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  We’re off to Antarctica on a polar gay cruise. Because this was the place that inspired the company, it’s a sentimental journey for us. We begin in bustling Buenos Aires then take a charter flight to Ushuaia where we board the Ultramarine. We’ll cross the notorious Drake Passage and make our way to the South Shetland Islands and the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. This once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica expedition will have you enjoying sub-zero safaris, otherworldly hikes, whale watching, and—if you’re brave enough—a Polar Plunge. Though we join a larger expedition aboard the Ultramarine, we’ve arranged exclusive excursions and events for you. Warm up to our signature Antarctica cruise!
The Antarctic Peninsula is an 800-mile (1,300 km) stretch of land and ice extending northward from the Antarctic continent towards South America. First-time visitors are typically overwhelmed by the staggering beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula: glaciers, snow-covered mountain tops, deep blue waters and icebergs of every conceivable shape and size.
If this is your first visit, our classic Antarctic Explorer voyage gives you the best of the stunning Antarctic Peninsula in 11 days. Conquer the famed Drake Passage in your choice of four stabilized, polar-class vessels; explore majestic natural environments by zodiac and on foot; get up close and personal with penguins, whales and other wildlife; and enjoy talks on history, biology and glaciology by onboard polar experts. You can personalize your adventure with options that suit your interests, and cross the 7th Continent off the list—your way.
• Photograph the abundant penguins, seals, whales and other wildlife
• Learn about the environment and local wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
• Enjoy treks through the snowy landscapes
• Take part in optional add-on activities such as Sea Kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Board and Helicopter Tours (limited availability, weather permitting)
• Test your limits with a Polar Plunge in the sub-zero waters
• Spend one night in Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Travel safely and comfortably aboard the ice-strengthened Ultramarine
• Enjoy all the luxuries on board our phenomenal vessel
• Explore famous highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula
Day 1
Hola! Welcome to beautiful Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires is a massive, vibrant city with a turbulent past. Feel free to explore a little on your own before our 6 PM welcome meeting. After everyone has gotten acquainted, we’ll stroll over to one of the romantic city’s best local haunts for our official Welcome Dinner.
PLEASE NOTE: For those looking to properly explore this vibrant capital city, we will be offering a pre-cruise extension. More details will be available later.
Accommodation: Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta Hotel, Buenos Aires
Day 2
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we’ll transfer to the airport and board a charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival we’ll have some free time to explore this quaint port town before making our way to the pier.
Late this afternoon we’ll board the Ultramarine and officially begin our Antarctica Expedition. After we pass through the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, we’ll bid farewell to land for a couple of days.
PLEASE NOTE: Unlike our typical offerings, an expedition cruise is not only more exciting, but also less predictable. We must factor in ever-changing sea, ice, wildlife and weather conditions in a remote part of the world. Therefore, the itinerary is less specific than usual. Still, the days will be full of adventure.
Accommodation: Quark Expeditions Ultramarine
Days 3 - 4
Prepare for rough water, but hope for smooth sailing: the notorious Drake Passage is unpredictable, but you’re in good hands with our professional expedition team. Spend this time getting to know fellow shipmates, attending wildlife and nature briefings, and find out what lies ahead.
Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.
Accommodation: Quark Expeditions Ultramarine
Days 5 - 9
The excitement begins once we cross through the Antarctic Convergence, and the southernmost continent is upon us. From here we’ll enjoy zodiac excursions to local bays, channels and landing sites. We’ll visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for southern seal species. We’ll scramble up snowy pathways to admire serene views.
For the more adventurous amongst us, ask about some of the optional adventure add-ons such as kayaking, paddling, and heli landings (weather permitting and limited availability). You can even sit on a pebbled beach admiring penguins, or partake in the invigorating Polar Plunge. Without a doubt, your five days on the Antarctic Peninsula will be some of the most memorable of your life. Take advantage of as many outings and expeditions as you can!
Accommodation: Quark Expeditions Ultramarine
Days 10 - 11
Our return trip through the Drake Passage is another chance to birdwatch, scout whales from the deck, and enjoy presentations. Spend time with your fellow passengers or simply chill out and breathe in the fresh polar air one last time.
