Antarctica

Departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, you'll cross the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula aboard Quark Expeditions' 172-passenger mid-sized ship World Explorer, equipped with stabilisers and 24-hour medical support. If you set out from Hong Kong together with the DeWonder team, the recommended flights are as follows:

Outbound:

• AF185 Hong Kong HKG 2240 – Paris CDG 0550 (+1)
• AF412 Paris CDG 1030 – Buenos Aires EZE 2025
• AR1872 Buenos Aires AEP 0450 – Ushuaia USH 0830

Return:

• AR1885 Ushuaia USH 1420 – Buenos Aires EZE 1750
• AF411 Buenos Aires EZE 2245 – Paris CDG 1540 (+1)
• AF188 Paris CDG 2320 – Hong Kong HKG 1830 (+1)

The Antarctic travel season falls mainly during the Southern Hemisphere summer, from November to February. November in particular has the following features:

• More comfortable temperatures, roughly between -5 and 5 degrees
• It's the penguin mating and nesting season
• Fewer visitors, giving you more time to admire the glaciers and various wildlife

To cope with changing weather, we provide:

• Polar jackets
• 24-hour medical support on board
• Ships equipped with stabilisers to reduce the impact of wind and waves

The Drake Passage is indeed one of the roughest seas in the world, because it lies where the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern Oceans meet. However, the Quark expedition fleet we use has the following measures to reduce the chance of seasickness:

• They have safely crossed the Drake Passage over 300 times and are highly experienced
• The ships are fitted with stabilisers to reduce rocking
• A 24-hour medical team is on board, ready to provide immediate help to ease discomfort if you feel seasick

We recommend consulting your doctor before departure and preparing anti-seasickness medication. Note, however, that not every crossing of the Drake Passage is rough — sometimes it can be very calm.

There are comprehensive medical support arrangements on board:

• A medical team is on duty 24 hours a day and can provide immediate help to ease seasickness discomfort
• We recommend that before departure you:
  • Consult your personal doctor
  • Prepare anti-seasickness medication

Penguins are seen on almost every trip, so there's no need to worry, though of course there are seasonal factors. Please note, however, that since this is wildlife observation, while we do our best to arrange the optimal viewing opportunities, we cannot fully guarantee that you will see a specific penguin species.

During the Antarctic summer (the travel season), temperatures range from about -2°C to 8°C. The World Explorer cruise ship is heated and the interior is warm, so travellers can wear comfortable casual attire such as light shirts, trousers or jeans. In addition, for safety reasons, closed-toe shoes with good grip and coverage must be worn on board (no slippers, sandals or loose-fitting footwear) to ensure safe walking.

No visa is required for Antarctica, but the journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Travellers holding an HKSAR passport can enter Argentina visa-free, with no additional visa required. Travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least 6 months and have a return flight ticket ready for immigration inspection.

Antarctica has no official currency. Transactions on the World Explorer cruise are generally conducted in US dollars (USD), and the ship also accepts credit cards, but we recommend bringing an appropriate amount of cash for unexpected needs.

Yes. Both the World Voyager and Ultramarine provide 5 GB of free data; usage beyond 5 GB requires an additional purchase (USD 30-40 per GB). Please note, however, that we sail to one of the most remote regions in the world, so internet connectivity relies on satellite equipment and the signal may weaken or experience brief interruptions.

Information on the types of power sockets and voltage specifications available on board will be provided at the pre-departure briefing session; please refer to it at that time.

The Antarctic journey has no fixed itinerary, because each day's programme is adjusted according to weather conditions and wildlife activity. The captain and expedition team flexibly plan the day's activities to ensure travellers enjoy the best possible polar experience.

Travellers can take part in a wide variety of enriching activities, including:

• Daily themed lectures: Experts from different fields deliver fascinating talks, exploring in depth the history, geography, ecology and wildlife of Antarctica.
• Polar Plunge: Each traveller has one chance to take on the icy Antarctic waters and experience an unprecedented, exhilarating thrill.
• Hiking on Land: Set foot on the Antarctic continent and explore its magnificent glaciers and polar landscapes.
• Zodiac Adventure: Ride inflatable boats weaving among icebergs and glaciers to observe wildlife up close.
• Onboard relaxation: The cruise features a spa and sauna, where travellers can enjoy warm, comfortable rest after a day of adventure.

Every day is a brand-new Antarctic adventure. Travellers can adjust their schedule at any time and choose the activities they love most, fully immersing themselves in the unique charm of Antarctica!