Our moderate trips require an average level of fitness. Itineraries may include walks or short hikes of up to two to three hours with little elevation gain, sustained walking at higher altitudes, and/or other similar level physical activities. Many activities are optional.
How We Rate Our Trips
Easy: Our easy tours generally require fairly little exertion. Each day will involve walking, sightseeing and general travel-related activities such as getting in/out of vans, planes, boats, and zodiacs.
Moderate: Our moderate trips require an average level of fitness. Itineraries may include walks or short hikes of up to two to three hours with little elevation gain, sustained walking at higher altitudes, and/or other similar level physical activities. Many activities are optional.
Difficult: Our difficult trips may involve hiking over uneven terrain, with some hikes including significant elevation gain or loss and at higher elevations (up to 12,000 ft). Itineraries may include three to six hour hikes and other activities such as horseback riding, mountain bicycling, rafting and kayaking, which require no previous experience. On many trips, passengers may elect to skip a day's activity, depending on logistics.
Most Difficult: Our most difficult expeditions are for the adventurer who is in good physical condition. Itineraries may involve multi-day hiking and trekking excursions over steep, rugged terrain and/or where altitude may exceed 14,000 feet. Many trips include camping in remote areas and/or high altitude sites in varying temperature and weather conditions. Trips may also involve many days of demanding Class IV-V rapids, longer sea kayaking trips, horseback riding, and/or mountain bicycling. Training for the physical demands of these tours is highly encouraged.
The 413 feet / 126 meter, ice-strengthened MV World Explorer was built in 2019 in Portugal, and carries 172 travelers (140 for fly/cruise itineraries). She is described as distinct and comfortable, refined and roomy, with deluxe all-suite/all balcony accommodations. She is registered in Portugal, has two state-of-the-art Rolls Royce 9,000 kw hybrid diesel/electric engines, which significantly reduce its environmental impact on the Polar Regions, and has an Ice-Class 1B rating. Additionally... READ MORE >>
The 413 feet / 126 meter, ice-strengthened MV World Explorer was built in 2019 in Portugal, and carries 172 travelers (140 for fly/cruise itineraries). She is described as distinct and comfortable, refined and roomy, with deluxe all-suite/all balcony accommodations. She is registered in Portugal, has two state-of-the-art Rolls Royce 9,000 kw hybrid diesel/electric engines, which significantly reduce its environmental impact on the Polar Regions, and has an Ice-Class 1B rating. Additionally, World Explorer has a Micro Auto Gasification System (MAGS), the industry-leading system that converts waste into energy at the site that it's generated. MAGs eliminates the environmental impact of waste transportation, offering an innovative sustainability feature that exceed all industry standards. Among the fastest ships in the region, she travels at a cruising speed of 16 knots in open water.
World Explorer delivers plenty of public areas to unwind and enjoy panoramic polar views after a day outdoors, including the glass-domed Observation Lounge & Polar Library, the Explorer Lounge & Bar, and the theater style auditorium for presentations and discussions, health and wellness facilities featuring the Fitness Center, L'Occitane Spa, Sauna (with changing rooms, showers and lockers) and a large heated outdoor pool flanked by two hot tubs. The outdoor track and wraparound deck on Deck 8 offers panoramic views of the Polar Regions (various areas also feature heated seating!). There is one dining room located on Deck 4 accommodating all passengers for each meal. Soft drinks, juices and water are available at no cost, and beer and wine are offered with dinner. Additional amenities include a Polar Boutique, Doctor Clinic, two elevators, and a Mudroom conveniently located adjacent to zodiac embarkation points (to comfortably prepare for and disembark from Zodiac excursions and shore landings). Ship-to-shore satellite communications with email and wireless Internet access (additional charge). The World Explorer is operated by a highly skilled Staff/Crew 130, and there are six tiers of deluxe balcony accommodations ranging from Triples to Owner’s Suites (every suite offers either a private walk-out or French balcony). The experienced crew operates 15-18 Zodiacs for shore excursions and most expeditions include optional add-ons such as kayaking, paddling, camping and stand-up paddle boarding.