Another area we will consider for this itinerary is the wild beauty of Equip Sermia or Torsukatak Fjords, located in the northeast corner of Disko Bay. Both of these remote areas offer fantastic vistas of large active glacial faces and provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, paddling, and Zodiac cruising. This is also an area where, if conditions allow, we will consider utilizing our twin- engine helicopters to get you in the air to appreciate the immensity of this region.
Accommodation: Quark Expeditions Ultramarine
Day 12
Sadly, this morning we disembark however before leaving Ushuaia we’ll have a short bus tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park with some quick photo stops. We’ll then transfer to the airport for our charter flight to Buenos Aires, landing at Ministro Pistarini International Airport (also known as Ezeiza International Airport, EZE) at 5PM.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are flying home today, do not book your international departure any earlier than 9 PM.
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• Breakfast daily, 9 lunches, 11 dinners
• All onboard meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices
• Onboard beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
• Return charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
• Credit of $300 USD for additional drinks and on-board purchases
• Out Adventures dry bag
• Quark Expeditions parka
• A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
• Shore landings per the Antarctica Gay Expedition program
• Flightseeing: one 10-15 minute helicopter supported activity thanks to two helidecks along with two twin-engine helicopters on the Ultramarine (weather permitting)
• An Out Adventures Host from beginning to end of tour and experienced expedition leaders throughout the voyage
• Photographic journal of the expedition
• Onboard emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US $500,000 per person. This does NOT include any other form of travel insurance including basic medical coverage, which is required for all our travellers.
• Arrival & departure transfers to/from joining/finishing point hotel as well as hotel/ship transfers.
• International airfare
• Passport and visa expenses
• Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
• Mandatory waterproof pants for zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
• Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified
• Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
• Adventure Options and any other optional activities, meals, and drinks not outlined in itinerary
• Gratuities for the ship and expedition crew (we recommend $200 per passenger)
• Travel insurance (medical & repatriation coverage is mandatory for all travellers. Emergency evacuation coverage is provided by the Ultramarine ship, with limitations
Antarctica offers gay travellers the chance to experience a unique sub-zero safari.
The world’s southernmost continent is also the coldest, driest and windiest. Its population is made up entirely of manned research stations from multiple governments, and varies between 1000 residents in winter and 5000 in summer. If you’re looking to check every continent off your list, it doesn’t get any more brazen than this.
Culture Shock
Argentina is a well-developed nation with many of the luxuries of home. While many Portenos (residents of Buenos Aires) speak English, the vast majority of Argentines in the rural regions we visit only speak Spanish. Pickpockets in Buenos Aires are prevalent so we recommend leaving jewellery and valuables in your hotel room or at home. Ushuaia is a well-developed tourist hub, offering familiar western comforts. The ship is also well-appointed with amenities including a gym, spa and sauna. As for Antarctica, with no permanent residents, there really is no culture to speak of.
Visas
Americans, Australians, Canadians and EU citizens do not need a visa for Argentina. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller. As no country owns Antarctica, no visa is required.
Local LGBT Scene
Argentina is, by most accounts, a very LGBTQ-welcoming destination with an extremely lively gay scene in Buenos Aires. While a small minority of Argentines hold onto socially conservative views, homophobia is on the decline. You will feel right at home in this diverse country. Once aboard the ship, we will be a small group in a mixed/non-LGBTQ crowd, with up to 199 passengers in total aboard. There is definitely no gay scene in Antarctica, but we’ll make up our own while there!
Weather
Ushuaia’s average temperature in December is 9.6 °C/49.3 °F. Once at the Antarctic Peninsula, the average temperature will be barely above freezing. As the continent’s northernmost point the Peninsula has the most moderate climate and increased precipitation, but also the fiercest winds, with gusts up to 200 mph. While in Buenos Aires you’ll receive a warm break from the cold, with highs around 28 °C/82 °F.
Connectivity:
Our hotel offers Wi-Fi. During the cruise basic Wi-Fi is included, suitable only for email or texting apps. You can purchase ship-to-shore satellite communications Wi-fi access for approximately $49 USD per day (pricing subject to change). Connectivity while on the ship can be very sporadic.
