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Original Fly & Cruise Luxury Adventure

Fly over the Drake Passage in just 2 hours, both to and from Antarctica. ​Ideal for those ​wanting a high comfort level, but ​who have limited time or ​are ​anxious sailors. ​An outstanding program, successfully operated for over 15 seasons.​ Limited December to February departures only.

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Original Fly & Cruise Luxury Adventure

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Trip type

Fly & Cruise

Trip length

8 Days

From

$15,295 -$29,995

Ship Comfort

Comfort & Adventure

Original Fly & Cruise Luxury Adventure - 8 - $15,295

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

  • 4 full days in Antarctica = 8 planned ‘off ship’ excursions
  • We like this ship's exclusivity – with only 75 guests and spacious suites​ (balconies available)
  • Kayaking and snowshoeing ​(on select departures at additional cost)
  • One of the very few ​air-cruise ​trips to offer reserved plane seating
  • Includes pre-flight hotel night in Punta Arenas and house wines with meals

Landmarks potentially visited on Original Fly & Cruise Luxury Adventure

Operator's Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in 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 programme.)


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 Luxury Adventure

Original Fly & Cruise Luxury Adventure trips scored 4.5/5 from 45 reviews

The highlight for me was being a part of our 9 person kayaking group plus two guides. We were able to paddle into small coves and the most magical of all was being near three feeding humpback whales and hearing their breathing as they rose up every few minutes.

Travelled: February 2021

Jane Alexander -

Landing on King George. The reason is that we had been delayed due to fog for two days and our trip was in jeopardy of being canceled. Two groups behind us never got to visit this incredible place due to weather. People who want to travel here have to understand that if you’re going to do the fly route the weather can be very fickle. Fog is a real issue. We came to learn that there must be at least 1000 feet of visibility clearance for the pilot to see the runway. This is a serious wild place. Landing strip has no landing lights, no tower and it’s gravel. And, wind plays a part too. Was it worth the risk of cancellation? OMG YES! The Antarctic is Overwhelming beauty and floods all 5 of your senses. Never experienced anything like this before. Sight and sounds are one of a kind. My wife and I are in our mid 60s and we didn’t find the trip physically challenging.

Travelled: January 2020

Donald -

The penguins were so fun to just watch as they carried on their regular activities- building nests or heading down to the water. The landscapes and wildlife were magnificent. We saw 3 species of penguins and several types of seals and also whales. The people on our ship came from various countries and we enjoyed getting to know them. We had an opportunity to stop and get off on a piece of floating ice - that was fun!

Travelled: February 2021

Susan Herron -

Our excursion in Fournier Bay to see the humpback whales. The abundance of whale activity was an amazing experience.

Travelled: December 2021

Jeannette -

This is difficult as my adventure was filled with many memorable moments...but the first day after flying in will remain indelibly in my memories. We had cruised for 21 hours south in rough seas (at least for sea sick me it was rough!) That day I set foot on the continent of Antarctica, it was windy, snowy and blustery, everything I anticipated Antarctica should be! The gusting wind forced us to take a knee to avoid being blown over as we climbed up a small hill to our first penguin colony. That experience was quickly followed by our first whale citing during our zodiac back to the ship. But it was not one whale, oh no, it was 5 whales with a tremendous flock of birds hovering above tracking the leftover krill. You would think it would be difficult to beat this day but each day was as special in its own way as Antarctica shared its wonders with us!

Travelled: March 2023

Carolyn -

We had 9 excursions in 5 days, 7 landings and 2 zodiacs. One of those zodiacs was supposed to be a landing but the tide wouldn’t allow us go ashore, so we did zodiacs instead at Heroina Island. I had lowered my expectations a bit since it was a plan B, but it was probably my favorite excursion of the trip! There were thousands of penguins all over the rocky island, some chilling, and many diving into the water in what seemed like swarms. We kept circling all of the action with dramatic waves crashing against the rocks as the penguins jumped with us safely and calmly very close by in the zodiac boat. Then a leopard seal came up right next to the boat and stuck his head up just to see what was going on, a little before we saw two whales surfacing side by side slightly in the distance. It was everything I could have hoped for and more.

Travelled: February 2023

Aaron -

the first morning, waking up and seeing the awesome landscape of blue icebergs, black terrain covered with pure white snow while on zodiak cruise, seeing a group of humpback whales engage in bubble net feeding

Travelled: March 2023

Saebom -

The highlight was Charlotte's Bay as described above. It was a totally perfect experience on a perfectly calm and sunny day. The landscapes were absolutely breathtaking with the Seven Sister who were complete visible due to the awesome weather. I traveled alone, so I didn't have a group as others did; however, I met very nice people from the US, Hong Kong, UK, Australia and New Zealand. I was surprised at how skilled the crew was to adapting to new contingency plans due to changing weather. Charlotte's Bay was a magical, mystical and spiritual experience that will be forever embedded in my mind.

Travelled: February 2021

Dennis Roy -

You can't put words to the feeling you get in Antarctica. Just being there is a life changing experience that one needs to have for themselves to appreciate the Arctic. My most memorable moment was seeing all the wildlife in their natural environment and how they live. Walking so close and feeling as a part of the environment was something we just don't experience in the "real world".

Travelled: February 2023

Robert -

Being on the water among feeding humpback whales.

Travelled: March 2022

Fred -

Kayaking and having whales and seals swim right next to us.

