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9-night Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage Cruise/Land Package

Ushuaia/Puerto Natales, Chile
9-night Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage Cruise/Land Package
December 27, 2024
Lindblad Expeditions: National Geographic Explorer
Ushuaia/Puerto Natales, Chile
Vacation Offer ID 1534260
Reference this number when contacting our travel specialist.
Exclusive Offer
  • $200 per Couple Shipboard Credit
Overview
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Ship Info
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Activities & Services
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Staterooms
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Deckplans
The Signature Collection – Exclusive Amenities
The Signature Collection Sailings offer Exceptional Value and Exclusive Amenities.

Cruise Inclusions

  • 9-nights accommodations
  • All meals aboard ship and more
  • 2-nights hotel accommodations
  • Destination Guide
  • Suggested Shore Excursions
Destination Arrival Departure
Ushuaia

Ushuaia 12/27/2024

Arrive in Ushuaia. Sandwiched between ice-mantled peaks and the frigid waters of the Beagle Channel, this is a fittingly wild place to be known as “El Fin del Mundo” or “The End of the World.” Transfer from the airport to our hotel. Join us this evening for dinner and a briefing on our upcoming adventure.

Optional Private Excursions

Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!

Ushuaia – Tierra del Fuego National Park and End of the World Train - Half Day
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit. 
Begin the tour by driving along National Route N3, crossing the valley of the Pipo River and the foothills of Mount Susana, to the train station located in the area where the inmates of the old prison collected firewood.
 
The little steam train will wind along the trail that the prison train used to follow over bridges, swampy areas, and green valleys, making a short stop at La Macarena waterfall. On completion of the train ride and already in the Tierra del Fuego National Park, drive through the most attractive landscapes of the park, such as Lake Roca and Bahía Lapataia (where the National Route N3, part of the Pan-American Highway ends).
 
In different locations take short walks to appreciate the different species of the native forest and the protected fauna in the southernmost National Park of Argentina.

After the tour you will be transferred back to the pier.

Tour highlights: 
  • Beagle Channel
  • Lapataia Bay
  • End of the World train
 
Inclusions
  • Transfers to/from the pier
  • English speaking guide
  • Private vehicle
 
Exclusions
  • Gratuities for guide and driver
  • Box-Lunch
  • Entrance fee
12/27/2024 12/27/2024
Ushuaia

Ushuaia 12/28/2024

Check out of our hotel and begin exploring this amazing region. Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, clad in dense beech forest just as much of Antarctica was millions of years ago. Savor lunch on board a private catamaran as you cruise the Channel, keeping an eye out for plump South American sea lions and sleek seabirds like the imperial cormorant. By day’s end, you’ll be comfortably on board the ship and ready to sail off to the White Continent.

Optional Private Excursions

Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!

Ushuaia – Tierra del Fuego National Park and End of the World Train - Half Day
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit. 
Begin the tour by driving along National Route N3, crossing the valley of the Pipo River and the foothills of Mount Susana, to the train station located in the area where the inmates of the old prison collected firewood.
 
The little steam train will wind along the trail that the prison train used to follow over bridges, swampy areas, and green valleys, making a short stop at La Macarena waterfall. On completion of the train ride and already in the Tierra del Fuego National Park, drive through the most attractive landscapes of the park, such as Lake Roca and Bahía Lapataia (where the National Route N3, part of the Pan-American Highway ends).
 
In different locations take short walks to appreciate the different species of the native forest and the protected fauna in the southernmost National Park of Argentina.

After the tour you will be transferred back to the pier.

Tour highlights: 
  • Beagle Channel
  • Lapataia Bay
  • End of the World train
 
Inclusions
  • Transfers to/from the pier
  • English speaking guide
  • Private vehicle
 
Exclusions
  • Gratuities for guide and driver
  • Box-Lunch
  • Entrance fee
12/28/2024 12/28/2024
Tierra del Fuego

Tierra del Fuego 12/28/2024

Check out of our hotel and begin exploring this amazing region. Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, clad in dense beech forest just as much of Antarctica was millions of years ago. Savor lunch on board a private catamaran as you cruise the Channel, keeping an eye out for plump South American sea lions and sleek seabirds like the imperial cormorant. By day’s end, you’ll be comfortably on board the ship and ready to sail off to the White Continent.
12/28/2024 12/28/2024
Cruise Starts (Embarkation)