The newest ship in our fleet, Ultramarine, is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer.
Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards.
With all this and more, Ultramarine is set to deliver the ultimate polar expedition experience.
Ultramarine, the newest, ice-strengthened polar tour ship designed specifically for navigating the Arctic and Antarctic, with a priority on maximising guest experience in this part of the world.
The MV Ultramarine can hold a maximum of 199 passengers (200 people is the maximum number that can leave any ship at the same time in the Antarctic according to IAATO regulations) and 140 crew, so not only does it pass this important passenger limit rule, there’s substantial staff available to cover all needs and requirements for high-end cruise executions.
With a focus on environmentally responsible tourism, Quark ensured that the Ultramarine also utilises the most sustainable tech available to operate, including special systems to convert waste to energy, minimise fuel consumption and navigate narrow passages without impacting the land or seabed.
Luxury is paramount onboard, and every corner blends spacious functionality with high-end amenities and tasteful decorations.
There are 8 decks with different style cabins, lounge, two bars, two restaurants, presentation room, gym, spa, reception, ready room and a fully-stocked store.
The newest addition and arguable highlight is the two twin engine helicopters that allow for off ship experiences such as scenic flights and landings in places few people have ever seen.
Located at the bow on Deck 7 is the Panorama Lounge, the ultimate social hub on the Ultramarine. It’s perfect place for guests to relax and unwind at the end if a big day’s exploration or to chill in the morning with a cup of coffee while watching the landscapes pass by.
The main restaurant on the ship is the Balena Restaurant located on Deck 5, there’s two sections to the Balena Restaurant – the front section which is more like a lounge and the bright, back section which has more of a diner feel.
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Antarctica Expedition Gay Adventure Cruise 2024 Prices
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Ultra Suite |
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Located on Deck 6, with approximately 446 sq. ft. (41.4 m2) of indoor living space and a 46.3 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests who want it all. A large, luxurious suite featuring a private bedroom, full bathroom, powder room, and two separate living spaces. This suite is perfect for couples who want all the comforts of home onboard the ship. Features: one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room. |
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Owner's Suite |
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Located on Deck 6, with approximately 446 sq. ft. (41.4 m2) of indoor living space and a 46.3 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests who want it all. A large, luxurious suite featuring a private bedroom, full bathroom, powder room, and two separate living spaces. This suite is perfect for couples who want all the comforts of home onboard the ship. Features: one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room. |
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Penthouse Suite |
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The only suite category to be located on Deck 7, with approximately 369 sq. ft. (34.3 m2) of indoor living space, and a 67 sq. ft. (6.2 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting to wake up to unobstructed polar views from the warmth and comfort of their bed onboard the ship. These suites offer the best of everything—views, spacious interiors, full bathrooms and generous balcony sizes—as well as easy access to the wellness centre. Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors. |
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Deluxe Balcony Suite |
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Located on Decks 4 and 6, with approximately 299 sq. ft. (27.8 m2) of indoor living space, and a 70 sq. ft. (6.5 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting a larger living space, full bathroom, and a substantial balcony. Deluxe Balcony Suites are the first suite type to offer additional privacy in the bathroom with an enclosed toilet, a full bath and shower to make it easier for guests to get ready together in the morning. Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors. |
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Balcony Suite |
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Located on Decks 4 and 6, with approximately 226 sq. ft. (21 m2) of indoor living space, and a 52 sq. ft. (4.8 m2) balcony, this entry-level balcony suite is one of the largest available on a ship of this class. This suite is perfect for guests who are looking for both indoor and outdoor living spaces. There are four connecting suites in this category, making this an excellent option for families or groups wanting to stay connected to each other during their expedition. Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors. |
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Explorer Suite |
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Located on Deck 3, and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 m2). These suites are perfect for people traveling together or solo guests looking to share with like-minded individuals. This suite maximizes interior living space while still offering guests the opportunity to stay connected to the outdoors. Our entry-level twin suites are the largest available on a ship of this class.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors. |
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Single Supplement:
Explorer Suite: $8,330 per person
Balcony Suite: $9,280 per person
25% Deposit required at time of booking. Balance due 130 days prior to trip.
Special Airfares |
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