Atlas Ocean Voyages has opened its 2028–29 Antarctica season with 25 expeditions and more options for crossing the Drake Passage. Sailing from October 2028 to March 2029, the programme ranges from seven-night fly-cruise trips to an 18-night journey combining Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
The biggest change is an increase in Drake Fly & Sail departures, from two in the preceding season to four. For travellers weighing time at sea against time exploring ashore, the choice of crossing is a useful starting point before comparing suites or departure dates.
Three Ways to Cross the Drake Passage
The line’s season programme offers three approaches. Four nine-night Fly & Sail expeditions combine a sea crossing in one direction with a charter flight in the other. Two seven-night Drake Express expeditions fly both ways, while nine-night Antarctic Discovery itineraries make the return crossing by sea.
The distinction changes the character of the trip. A round-trip sailing makes the ocean passage part of the expedition; flying both ways avoids those sea crossings. The mixed option suits travellers who want to experience the Drake once while taking a different route for the other leg.
Flights bring their own planning considerations. Atlas’s travel terms warn that Antarctic flying depends on weather and set out a contingency policy for interrupted fly-cruise programmes. Review it before booking tightly timed onward arrangements.
Longer Voyages Reach South Georgia and the Circle
Beyond the peninsula, two 12-night expeditions aim to cross the Antarctic Circle and include seven expedition days in Antarctica. The 18-night Grand Antarctica departure on January 7, 2029, adds South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, broadening the wildlife and landscapes within one journey.
Atlas’s announcement also highlights a November 16, 2028, Antarctic Discovery departure marking a century since Hubert Wilkins and Carl Ben Eielson’s pioneering powered flight over Antarctica. Other sailings span Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and Valentine’s Day.
What the Expedition Experience Includes
The programme includes guided landings, Zodiac outings, expedition gear and expert-led briefings, with charter air and hotel arrangements according to the itinerary. Expedition teams can include up to 17 specialists, while kayaking and Antarctic camping are optional activities on selected departures. Daily plans remain dependent on weather, ice and sea conditions. Our look at HX’s electric expedition boats explores another development in how operators take guests ashore.
The practical details deserve attention alongside the destination list. Atlas’s passenger guide sets a minimum age of eight for polar expeditions. For charter flights between Punta Arenas and King George Island, it lists one checked bag up to 42lb and one carry-on up to 11lb. Check the rules again for the flight and departure you select before packing.
For families or friends travelling together, confirm the suite arrangement early. Atlas says connecting suites are unavailable, although adjacent accommodation can be requested. That is a more useful detail for some groups than the headline number of nights.
Compare the Full Package Before Committing
The launch promotion advertises up to 10% additional savings and a choice of one benefit, including air savings of up to $2,000 per suite, a one-night hotel package or enhanced Wi-Fi. Atlas says bookings made by December 31, 2026, can secure current published fares before new pricing begins on January 1, 2027. Eligibility and availability apply.
Compare the total cost with your preferred crossing method, included flights and hotel nights, then ask about optional activities. A shorter itinerary with more flying and a longer ocean journey are different purchases, even when both are marketed as an Antarctica expedition.
The best fit will depend on whether your priority is the classic passage, a concentrated peninsula visit or a longer journey into the Southern Ocean. Start with that choice, then leave enough flexibility around the expedition for a destination where conditions help determine each day.
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