Travelled: January 2020

David -

The boat and zodiac excursions were highlights. Scenery spectacular but not much variety. Unspoilt. We have seen many beautiful landscapes as we are frequent travellers. Penguins cute but smelly---seeing babies was special. Would have liked to see more seals and whales. Company congenial.

Travelled: February 2021

Pauline Grodski -

Our trip was so wonderful! The ship, people, service, excursions, food and the entire experience were just top notch.

Travelled: February 2021

Lori Thomas -

Watching a pod of orcas swim under the boat and being in a zodiac, surrounded by humpback whales.

Travelled: December 2022

Tyler -

So many-- the polar plunge, stepping on the actual continent at Orne Harbour

Travelled: January 2022

Mitch -

Moments....plural. The daily zodiac excursions. Whether hiking up to the penguins or being among the humpback whales while they came up for air or just looking at the different icebergs and their colors, the Antarctic scenery and wildlife was amazing.

Travelled: December 2022

Mary -

The ship service and efficiency were great. The staff were enthusiastic and always aimed to please with a great depth of knowledge. We especially enjoyed the snowshoeing/trekking and were glad that we signed up early. It made many of the excursions very special for us. Every day had a memorable landscape or wildlife experience.

Travelled: February 2021

Cary Poropatich -

Fournier Bay kayaking ! Epic whale experience

Travelled: December 2021

Randy -

Finally reaching Antarctica after two unsuccessful tries, disembarking our zodiac in rough seas with snow blowing sideways and planting ourselves on the rocky shore of the White Continent.

Travelled: February 2023

Karen and Tom -

Being so close to a humpback whale and knowing that we had experts on hand to explain everything.

Travelled: December 2021

Anonymous -

Review:

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

Triple Suite Porthole Veranda Deluxe Veranda Penthouse Suite Grand Suite Single Veranda
December 2023
1-Dec-2023 Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Enquire
6-Dec-2023 Full Full Full $19,395 Full Full Full Enquire
11-Dec-2023 Full Full $18,395 Full Full Full Full Enquire
16-Dec-2023 Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Enquire
21-Dec-2023 Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Enquire
26-Dec-2023 Full Full Full Full Full $27,995 Full Enquire
31-Dec-2023 Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Enquire
January 2024
14-Jan-2024 Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Enquire
19-Jan-2024 Full Full Full Full Full $27,995 Full Enquire
31-Jan-2024 Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Enquire
February 2024
5-Feb-2024 Full Full Full $20,795 Full $27,995 Full Enquire
10-Feb-2024 Full Full $19,795 Full Full Full Full Enquire
15-Feb-2024 Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Enquire
25-Feb-2024 Full $16,595 $19,795 $20,795 Full $25,995 Full Enquire
March 2024
1-Mar-2024 Full $15,295* $17,995 $19,395 $22,795 $25,995 $25,995 Enquire
November 2024
26-Nov-2024 Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Enquire
December 2024
1-Dec-2024 Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Enquire
6-Dec-2024 Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Enquire
11-Dec-2024 Full $15,995 $19,995 $21,995 $26,995 $24,995 $26,995 Enquire
16-Dec-2024 Full $15,995 $19,995 $21,995 $26,995 $24,995 $26,995 Enquire
21-Dec-2024 Full $18,795 $22,995 $24,995 $29,995 $27,995 $29,995 Enquire
26-Dec-2024 Full $18,795 $22,995 $24,995 $29,995 $27,995 $29,995 Enquire
31-Dec-2024 Full Full Full $24,995 $29,995 $27,995 $29,995 Enquire
January 2025
14-Jan-2025 Full Full $21,995 $23,995 $28,995 $27,495 $28,995 Enquire
19-Jan-2025 $19,795 $17,995 $21,995 $23,995 $28,995 $27,495 $28,995 Enquire
31-Jan-2025 Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Enquire
February 2025
5-Feb-2025 $19,795 $17,995 $21,995 $23,995 $28,995 $27,495 $28,995 Enquire
10-Feb-2025 $19,795 $17,995 $21,995 $23,995 $28,995 $27,495 $28,995 Enquire
15-Feb-2025 $19,795 $17,995 $21,995 $23,995 $28,995 $27,495 $28,995 Enquire
20-Feb-2025 $19,795 $17,995 $21,995 $23,995 $28,995 $27,495 $28,995 Enquire
25-Feb-2025 $17,995 $15,995 $19,995 $21,995 $26,995 $24,995 $26,995 Enquire
March 2025
2-Mar-2025 $17,995 $15,995 $19,995 $21,995 $26,995 $24,995 $26,995 Enquire

* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $15295

Additional Notes

Please note for departures from November 2024 - March 2025 Grand Suite cabins will be renamed as Suites.


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). 


Preferred seating on your Antarctic flights can be added for USD $550 per person (limited spaces). This guarantees priority boarding and an aisle or window seat, with an empty middle seat, at the front of the aircraft. 

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 $995 All departures. Kayaking competency required. Must be booked prior to departure. Subject to availability.
Add on icon Snowshoeing Snowshoeing $85 Select departures. Snow shoes provided. Available for booking on board the ship (depending on conditions).

Includes

  • Airport/ hotel transfers as indicated
  • Hotel accommodation in P. Arenas on days 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
  • Welcome dinner including drinks
  • Complimentary drinks offered during meals
  • 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?