Antarctic Explorer - Discovering the 7th Continent
11 Days - Ocean Diamond
This Classic Antarctic Peninsula voyage is the ultimate introduction to the White Continent and you can enjoy it in style aboard the Ocean Diamond, a modern, stable super-yacht. Enjoy intimate viewing of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs aboard zodiac craft and also have the opportunity to participate in an extensive range of optional adventure activities.
from USD $8695pp
Home » 11 Day Ocean Diamond: Antarctic Explorer – Discovering the 7th Continent
Itinerary Highlights
- Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica.
- Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists.
- Witness the abundant wildlife - penguins, elephant seals, whales and more!
- Speed of vessel saves up to 12 hours on Drake crossing.
- All-inclusive beverage packages available.
- A range of adventure activities available including camping & kayaking.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
- Day 2: Embarkation Day
- Day 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage
- Day 5-8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
- Day 9-10: Drake Passage to Ushuaia
- Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
With a population of more than 63,000 people, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. The city has grown over the past few years, yet it has retained an easy going and accessible feel. With the sea to the south and mountains to the north, Ushuaia is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruise. If you arrive early, you can spend some time in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, enjoy some Argentinean wines and barbeques in the city, or visit the many boutique shops and cafes before for your expedition to Antarctica.
Day 2: Embarkation Day
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This historic channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of excitement as we depart - the next time you see land we'll be in the world's most southern continent!
Days 3 and 4: Crossing the Drake Passage
Prepare yourself for potentially rough water, but hope for smooth sailing as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing. You'll spend these first days getting to know your shipmates, while we provide safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead.
Days 5 to 8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
When the Antarctic Convergence is left in our wake, you will truly begin your Antarctic adventure. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition. You can begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travellers alike. Every time we visit Antarctica we witness something new or unexpected, meaning your expedition will be unlike any other - creating a unique, personal experience. We will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore bays, channels and landing sites each day. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales and search for a number of the southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal.
The majesty of the Peninsula's mountains will enchant you as you scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360° views. One of these in Orne Harbor, gives the opportunity to visit a chinstrap penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here you'll have the choice between going for a mountain hike or spending time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach to enjoy the antics of curious penguins. If you're feeling extra adventurous, participating in the Polar Plunge swim is about as crazy as it gets!
Amidst the peaceful silence of Antarctica, noisy interruptions become indelible memories such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles or the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbor. You can make a bit of noise yourself too by listening to the echo of voices bounce off giant glaciers.
Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team so as to entertain and educate you on this wonderful part of the world.
Days 9 and 10: Drake Passage to Ushuaia
The return journey across the Drake Passage provides you with some final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck wateabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy a few final presentations by your Expedition Team or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.
Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
We'll arrive in Ushuaia in the morning for you to continue your adventure on land or catch your flights home.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
09 Jan 2023 - 19 Jan 2023 | USD $10195pp | ||
Triple Cabin | USD $10195pp | Contact us | |
Twin Obstructed View | USD $14995pp | Contact us | |
Twin Window | USD $15495pp | Contact us | |
Suite | USD $17695pp | Contact us | |
Single Obstructed View | USD $18295pp | Contact us | |
Single Porthole | USD $18295pp | Contact us | |
Balcony Suite | USD $18795pp | Contact us | |
18 Jan 2023 - 28 Jan 2023 | USD $10195pp | ||
Triple Cabin | USD $10195pp | Contact us | |
Twin Obstructed View | USD $14995pp | Contact us | |
Twin Window | USD $15495pp | Contact us | |
Suite | USD $17695pp | Contact us | |