Itinerary
Itinerary (Antarctica Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent)
DAY 1: Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina
DAY 2: Ushuaia - Embark
DAY 3 - 4: Drake Passage
DAY 4 - 8: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
DAY 9 - 10: Drake Passage
DAY 11: Ushuaia - Disembark
Itinerary (South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari )
DAY 1: Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina
DAY 2: Ushuaia - Embark
DAY 3 - 6: At Sea
DAY 7 - 8: South Georgia
DAY 9 - 10: At Sea
DAY 11 - 13: Antarctica Peninsula
DAY 14 - 15: Drake Passage
DAY 16: Ushuaia - Disembark
Itinerary (Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica Explorers and Kings )
DAY 1: Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina
DAY 2: Ushuaia - Embark
DAY 3: At Sea
DAY 4 - 5: Falkland Islands
DAY 6 - 7: At Sea
DAY 8 - 11: South Georgia
DAY 12 - 13: At Sea
DAY 14 - 17: South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Peninsula
DAY 18 - 19: Drake Passage
DAY 20: Ushuaia - Disembark
Itinerary (Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake Passage)
DAY 1: Arrive Punta Arenas. Chile
DAY 2: Punta Arenas - King George Island - Embark
DAY 3 - 6: Antarctic Peninsula - South Shetland Islands
DAY 7: Disembark - King George Island - Punta Arenas, Chile
DAY 8: Depart Punta Arenas - Santiago
Itinerary (Crossing the Antarctic Circle )
DAY 1: Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina
DAY 2: Ushuaia - Embark
DAY 3 - 4: Drake Passage
DAY 5 - 9: South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Peninsula & Polar Circle
-Please inquire for single supplement pricing. A solo traveler willing to share a cabin with another passenger (or passengers) of the same gender can avoid the single supplement. -Contact us for details on optional activities available on your particular departure.
-Please inquire for single supplement pricing. A solo traveler willing to share a cabin with another passenger (or passengers) of the same gender can avoid the single supplement. -Contact us for details on optional activities available on your particular departure.
-Please inquire for single supplement pricing. A solo traveler willing to share a cabin with another passenger (or passengers) of the same gender can avoid the single supplement. -Contact us for details on optional activities available on your particular departure.
- Pre & post Antarctica flight hotel nights included. -Please inquire for single supplement pricing. A solo traveler willing to share a cabin with another passenger (or passengers) of the same gender can avoid the single supplement. -Contact us for details on optional activities available on your particular departure.
The MV World Explorer offers 86 cabins in six deluxe exterior cabin categories ranging from French Balconie Suites to Veranda Suites.
DECK 5 & 6
TRIPLE VERANDA SUITE: approximately 242 sq. ft. (22.5 sq. m) and a 55 sq. ft. (5 sq. m) walk-out balcony one double or two single beds, separate combo sitting area/bedroom with a sofa bed and additional closet is around the corner, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower. (Deck 6)
VERANDA SUITE: Approximately 215 sq. ft. (20 sq. m) and a 55 sq. ft. (5 sq. m) balcony, one double or two single beds, separate sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower. (Deck 5 & 6)
INFINITY FRENCH BALCONY SUITE: Approximately 270 sq. ft. (25 sq. m), one double or two single beds, floor-to-ceiling glass French balcony, sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower. (Deck 5 & 6)
SUPERIOR VERANDA SUITE: Approximately 278 sq. ft. (26 sq. m) and a 110 sq. ft. (10 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom, one double or two single beds, separate sitting area has sofa, walk-in closet, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower. (Deck 5 & 6)
DELUXE VERANDA SUITE: Approximately 334 sq. ft. (31 sq. m) and a 110 sq. ft. (10 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom, one double or two single beds, separate sitting area with sofa, double closets, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower. (Deck 5)
OWNER’S VERANDA SUITE: Approximately 355 sq. ft. (33 sq. m) and a 110 sq. ft. (10 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom, one double or two single beds, separate sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower, dual vanity, and bathtub. (Deck 5 & 6)
Amenities: World Explorer delivers plenty of public areas including the glass-domed Observation Lounge for panoramic skyline views, a spacious observation deck, the Explorer Lounge, library and Polar Boutique. Presentations and discussions are facilitated in a dedicated lecture theater. Health and wellness facilities feature an outdoor track, a small gym and a sauna, swimming pool and spa with changing rooms, showers and lockers. Ship-to-shore satellite communications include email and wireless Internet access (additional charge). For the active adventurers, add-ons include kayaking, camping and stand-up paddle boarding are offered on most expeditions.
