Atlas Offers More Ways to Avoid the Drake Passage for Antarctica Cruises

We cruised on World Navigator during our most recent trip to Antarctica with Atlas Ocean Voyages. (Photo by John Roberts)

Atlas Ocean Voyages is expanding its “Fly the Drake Expeditions,” giving travelers more opportunities to experience Antarctica while spending less time crossing the dreaded Drake Passage.

This way, you can ease your mind and have more time in the waters around Antarctica. Responding to strong demand, the luxury expedition cruise line is expanding its 2027-28 Antarctica season with six departures across two expedition styles designed to maximize time ashore and on the water in the Antarctic Peninsula. 

The Drake Express Expedition features a seven-night roundtrip voyage from King George Island with private charter flights between Punta Arenas, Chile, and Antarctica.

Many travelers want to experience the mighty force of the Drake Passage. 

For example, I’ve taken two traditional Antarctica cruises with Atlas Ocean Voyages and enjoyed the crossings, which were calm about half the time.

But plenty would love to give that a hard pass because of the fear of crippling seasickness that can ruin your trip for several days at a time. These new voyages allow cruisers to bypass the traditional two-day Drake Passage crossing in both directions.

Pick from Four Different Drake Express Trips in 2027-28

November 28, 2027; December 5, 2027; February 12, 2028; February 19, 2028

The Drake Fly & Sail Expedition offers travelers the opportunity to experience the legendary Drake Passage by sea one way before returning by private charter flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas—combining the classic Antarctic voyage with the convenience of flying home.

Drake Fly & Sail 2027-28 Trips

November 19, 2027; February 3, 2028

Every itinerary includes private charter flights, one-night hotel accommodations in Punta Arenas before and after the expedition, and six full days exploring Antarctica through Zodiac safaris, guided landings, and daily activities led by Atlas Ocean Voyages' 17-member expedition team.

"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, offering an unforgettable journey between two worlds. 

“However, for those with more limited vacation time, our Fly the Drake expeditions provide the luxury of maximizing your experience with options like our Drake Express or Drake Fly and Sail, allowing you to reach your Antarctic adventure faster while still enjoying the comfort of our purpose-built yachts and traveling with a small community of curious, like-minded explorers."

Flying between Punta Arenas and King George Island takes approximately two hours, compared with the traditional two-day Drake Passage crossing each way.

Departures throughout the season offer distinct wildlife experiences. November and December voyages feature pristine snow-covered landscapes, dramatic ice formations, penguin courtship and nesting colonies, and elephant seals arriving on shore. February expeditions showcase active penguin chicks, playful seal pups, and exceptional whale sightings as humpback, minke and orca whales feed in Antarctic waters.

Each expedition is led by experienced and passionate expedition guides, including polar experts, naturalists, marine biologists, historians, photographers and kayak guides, providing expert insight through lectures, Zodiac excursions and shore landings. Travelers also may reserve optional Antarctic kayaking or the rare opportunity to camp overnight on the Antarctic continent, while every voyage includes the chance to take a Polar Plunge.

Before embarking, you have a chance to tour Punta Arenas, featuring an evening of Patagonian cuisine, regional wines, Chilean folklore and history at Magellan's Strait Park and historic Fort Bulnes.

Cruisers sail aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Polar Category C Ice Class expedition yachts, accommodating fewer than 200 people. Spacious suites, inviting social spaces, globally inspired cuisine with daily changing menus and extensive plant-based selections, premium beverages, 24-hour room service, gratuities and enriching onboard programming are all included through the brand's “Always Included” experience.

Note: Limited space remains aboard select December 2026 Drake Express departures: December 7, 2026 and December 14, 2026

More to Read and Watch

The Trip to Antarctica with My Brother that Almost Ended as Soon as It Started