination defines the nature of the voyage: an area is reached by ship, then explored on the water or on land, depending on the program. The published details apply to the specific ship and season.
Planning your journey via Ushuaia
For the detailed Ocean Explorer itinerary, Ushuaia is the embarkation port, even though Quark lists other packages starting in Buenos Aires. The itinerary described includes a group transfer from the airport to the hotel, an overnight stay before embarkation, and a transfer to the ship. After disembarkation, a group transfer to the local airport or luggage storage is listed. The hotel and transfer services mentioned apply to the Ocean Explorer itinerary and should not be assumed to be included in the options listed from Buenos Aires. More information about getting to your cruise can help you plan your flight connections.