Single Obstructed View | USD $18295pp | Contact us | |
Single Porthole | USD $18295pp | Contact us | |
Balcony Suite | USD $18795pp | Contact us | |
26 Feb 2023 - 08 Mar 2023 | USD $8695pp | ||
Triple Cabin | USD $8695pp | Contact us | |
Twin Obstructed View | USD $12795pp | Contact us | |
Twin Window | USD $13295pp | Contact us | |
Suite | USD $14795pp | Contact us | |
Single Obstructed View | USD $15295pp | Contact us | |
Single Porthole | USD $15295pp | Contact us | |
Balcony Suite | USD $15895pp | Contact us | |
07 Mar 2023 - 17 Mar 2023 | USD $8995pp | ||
Triple Cabin | USD $8995pp | Contact us | |
Twin Obstructed View | USD $13395pp | Contact us | |
Twin Window | USD $13995pp | Contact us | |
Suite | USD $15495pp | Contact us | |
Single Porthole | USD $15995pp | Contact us | |
Single Obstructed View | USD $16095pp | Contact us | |
Balcony Suite | USD $16695pp | Contact us | |
13 Dec 2023 - 23 Dec 2023 | USD $10796pp | Save 20% | |
Triple Cabin | USD $11495pp | Contact us | |
Twin Obstructed View | USD $10796pp | Save 20% | |
Twin Window | USD $11196pp | Save 20% | |
Single Obstructed View | USD $15995pp | Contact us | |
Single Porthole | USD $15995pp | Contact us | |
Suite | USD $12796pp | Save 20% | |
Balcony Suite | USD $13196pp | Save 20% | |
12 Jan 2024 - 22 Jan 2024 | USD $12321pp | Save 15% | |
Triple Cabin | USD $12495pp | Contact us | |
Twin Obstructed View | USD $12321pp | Save 15% | |
Twin Window | USD $12746pp | Save 15% | |
Single Obstructed View | USD $17495pp | Contact us | |
Single Porthole | USD $17495pp | Contact us | |
Suite | USD $14871pp | Save 15% | |
Balcony Suite | USD $15296pp | Save 15% | |
29 Feb 2024 - 10 Mar 2024 | USD $10796pp | Save 20% | |
Triple Cabin | USD $11495pp | Contact us | |
Twin Obstructed View | USD $10796pp | Save 20% | |
Twin Window | USD $11196pp | Save 20% | |
Single Obstructed View | USD $15995pp | Contact us | |
Single Porthole | USD $15995pp | Contact us | |
Suite | USD $12796pp | Save 20% | |
Balcony Suite | USD $13196pp | Save 20% |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Triple Cabin
19m², two twin beds, one upper bed, two portholes, TV (Note: cabin 332 has three lower beds), located on the lower deck, a private bathroom, bathtub and shower.
Twin Obstructed View
19m², one double bed or two single bedding configuration, a picture window, obstructed view, located on the captain's deck, a private bathroom, bathtub and shower, wardrobes, drawers, TV refrigerator.
Twin Window
17-19m², one double bed or two single bedding, a picture window, located on the upper, main and captain’s Decks, a private bathroom, shower, a refrigerator, TV.
Suite
37m², one double bed or two twin beds, a separate sitting area, two picture windows, sofas, two easy chairs, a small table, and two private bathrooms, located on the main deck, a refrigerator, TV.
Balcony Suite
30m², one double bed or two twin beds, a separate sitting area, a full-size window, a sliding glass door, a private deck, chairs, located on the observation deck, a private bathroom, shower, a refrigerator, TV.
Single Porthole
19m², one double bed, two portholes, located on the lower deck, a private bathroom, shower, a refrigerator, TV.
Single Obstructed View
19m², one double bed, a picture window, obstructed view, located on the captain's deck, a private bathroom, shower, a refrigerator, TV.
Ocean Diamond Deckplan
Specifications
- Staff and Crew: 144
- Guests: 189
- Length: 124 meters
- Breadth: 16 meters
- Draft: 4.9 meters
- Propulsion: 2 Wichmann Engines, 7375 horsepower
- Ice Class: 1D
- Cruising Speed: 15.5 knots
- Registration: Nassau, Bahamas
- Lifeboats: 2 fully enclosed
Whats included?
- Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
- All shore landings as per the daily program
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
- Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
- Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
- A photographic journal documenting the expedition
- A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
- An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
- Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All luggage handling aboard the ship
- Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
- Group arrival transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
- One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
- Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day
- Group departure transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from ship to local airport or to luggage storage facility
What’s not included?
- International airfare
- Passport and applicable visa expenses
- Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
- Meals unless otherwise specified
- Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
- Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
- Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
- Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
- Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
- Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
- Additional overnight accommodation
- Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
Notes
**Optional activities
- Kayaking - US$995 per person
- Camping - US$295 per person
- Paddleboarding - US$295 per person