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Day 1–Ushuaia, Argentina
Your adventure commences in Ushuaia, Argentina, the most southern settlement in South America. Before embarking, spend some time to shop for souvenirs, stock up on handcrafted chocolate treats or buy any last-minute items you may have forgot to pack. The city offers abundant services and the nearby mountains and national park offer natural beauty, hiking trails and activities to keep you busy.
Day 2–Embarkation Day
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the wildlife-rich Beagle Channel. This will be your first opportunity to get to know your fellow adventurers and get acquainted with the shipboard services. As land fades away from sight, you can prepare for your first night and sea! Next stop? Antarctica.
Day 3-4–Crossing the Drake
It is impossible to predict the sea and weather conditions we will encounter as we cross the Drake Passage Your time during these first days is largely spent chatting with other travelers and listening to the presentations given by your Expedition Team. By the time Day 4 draws to an end the anticipation and excitement of landfall will reach a feverish pitch.
Day 5-7–South Shetland & Antarctic Peninsula
Don’t be surprised to wake up to a sea filled of icebergs! You’re now close to Antarctica, where icebergs are more frequent – and more massive. This far south, you’ll likely also get your first sightings of whales, perhaps Humpbacks or even Orcas.
Then, as land appears, you’ll soon get to shake off your sea legs and head out on your first landing. The coast can range from barren, inhospitable landscapes to mountainous peaks dotted with penguins. You will see that everything in Antarctica is done on a bigger scale–don’t be surprised if you feel dwarfed by the dramatic, imposing, environment that surrounds you.
Landing sites vary depending on conditions, but what is certain is that you will see many animals, historically significant sites and varied landscapes. Your days in the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula may be spent watching penguins swimming and ambling over pebbled beaches, taking a Zodiac cruise around oddly artistically shaped icebergs, or witnessing a Leopard Seal hunt in the frigid Antarctic waters.
Hiking atop a snow-covered hill in the Peninsula will also provide you with a quiet place for contemplation to enjoy the eerie silence of the continent. Some offer 360° vantage points, others such as Orne Harbor, give you the opportunity to visit a chinstrap penguin colony high up on a ridge. The often comical movements of penguins and seals on land will provide hours of entertainment and photography opportunities. In Antarctica, you don’t have to seek out the excitement, it is all around you. Take a rest on a beach and you’ll soon be surrounded by curious penguins, hike away from the shore and you may witness an iceberg exploding in the water or glacial ice come crashing down into the ocean.
You can create your own excitement too, by taking the Polar Plunge! Harness yourself in and take a quick swim in Antarctica, or simply be amused by the shocked faces of you fellow shipmates who dare to brave the cold waters. Take comfort in the warmth of the ship, which offers plenty of free space for all to enjoy. Some of the most memorable times come from simply watching the sun set, or rise, in Antarctica. Every day will bring a new surprise and new Zodiac excursions and landings. Keep your cameras charged as you never know what wildlife or scenery will greet you next.
Day 8-9–Drake Passage
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides you with some final opportunities for spotting seabirds and scouting for whales. Your Expedition Team will run their last lectures and presentations, recapping the great Antarctic adventure you’ve just had. This is a time to share your favourite encounters and memories with the crew and your shipmates. Enjoy a farewell dinner and final night on the seas.
Day 10–Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
The time to say goodbye has arrived. After breakfast, you will have time to say goodbye to your Expedition Team, after which we will transfer you to the airport for your homeward flights.
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PLEASE NOTE: Due to the nature of expedition cruising, itineraries are subject to change due to weather, ice conditions, natural and cultural events, wildlife viewing opportunities and other logistical considerations. In general, a ship's crew will endeavor to complete the itinerary provided, but the ultimate decision lies with the ship's captain and expedition leaders.
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11/21/12-01/30/12
| $4,295 | $5,895 | $8,895 | $6,595 | $9,995 | $8,895 | $10,995 |
 Sail aboard the Ocean Diamond, a modern, stable super-yacht and experience Quark's Antarctica. Carrying a maximum of 189 passengers, this outstanding vessel features numerous adventure options plus onboard amenities such as a massage and wellness program and a well-stocked polar library. The Ocean Diamond is staffed with Quark’s legendary captains, officers, expedition leaders, and guides. The lecture theater hosts educational presentations throughout the voyage, and the ship's “Expert in Residence” program offers a platform for polar researchers, scientists, and other experts to conduct field work from the ship while sharing their knowledge and experiences with expedition participants. Travelers can choose from seven different categories of accommodation, from balcony suites, to a range of twin and triple cabins.
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TRIPLE Private
| Approximately 200 square feet (19 square meters) in size, this cabin has a two twin beds and an upper bed, and two portholes (Note: cabin 332 has three lower beds). Located on the Lower Deck, this cabin has a private bathroom with bathtub and shower. Amenities include: wardrobes, drawers, flat-screen TV, DVD player, individual temperature controls, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, and hair dryer. |
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TWIN WITH OBSTRUCTED VIEW Private
| Approximately 200 square feet (19 square meters) in size, this cabin has one double bed or two twin beds. Located on the Lower Decks, this cabin has a private bathroom with bathtub and shower. Amenities include: wardrobes, drawers, flat-screen TV, DVD player, individual temperature controls, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, and hair dryer. |
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SINGLE WITH OBSTRUCTED VIEW Private
| Approximately 200 square feet (19 square meters) in size, this cabin has one double bed, and a picture window (the view is obstructed by the lifeboats). Located on the Captain’s Deck, this cabin has a private bathroom with bathtub and shower. Amenities include: wardrobes, drawers, flat-screen TV, DVD player, individual temperature controls, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, and hair dryer. |
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SUITE Private
| Approximately 400 square feet (37 square meters) in size, this suite has a one double bed or two twin beds, and two picture windows. Located on the Main Deck, this suite has a separate sitting area with sofas, two easy chairs, a small table, and a private bathroom with bathtub and shower. Amenities include: wardrobes, drawers, flat-screen TV, DVD player, individual temperature controls, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, and hair dryer. |
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BALCONY SUITE Private
| Approximately 325 square feet (30 square meters) in size, including the balcony, this suite has one double bed or two twin beds, and a full-size window with a sliding glass door that leads to a private deck with chairs. Located on the Observation Deck, this suite has a private bathroom with bathtub and shower. Amenities include: wardrobes, drawers, flat-screen TV, DVD player, individual temperature controls, two easy chairs, a small table, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, and hair dryer. |
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TWIN WITH WINDOW Private
| Between 200 and 183 square feet (19 and 17 square meters) in size, this cabin has one double bed or two twin beds, and a picture window. Located on the Upper and Main Decks, this cabin has a private bathroom with bathtub and shower. Amenities include: wardrobes, drawers, flat-screen TV, DVD player, individual temperature controls, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, and hair dryer. |
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SINGLE WITH WINDOW Private
| Approximately 200 square feet (19 square meters) in size, this cabin has one double bed, and a picture window. Located on the Captain’s and Upper Decks, this cabin has a private bathroom with bathtub and shower. Amenities include: wardrobes, drawers, flat-screen TV, DVD player, individual temperature controls, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, and hair dryer. |
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