Antarctica is a place where the journey matters as much as the destination. Some travelers want to sail the Drake Passage and watch the landscape change as they approach the White Continent. Others would rather fly across it and spend more of their holiday exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. Some dream of venturing farther south, while others hope to combine Antarctica with South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
Atlas Ocean Voyages has previewed 25 new luxury expeditions for its 2028–2029 Antarctica season, with bookings scheduled to open October 7, 2026. The collection offers several ways to experience the region, from seven-night fly-in voyages to a longer expedition linking three remarkable destinations.
If you are considering an Antarctica journey for yourself or a group, Deluxe Cruises can help you compare the options and prepare for the opening of bookings.
Choose How You Cross the Drake
The Drake Passage is an important decision in planning an Antarctica expedition. Atlas’s new season offers options for travelers who want to sail it, fly over it, or experience it in both ways.
Fly the Drake includes four expeditions that pair a one-way flight over the passage with a sailing in the other direction. This format lets you experience the sea crossing while using a flight for the opposite leg. It may appeal if you want the traditional approach to Antarctica as part of your story, but prefer not to sail the Drake twice.
Drake Express takes a different approach. Two announced seven-night expeditions fly over the Drake in both directions, with the aim of maximizing time for exploration around the Antarctic Peninsula. These shorter journeys may suit travelers with limited time who still want an expedition centered on Antarctica.
Flights and sea crossings depend on operational conditions. Before you book, we can help you review the precise itinerary, flight arrangements, contingency plans, and inclusions for the departure you choose.
Venture Farther South to the Antarctic Circle
For travelers whose dream is to reach farther into the Antarctic region, Atlas highlights 12-night Antarctic Circle Crossing expeditions. The announcement describes these journeys as featuring seven expedition days in Antarctica.
The appeal lies in having more time to explore. Extra days can create opportunities to appreciate changing scenery and conditions rather than treating the Peninsula as a single highlight. An Antarctic Circle itinerary also offers a clear goal for travelers who have already visited the region or who want a more ambitious first expedition.
The actual route, landings, and activities will always be shaped by weather, ice, and the expedition team’s decisions. Ask Deluxe Cruises to review the published schedule and explain how flexible expedition days work before you choose a sailing.
Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands
Atlas’s 18-night Grand Antarctica expedition brings Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands into one journey. It is the option to consider if you want a wider South Atlantic expedition and can devote more time to the trip.
Each destination contributes something distinct. Antarctica offers immense ice landscapes and the experience of exploring the White Continent. South Georgia is renowned for its wildlife and dramatic setting. The Falkland Islands add another landscape and maritime history to the voyage. Together, they make this a broader journey than an itinerary focused solely on the Peninsula.
A longer expedition also calls for careful travel planning. We can help you compare the route, the number of days allocated to each region, suite choices, and the arrangements before and after your voyage.
Celebrate a Holiday at the End of the World
The season includes voyages timed around Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day. A holiday expedition offers a very different way to mark an occasion: instead of returning to a familiar setting, you can share the day amid Antarctic scenery.
If you are planning a celebration with family or friends, identify your preferred holiday and travel dates early. The right voyage will depend on the exact departure schedule, available suites, and whether everyone in your party wants the same itinerary style. Deluxe Cruises can help coordinate those questions as bookings open.
What Is Included, and What Should You Confirm?
The preview says Atlas Antarctica expeditions include private charter jet service, Zodiac safaris, shore landings, and an Atlas expedition parka, among other features. The precise flight route and arrangements should be checked for each itinerary, especially when comparing sail-across, one-way flight, and fly-both-ways options.
Zodiac outings and shore landings are central to the expedition experience, but they remain subject to conditions. No specific wildlife sighting or landing can be guaranteed. We can help you review the current inclusions and any optional experiences before you commit.
The announcement also mentions up to 10% bonus savings and a choice of a complimentary amenity, such as air credit savings of up to $2,000 per suite, a one-night pre-expedition hotel or land package, or enhanced unlimited Wi-Fi. These offers require confirmation: eligibility, eligible voyages, booking dates, amenity choices, and whether benefits can be combined may vary. A personalized quote will show what applies to your selected expedition.
Planning an Antarctica Group?
The preview encourages travel advisors to start arranging groups before bookings open on October 7. Early planning gives a group time to agree on the itinerary style, preferred departure, suite needs, and travel arrangements before requesting space.
For a group, the biggest question may be which Antarctica experience everyone wants to share. A seven-night Drake Express voyage and an 18-night Grand Antarctica expedition serve very different travel calendars and interests. We can help narrow the choices and request the applicable group details rather than assume the advertised amenities or savings apply to every reservation.
Plan Your 2028–2029 Expedition with Deluxe Cruises
Whether you want to fly the Drake, sail it, cross the Antarctic Circle, or visit South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, the new season gives you a choice in how to explore. Start with the experience you most want, then consider your available time and preferred departure dates.
Explore Atlas Ocean Voyages with Deluxe Cruises, request a quote, or email info@deluxecruises.com. Tell us which Antarctica expedition interests you, and we’ll help you review the itinerary and booking options as they become available.
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