Cruise Starts (Embarkation) 12/28/2024

Following breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for our 2-hour direct flight to King George Island and the thrilling start to our Antarctic adventure. Home to a diverse assortment of wildlife—Weddell and elephant seals, Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins—King George Island also has a human presence. Researchers from a wide range of countries, including the US, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, call the various stations home. Our flight will land at the Chilean research station where the National Geographic Explorer will be waiting offshore. Board Zodiacs to embark the ship and set sail.
12/28/2024 12/28/2024
Drake Passage

Drake Passage 12/29/2024

At times ferocious, at others flat calm, this legendary 500-mile-wide strait divides South America from the Antarctic Peninsula. Feel the excitement build as we begin the crossing, often accompanied by seabirds like the wandering albatross and—if luck allows—a pod of killer whales or rare dolphins. Get to know the ship and prepare for the adventures ahead. Visit the Bridge (ideal for wildlife spotting), relax with a massage, attend a talk on the unique biology of penguins, or simply settle into a comfy chair in the observation lounge, looking out over the waves as you contemplate the history of this passage named for English privateer Francis Drake, but first discovered by Spanish navigator Francisco de Hoces.
12/29/2024 12/29/2024
Drake Passage

Drake Passage 12/30/2024

At times ferocious, at others flat calm, this legendary 500-mile-wide strait divides South America from the Antarctic Peninsula. Feel the excitement build as we begin the crossing, often accompanied by seabirds like the wandering albatross and—if luck allows—a pod of killer whales or rare dolphins. Get to know the ship and prepare for the adventures ahead. Visit the Bridge (ideal for wildlife spotting), relax with a massage, attend a talk on the unique biology of penguins, or simply settle into a comfy chair in the observation lounge, looking out over the waves as you contemplate the history of this passage named for English privateer Francis Drake, but first discovered by Spanish navigator Francisco de Hoces.
12/30/2024 12/30/2024
Antarctica

Antarctica 12/31/2024

With long hours of daylight at this time of year, we have ample opportunities to explore. Our schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected, whether we’re watching whales at play off the bow of our ship, hiking alongside penguin highways, or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise amid porpoising penguins. While wildlife is magnificent, ice defines the Antarctic. You’ll get to know ice up close and personal—from icebergs the size of islands, bergy bits and near-vertical glaciers, to the fragile, nearly invisible layers that have just begun to freeze. One day, we might set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level; embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags; or walk amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins. The next, we might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice. Everywhere we go in Antarctica we’re surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way, your expert expedition team will enrich every experience.
12/31/2024 12/31/2024
Antarctica

Antarctica 01/01/2025

With long hours of daylight at this time of year, we have ample opportunities to explore. Our schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected, whether we’re watching whales at play off the bow of our ship, hiking alongside penguin highways, or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise amid porpoising penguins. While wildlife is magnificent, ice defines the Antarctic. You’ll get to know ice up close and personal—from icebergs the size of islands, bergy bits and near-vertical glaciers, to the fragile, nearly invisible layers that have just begun to freeze. One day, we might set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level; embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags; or walk amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins. The next, we might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice. Everywhere we go in Antarctica we’re surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way, your expert expedition team will enrich every experience.
01/01/2025 01/01/2025
Antarctica

Antarctica 01/02/2025

With long hours of daylight at this time of year, we have ample opportunities to explore. Our schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected, whether we’re watching whales at play off the bow of our ship, hiking alongside penguin highways, or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise amid porpoising penguins. While wildlife is magnificent, ice defines the Antarctic. You’ll get to know ice up close and personal—from icebergs the size of islands, bergy bits and near-vertical glaciers, to the fragile, nearly invisible layers that have just begun to freeze. One day, we might set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level; embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags; or walk amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins. The next, we might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice. Everywhere we go in Antarctica we’re surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way, your expert expedition team will enrich every experience.
01/02/2025 01/02/2025
Antarctica

