Atlas Ocean Voyages is expanding its ‘Fly the Drake’ options for its 2027/28 Antarctica season, offering more opportunities to experience the world’s last great wilderness while spending less time crossing the Drake Passage. Responding to strong demand, the luxury expedition cruise line will offer six departures in 2027/28 across two different ‘Bypass the Drake’ itineraries designed to maximise time in Antarctica.
The new fly/cruise options for bypassing the Drake are available through the exclusive representative for Atlas Ocean Voyages in Australia, Cruise Traveller, which is offering a US$2000 per couple flight credit to help with flights to South America and back – for bookings made before September 30, 2026.
“When most people think about Antarctica, they envision penguins, whales, glaciers, and the thrill of stepping foot on the White Continent,” said James Rodriguez, President and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages.
“The Drake Passage is a rite of passage for many travellers, offering an unforgettable journey between two worlds. However, for those with more limited time, our ‘Fly the Drake’ expeditions provide the luxury of maximising 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 travelling with a small community of curious, like-minded explorers. It’s an ideal choice for anyone eager to embrace the wonders of Antarctica without sacrificing the essence of the expedition.”
In 2027/28, Atlas Ocean Voyages will offer:
The Drake Express Expedition – four departure dates between November, 2027, and February, 2028, with each package featuring return charter flights from Chile to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, just 120km from the Antarctic continent, and a seven-night round-trip voyage from King George Island to Antarctica itself, bypassing the traditional two-day Drake Passage crossing in both directions.
The Drake Fly & Sail Expedition – two departures in November, 2027, and February 2028 – offering travellers the opportunity to experience the legendary Drake Passage by sea one way to Antarctica before returning by private charter flight from King George Island to Chile – combining the classic Antarctic voyage with the convenience of flying home.
Flying between Chile and King George Island takes just two hours, compared with the traditional two-day sea crossing of Drake Passage each way. Each expedition is led by Atlas Ocean Voyages’ experienced 17-member Expedition Team of polar experts, naturalists, marine biologists, historians, photographers and kayak guides, providing expert insight through lectures, Zodiac excursions and shore landings. Every voyage includes the complimentary opportunity for adventurous guests to take the famous ‘polar plunge’ into the icy waters for a thrill never to be forgotten.
In Australia, Cruise Traveller Managing Director, Joe O’Sullivan, said: “Atlas Ocean Voyages is a perfect fit for Australians who value effortless elegance, an abundance of space, elevated cuisine, efficient service, affordability, and a focus on authentic, low-impact discovery in remote and pristine places around the world like Antarctica.”
New Cruise Traveller package to Bypass the Drake in 2027/28
As part of the expanded ways to bypass the Drake with Atlas in 2027/28, Cruise Traveller is offering an 11-night ‘Drake Fly & Sail Expedition package beginning on November 18, 2027, that includes one night in Buenos Aires, a one-way charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, a day trip into Tierra del Fuego National Park, a nine-night expedition cruise from Ushuaia to Antarctica aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages’ intimate, 198-guest yacht, World Navigator, a one-way charter flight after the cruise from King George Island to Punta Arenas in Chile, flying over the Drake Passage, and a one night stay in Punta Arenas to end the exciting holiday.
Including onboard beverages, gratuities and Zodiac and land excursions, the 11-night fly/cruise package in November, 2027, is available from US$17,999 per person, twin-share, in a Veranda Suite with private balcony. A flight credit of US2000 per couple – to go towards flights from Australia to South America and home again – is available for bookings made with Cruise Traveller by September 30, 2026.
To book, click www.cruisetraveller.com.au/
