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Original Fly & Cruise Expedition Cruise

Travel with the pioneers of fly & cruise Antarctic voyages, flying in both directions and bypassing a 2-day sail on the Drake Passage. Regular departure dates (Dec - Feb) to choose from. Explore Antarctica aboard a trusty 68-passenger expedition ship renowned for its manoeuvrability and ice capabilities.

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Original Fly & Cruise Expedition Cruise

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Trip type

Fly & Cruise

Trip length

8 Days

From

$11,495 -$21,995

Ship Comfort

Expedition

Original Fly & Cruise Expedition Cruise - 8 - $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
  • 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

Start from Punta Arenas 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 sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Each day, disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. Onboard 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.


NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Furthermore, it's important to understand that the charter flight(s) to/ from Antarctica are particularly prone to weather, which requires a flexible flight schedule.

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What our customers think of Original Fly & Cruise Expedition Cruise

Original Fly & Cruise Expedition Cruise trips scored 4.8/5 from 9 reviews

Fly & cruise worked very well and was a great option. All excursions were well organised and conducted safely. We enjoyed them all, especially the snowshoeing treks.

Travelled: December 2016

John - UK

I was really impressed with the teamwork and logistics of the cruise; getting all the zodiacs (and kayaks, which I didn't do) into and out of the water. Like clockwork. Everything was ready at scheduled departure times. Guides were super friendly and knowledgeable. Every one of the 2/day outings was unique in terms of the wildlife, ice, geology. It wasn't just "let's go see penguins again."

Travelled: January 2023

Inge Fryklund - USA

I can't say enough good things about the the expedition team. That were genuinely excited to be on the cruise with us and it showed.

Travelled: December 2021

Jeannette Shull - USA

Overall, just fantastic. A well oiled operation: from checking in at the Cabo de Hornos hotel, to boot issuance, to getting everyone to/from flights. Due to weather and the flight from King George Island cancelled for the morning of 23rd, we had to leave for Punta Arenas after dinner on 22nd. (Not a surprise as we had been warned about early/late departures.)

Travelled: January 2023

Inge Fryklund - USA

A professionally run expedition. Made us feel like part of the family

Travelled: December 2022

JP Richau - USA

They are inspirational. Alison encouraged me on the science boat, Wendy explained the bird life and I enjoyed a survey with her. Nigel was so amazing on the zodiac when we had our day of many many humpback whales! Hadleigh was the best leader, completely and it was easy to put all our trust in him.

Travelled: December 2021

Chris Dixon - UK

I took about a million photos and videos of penguins and about half that many of icebergs. The expedition staff generally managed to get people on and off the zodiacs in an amazingly short time.

Travelled: December 2018

Elizabeth Hess - United States Of America

10/10 - Just great from A-Z

Travelled: December 2022

Roger Westerlind - USA

The expedition team is what made this trip even better. They were all so friendly and interesting in their own degrees.

Travelled: December 2019

Katie Salva - United States Of America

Could not have imagined it being any better.

Travelled: January 2023

Jesse Kehoe - USA

It was a surprisingly relaxing vacation. The structure of the tour was very appealing. It was two trips a day, three meals, a lecture, and a simple but clean and functional cabin. Overall, I found this simplicity both surprising and very appealing.

Travelled: December 2022

James McHugh - USA

10/10 Small ship size. Great crew. Comfortable ship without being too formal

Travelled: December 2022

Michael Hoffer - USA

Having experts with us to explain the ecology and processes made such a difference.

Travelled: December 2021

Chris Dixon - UK

Our first day out we had several whales right close to the zodiacs. We were able to hea the seals talking to each other. The icebergs were amazing and the blue colour was so beautiful. Of course, how could you not love those penguins?

Travelled: December 2018

Susan Herron - United States Of America

Review:

About The Ship

  • 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 2 people sharing. Cabin availability changes all the time so please contact us for up-to-date details and information on specific cabin availability.

2023

2024

2025

Additional Notes

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 $595 (2023/24 season) or USD $790 (2024/25 season). 

Single Supplement And Child Policy

For those travelling solo and want their own cabin, this ship has a good number of dedicated single cabins, please contact us for details. However, there is no single supplement for passengers willing to share a cabin.

Children aged 8 years or more are admitted if accompanied by a fully responsible adult. A 5% discount on the rate per person is offered for children up to 8 - 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
Add on icon Kayaking Kayaking $895 All departures. Kayaking competency required.
Add on icon Snowshoeing 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
  • 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)

Questions about this Voyage?