Expanded Fly & Sail departures join Drake Express, classic Drake crossings and farther-reaching Antarctic expeditions for 2028/29

Atlas Ocean Voyages has unveiled its 2028/29 Antarctica season, offering travelers more ways to experience the White Continent through an expanded collection of 25 intimate, yacht-style expeditions sailing from October 2028 through March 2029.

The new season expands Atlas’ popular Drake Fly & Sail program from two departures in 2027/28 to four, while continuing to offer Drake Express expeditions that fly across the Drake Passage in both directions, classic Antarctic voyages that make the legendary crossing by sea, and extended journeys reaching the Antarctic Circle, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

“Antarctica has a remarkable ability to change the way you see the world,” said James A. Rodriguez, president and chief executive officer of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “Its vast landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and profound sense of remoteness inspire a perspective that stays with you long after the journey ends. Our 2028/29 season offers guests more ways to experience this transformative destination, while preserving what defines an Atlas Polar Expedition: intimate exploration, expert-led discovery and highly personalized service aboard our yachts.”

Three Ways to Experience the Drake
Atlas offers three distinct approaches to one of expedition travel’s most legendary passages:

• Drake Fly & Sail: Four nine-night expeditions combine a Drake Passage crossing by sea with a private charter flight over the other leg. Atlas doubles its Fly & Sail departures from two in 2027/28 to four in the new season.
• Drake Express: Two seven-night expeditions fly across the Drake Passage in both directions, giving guests six full days to explore the Antarctic Peninsula.
• Antarctic Discovery: Nine-night expeditions sail the Drake Passage roundtrip, preserving the classic maritime journey to and from the White Continent.

Beyond the Antarctic Peninsula
For travelers seeking a more extensive polar journey, the season also features expeditions venturing beyond the Antarctic Peninsula.

Two 12-night Crossing the Antarctic Circle expeditions travel south of 66°33′ South, with seven expedition days exploring Antarctica’s remote landscapes, wildlife and waterways.

The 18-night Grand Antarctica expedition, departing Jan. 7, 2029, combines three of the Southern Ocean’s most remarkable destinations: the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Guests can experience the dramatic landscapes and wildlife of Antarctica alongside South Georgia’s renowned king penguin colonies and the abundant birdlife and rugged scenery of the Falklands.

Select departures throughout the season also give guests the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s or Valentine’s Day surrounded by Antarctica’s extraordinary landscapes and wildlife.

A Century of Antarctic Aviation
The 2028/29 season also coincides with a milestone in Antarctic exploration. On Nov. 16, 1928, Sir Hubert Wilkins and Carl Ben Eielson departed from Deception Island on a pioneering powered flight over Antarctica, helping usher in a new era of exploration on the continent. Exactly 100 years later, Atlas’ Antarctic Discovery expedition departing Nov. 16, 2028, will commemorate that historic date, connecting a century of Antarctic exploration with the many ways travelers can experience the continent today.

A Season Shaped by Antarctica
Every Antarctic journey is different, with wildlife and landscapes evolving throughout the austral summer. Early-season voyages may coincide with penguin courtship and nesting, followed by chick season and increasing whale activity as the summer progresses.

Atlas expedition teams adapt each day’s exploration to weather, sea, ice and wildlife conditions, with opportunities for guided shore landings and Zodiac safaris throughout the voyage. Each Polar Expedition is led by a multidisciplinary expedition team of up to 17 experts, bringing insight into the region’s wildlife, geology, history and environment. Optional experiences including sea kayaking and Antarctic camping are available on select departures.

Atlas Polar Expeditions also include a pre-expedition hotel stay, charter air where applicable, destination briefings and enrichment programs, guided shore landings, Zodiac safaris, expedition gear, the Polar Plunge and Atlas Ocean Voyages’ signature yacht-style hospitality.

2028/29 Antarctica Launch Offer
To celebrate the launch of the 2028/29 Antarctica season, guests can receive up to 10% Bonus Savings plus complimentary Explorer’s Choice, allowing guests to select from benefits including up to $2,000 in air savings per suite, a one-night hotel package or enhanced unlimited Wi-Fi. Guests who book by Dec. 31, 2026, can also secure current published fares before new pricing takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Source: PR Newswire