Antarctica 01/03/2025

With long hours of daylight at this time of year, we have ample opportunities to explore. Our schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected, whether we’re watching whales at play off the bow of our ship, hiking alongside penguin highways, or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise amid porpoising penguins. While wildlife is magnificent, ice defines the Antarctic. You’ll get to know ice up close and personal—from icebergs the size of islands, bergy bits and near-vertical glaciers, to the fragile, nearly invisible layers that have just begun to freeze. One day, we might set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level; embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags; or walk amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins. The next, we might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice. Everywhere we go in Antarctica we’re surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way, your expert expedition team will enrich every experience.
01/03/2025 01/03/2025
King George Island

King George Island 01/04/2025

This morning finds us off of King George Island. Home to a diverse assortment of wildlife—Weddell and elephant seals; Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins—this island also has a human presence. Researchers from a wide range of countries, including the US, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, call the various stations home. Disembark and Zodiac ashore to board our 2-hour flight back to Puerto Natales where we will overnight at Hotel Costaustralis or Remota Patagonia Lodge (or similar).
01/04/2025 01/04/2025
Cruise Ends (Debarkation)
01/04/2025 01/04/2025
Air Travel
01/04/2025 01/04/2025
Puerto Natales

Puerto Natales 01/04/2025

This morning finds us off of King George Island. Home to a diverse assortment of wildlife—Weddell and elephant seals; Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins—this island also has a human presence. Researchers from a wide range of countries, including the US, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, call the various stations home. Disembark and Zodiac ashore to board our 2-hour flight back to Puerto Natales where we will overnight at Hotel Costaustralis or Remota Patagonia Lodge (or similar).
01/04/2025 01/04/2025
Puerto Natales

Puerto Natales 01/05/2025

Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport to begin your journey homeward.
01/05/2025 01/05/2025
Lindblad Expeditions: National Geographic Explorer
National Geographic Explorer is the world’s ultimate expedition ship. Her design and equipment is the result of almost 200 years of collective expedition experience. Originally built for service along Norway’s coast as part of the famed Hurtigruten, or Coastal Express, her excellent maneuverability and just-right size made her a natural choice for addition to the fleet. Drawing on nearly 50 years of pioneering expedition history and expertise, the cruise completely redesigned and rebuilt her. Explorer is uniquely equipped with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment for polar expeditions; a roster of tools for exploration; and a well-appointed interior with vast expanses of glass for an unprecedented connection to the regions that explores. She provides a peerless expedition cruise trip.
Ship Highlights
  • All accommodations are outside, and most cabins feature oversized picture windows that connects with the passing views
  • While seating in a Lounge enjoy the good views and multiple plasma screens
  • The bistro bar is a perfect spot to have a cappuccino before or after activities
  • Public Spaces such as Fitness Center, Wellness Center, Mudroom etc
Ship Statistics
Maiden Voyage
2008
Registry
Norway
Passenger Capacity
148

Dining

Dining
Dining is an integral part of expedition experience, with influences and flavors that reflect the regions exploring, along with traditional fare. All food prepared aboard is sourced locally whenever possible from sustainable providers. All seafood served is sustainably caught or raised.

Bars & Lounges

Bars & Lounges
The lounge is the main social hub of the ship. Lounge seating is arranged to provide good views of the center podium and multiple plasma screens on the surrounding walls ensure optimal views of presentations, slideshows, and videos.

Onboard Activities

Bridge
Bridge another public space, as guests are encouraged to visit officers 24-hours a day. Guests usually first arrive for a morning coffee shortly after sunrise, and many spend every evening watching the sunset and taking in the hushed darkness of the bridge at night.
Sauna
There is a Swedish Sauna, perfect for quick warms ups after polar plunges or as a relaxing way to end the day.
Library
A session in the topside library with a good book, or with the book in your lap, eyes trained on the horizon.

Outdoor Activities

Outdoor Activities
From early morning yoga or stretching on deck or in the lounge to massages and face, handy or body treatments inspired by the location, wellness specialist will help you achieve a more relaxed and revitalized state of being.

