Original Fly & Cruise Expedition Cruise
Trip type
Fly & Cruise
Trip length
8 Days
From
$11,495 -$21,995
Ship Comfort
Expedition
Original Fly & Cruise Expedition Cruise - 8 Days - $11,495
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
- 4 full days in Antarctica = 8 planned ‘off ship’ excursions
- We like this ship's small size, simple Scandinavian lines & the Panoramic Lounge's 200 degree views
- Antarctic operational experience since 2003
- Expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:6, which is low and market leading
- Kayaking and snowshoeing (additional cost)
- One of very few air-cruise trips to offer reserved plane seating
- Includes pre-flight hotel night in Punta Arenas and house wines with meals
- Exclusive access to Explorers House – your home-from-home private club & expedition centre while in P. Arenas
Start from Punta Arenas to Antarctica and end at Punta Arenas
Landmarks potentially visited on Original Fly & Cruise Expedition Cruise
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive to Punta Arenas
Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, where you are welcomed and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you attend a briefing that provides important information about your voyage and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.
Day 2: Fly to King George Island
A smooth two-hour flight takes you efficiently from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Your Antarctic adventure begins as you exit the airplane and the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. A short hop by minibus takes you to the water's edge. Here the adventure begins in earnest as you don your lifejacket and board your Zodiac rib for the ride to your expedition vessel, which is anchored in the bay.
Days 3 to 6: Antarctic Peninsula
Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals and whales. Each day, disembark by zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations and enjoy spectacular vistas from the glass-enclosed lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.
No journey is the same as flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience each time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several spots that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel, or many other magnificent places.
Day 7: Fly back to Punta Arenas
Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program.)
Day 8: Return home
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
PLEASE NOTE: While choosing to fly to/from Antarctica is the most expedient option, it's also more weather dependent than travelling by ship across the Drake Passage. Charter flights to/from Antarctica operate on a very flexible schedule to accommodate the changeable weather conditions. As a result, flight timings may be brought forward or delayed to ensure safe operating conditions. To discuss in more detail, please get in touch.
This itinerary is for guidance only, as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions as well as taking advantage of impromptu wildlife opportunities.
Why our customers love Swoop
Expert impartial advice at no extra cost
Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.
The Antarctic Experts. No Compromises
Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist
We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.
A full concierge service, unlike booking direct
We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.
What our customers think of Original Fly & Cruise Expedition Cruise
Original Fly & Cruise Expedition Cruise trips scored 4.8/5 from 34 reviews
Review:
About The Ship
Your expedition vessel
Dining room
Lounge / Bar
Library
View from the bow of the vessel
View from the deck of the vessel
Your vessel among icebergs
Penguins and your vessel in Antarctica
Your vessel among icebergs
Your vessel among icebergs
Your expedition vessel
- A 4* expedition ship for only 68 guests
- Time saving flights
- Panoramic lounge with 200 degree views
- 1B ice class rating (Hull = 1A)
- Optional kayaking & snowshoeing/ hiking
- Rubber boots are provided on loan
The very experienced crew are super friendly and make you feel at home straight away.
Loli Figueroa Polar Specialist
Prices, Departures and Inclusions
Prices quoted below are per person based on two people sharing. Cabin availability changes all the time so please contact us for up-to-date details and information on specific cabin availability.
* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $11495
Additional Notes
The 13-Feb-2026 departure is reserved for Mandarin speakers.
Due to popularity of this trip, early booking is strongly advised (12-18 months in advance).
Passengers who book to share a Twin Cabin are accommodated in single rooms at the hotel in Punta Arenas for which there's a mandatory supplement on top of the voyage price of USD $790 (2024/25 season) or USD $830 (2025/26 season).
While choosing to fly to/from Antarctica is the most expedient option, it's also more weather dependent than travelling by ship across the Drake Passage. Charter flights to/from Antarctica operate on a very flexible schedule to accommodate the changeable weather conditions. As a result, flight timings may be brought forward or delayed to ensure safe operating conditions. To discuss in more detail, please get in touch.
Single Supplement And Child Policy
This ship has a good number of dedicated single cabins for solo travellers. Please contact us for details. There is no single supplement for passengers willing to share a cabin.
Children aged 8 years or more are permitted if accompanied by a fully responsible adult. A 5% discount on the rate per person is offered for children between 8 and 12 years of age.
Optional Adventure Activities
Enhance your trip with the following add ons. Limited places per activity.
Get in contact to check availability.
| Activity | Cost | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
Kayaking
|
$895 | All departures. Kayaking competency required. Must be booked prior to departure. Subject to availability. For voyages departing November 2025 to March 2026, the kayaking program price is $695 per person and operated with two groups rather than one (as in the 2024-25 season). Only 20 spots total are available during each voyage. Booked kayakers will go out on paddle sessions in two separate groups of 10 guests each. Please note that these operate on an alternating basis, so Group 1 will kayak while the other group follows the normal off-ship program of landing or zodiac cruising, then at the next kayaking opportunity (likely the next day) Group 2 will kayak instead. With this process, each group of 10 guests enjoy 1 to 2 kayaking excursions during the duration of the expedition, if weather permits. |
Snowshoeing
|
$85 | All departures, as long as snow conditions allow. Snow shoes provided. Available for booking on board the ship. |
Includes
- Airport/ hotel transfers as indicated
- Hotel accommodation in P. Arenas on day 1 and 7
- Charter flights P. Arenas/Antarctica return
- Access to Explorers House expedition centre in P. Arenas pre and post-voyage
- Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- Accommodation and meals on full board basis
- Complimentary drinks offered during meals
- Welcome dinner including drinks
- All guided shore excursions and zodiac activities
- Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
- Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
- Loan of rubber boots for the voyage's duration
- Comprehensive pre-departure information
- IAATO passenger fee
Excludes
- Parka jackets are not provided
- Any flights to/ from voyage start and end points
- Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
- Transfers not specified in the itinerary
- Optional adventure activities (e.g. kayaking)
- Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Personal travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature - laundry, bar tab, etc
- Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
- Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)
