Atlas Ocean Voyages Expands Fly-Cruise Antarctica Sailings for 2027-28
Six new departures give travelers more ways to maximize time on the White Continent while minimizing Drake Passage crossings.
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Atlas Ocean Voyages is expanding one of its fastest-growing Antarctica products for the 2027-28 season, adding six new Fly the Drake departures that allow travelers to spend more time exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and less time crossing the often-rough Drake Passage.
The expanded program comes in response to strong demand for fly-cruise itineraries, which combine private charter flights with small-ship expedition cruising. Four departures will operate as the seven-night Drake Express Expedition, in which guests fly between Punta Arenas, Chile, and King George Island before boarding the ship for a round-trip voyage to Antarctica. Two additional departures will follow the Drake Fly & Sail format, allowing guests to experience the Drake Passage by sea before flying back to Chile at the end of the expedition.
“When most people think about Antarctica, they envision penguins, whales, glaciers, and the thrill of stepping foot on the White Continent,” said James A. Rodriguez, president and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “The Drake Passage is a rite of passage for many travelers. However, for those with more limited vacation time, our Fly the Drake expeditions provide the luxury of maximizing your experience, allowing you to reach your Antarctic adventure faster while still enjoying the comfort of our purpose-built yachts.”
Flying between Punta Arenas and King George Island takes approximately two hours, compared with the traditional two-day Drake Passage crossing in each direction. Every itinerary includes private charter flights, hotel stays in Punta Arenas before and after the voyage, and six full days exploring Antarctica through Zodiac excursions, guided landings, and educational programming led by Atlas’ 17-member expedition team, which includes polar experts, marine biologists, historians, and photographers.
The itineraries are timed to showcase different seasonal highlights. November and December departures focus on pristine snow-covered landscapes, penguin courtship and nesting, and elephant seals coming ashore, while February sailings offer opportunities to see penguin chicks, seal pups, and peak whale activity, including humpback, minke, and orca sightings. Guests can also book optional kayaking excursions or overnight camping on the continent, while every voyage includes the line’s complimentary Polar Plunge.
The expansion also gives advisors more inventory to sell during one of expedition cruising’s most sought-after seasons. Atlas says limited space remains on two Drake Express departures in December 2026, but the new 2027-28 schedule offers the widest selection yet for travelers planning well in advance. Sailings take place aboard the line’s Polar Category C Ice Class expedition yachts, each carrying fewer than 200 guests and offering an all-inclusive experience with premium beverages, gratuities, room service, and pre- and post-cruise accommodations.