Wellness

Sauna
There is a Swedish Sauna, perfect for quick warms ups after polar plunges or as a relaxing way to end the day.
Public Rooms
  • Library
  • Internet Café
  • Bar(s)/Lounge(s)
Stateroom Amenities
  • Television / Radio
  • In-Stateroom Movies
  • Hair Dryer
  • Bath Robes
  • Showers and/or Bath Tubs
Entertainment
  • Internet Access
  • Guest Lecturers
  • Classes and Workshops
Dining
  • Dining Style: Open Seating
Other Facilities
  • Infirmary / Medical Center
Sports, Health and Fitness
  • Sauna
  • Free Weights
  • Cardio Equipment
  • Spa

Oceanview

(01) $14,486
  • Category: 01
Outside Cabin (02) $16,152
Outside Cabin
  • Category: 02
Cat 2 with Window #317-320, 335-336 - Cabins feature two lower single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, reading lamps, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV showing the ship's position and programming.
Outside Cabin (03) $16,621
Outside Cabin
  • Category: 03
Cat 3 with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344, 346, 348, 350 - Cabins feature two lower single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), one large window, and two sitting chairs and a small table and ample storage. They have a writing desk, reading lamps, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV showing the ship's position and programming.
Outside Cabin (04) $17,796
Outside Cabin
  • Category: 04
Cat 4 with Window #201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 - Cabins feature two lower single beds and at least one large window. Cabin 217, 226 & 228 feature one queen-size bed. All cabins feature climate controls, a TV showing the ship's position and programing. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. The dining room is on this deck and accommodates all guests at once.
Solo Outside Cabin (SB) Call for pricing
Solo Outside Cabin
  • Category: SB
Cat Solo B with Window #203, 208 - These cabins feature one lower single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV showing the ship's position and programming. The dining room and ship's bow are easily accessible.
Solo Cabin (SA) Call for pricing
Solo Cabin
  • Category: SA
Cat Solo A with Window #309-312, 329-334 - These cabins feature one lower single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV showing the ship's position and programming.

Balcony

Balcony Cabin (05) $21,995
Balcony Cabin
  • Category: 05
Cat 5 with Balcony #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 - These cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, feature one queen-sized bed, a writing desk and chairs, climate controls, a TV showing the ship's position and programing. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. (Cabin 221 has two lower single beds that can convert to an Olympic-sized queen.)

Suite

Suite (06) $25,413
Suite
  • Category: 06
Cat 6 Suite with Balcony #213 - These spacious cabins have private balconies, two lower single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, chairs, and a TV. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
Suite (07) $27,972
Suite
  • Category: 07
Cat 7 Suite with Balcony #215, 219, 230 - These large cabins with private balconies have either two lower single beds that can convert to an Olympic-sized queen. They have seating areas and can be converted to triples. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.

Price is per person, double occupancy.

Costs Include: All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals , nonalcoholic beverages* aboard ship and meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of taxes and service charges, and services of our expedition staff.
*Alcoholic beverages except super-premium brands and crew tips now included on Explorer and Orion.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

Bridge Deck

Stateroom Key

  • Suite (06)
  • Suite (07)
  • Balcony Cabin (05)
  • (01)
  • Outside Cabin (02)
  • Outside Cabin (03)
  • Outside Cabin (04)
  • Solo Cabin (SA)
  • Solo Outside Cabin (SB)
Wellness Deck

Stateroom Key

  • Suite (06)
  • Suite (07)
  • Balcony Cabin (05)
  • (01)
  • Outside Cabin (02)
  • Outside Cabin (03)
  • Outside Cabin (04)
  • Solo Cabin (SA)
  • Solo Outside Cabin (SB)
Veranda Deck

Stateroom Key

  • Suite (06)
  • Suite (07)
  • Balcony Cabin (05)
  • (01)
  • Outside Cabin (02)
  • Outside Cabin (03)
  • Outside Cabin (04)
  • Solo Cabin (SA)
  • Solo Outside Cabin (SB)
Upper Deck

Stateroom Key

  • Suite (06)
  • Suite (07)
  • Balcony Cabin (05)
  • (01)
  • Outside Cabin (02)
  • Outside Cabin (03)
  • Outside Cabin (04)
  • Solo Cabin (SA)
  • Solo Outside Cabin (SB)
Main Deck

Stateroom Key

  • Suite (06)
  • Suite (07)
  • Balcony Cabin (05)
  • (01)
  • Outside Cabin (02)
  • Outside Cabin (03)
  • Outside Cabin (04)
  • Solo Cabin (SA)
  • Solo Outside Cabin (SB)
Deck B

Stateroom Key

  • Suite (06)
  • Suite (07)
  • Balcony Cabin (05)
  • (01)
  • Outside Cabin (02)
  • Outside Cabin (03)
  • Outside Cabin (04)
  • Solo Cabin (SA)
  • Solo Outside Cabin (SB)