Ship Services: New and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology and two state-of-the-art Rolls-Royce 9,000 kw hybrid diesel/electric engines and generators, the ship also boasts reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. She has a staff/crew of 125 and 15-18 Zodiacs for concurrent shore/zodiac excursions.
Deck Plan (click for enlargement)
Marisa, we've been back a week and I'm writing to say how wonderful our trip was. Thanks you for all your guidance and planning. Buenos Aires was so interesting. Our tour guide, Alejandro, was top notch-- and very funny. The hotel was in a good location and the all-day tour in Ushuaia was memorable. The ship was well-run and the food was both interesting and plentiful. The crew was professional. The expedition leaders were kind, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. I can't give you credit for the fantastic weather and incredible scenery but it was an amazing trip. Thank you. - Susan Ogden/Rose Marie Wilson (Akademik Ioffe)
The trip was fantastic of course! South Georgia is an amazing place! After docking at Ushuaia, the driver was waiting there on the pier and coordinated well with the ship and the port officials, provided me with useful materials and delivered me to the Alto Andino. I liked the Alto Andino. It was quiet, clean and has a nice secure luggage store, which I used when I arrived, as it was too early to check in. They did let me check in early, shortly after lunch, when a room became available. And, when I came back to the hotel after dinner with friends, there was a message from my driver about the pickup time for departing to the airport. The transfer at BA went without a hitch, nice driver and nice car, and being Saturday, light traffic as well! Anyway, thank you! Your planning and support is greatly appreciate and I will be sure to let my friends know about your great company! - Philip H. Walters (South Georgia In Depth onboard Akademik Sergey Vavilov)
Carrie and Jonathan, we arrived back from Antarctica over the weekend. I just wanted to thank both of you for arranging such an outstanding trip! The guides, hotels, and logistics were all excellent—and we thoroughly enjoyed it all. Fortunately, despite my foot injury, I was able to fully partake in all the sightseeing and activities and didn’t feel that I had to curtail anything I wanted to do. We’ll be sure to contact you for future trips in South America. - Nancy Voye (Antarctic Peninsula onboard NG Explorer)
Carrie and Justin, I just wanted to send the two of you a message to thank you for all your help putting together our trip to the Antarctic. The trip was absolutely fantastic – definitely the best trip we have ever taken! I would strongly recommend the Akademik Ioffe team to anyone that asks. The places we visited and the excursions we were able to participate in were definitely first-rate, and I would credit the staff for making this happen. They selected great places to visit, and really made each zodiac or on-shore excursion a special experience. The Antarctic is just mind-blowing. We did get south of the Circle – which sounds like it was a bit of an accomplishment – and had really great weather for the entire trip. So again, thanks for making a totally fabulous trip a reality for us. -Ron & Bonnie Milzer (Antarctic Circle Voyage onboard Akademik Ioffe)
“All aspects of the trip handled directly by Southern Explorations were excellent. We have already started to recommend you to friends. Both of our drivers in Quito made a point of saying that SE is a good company to work for. Happy clients, happy employees--well done!”
Olaf Soltau - NY
Anahi Galapagos Cruise
Southern Explorations Proudly Featured in the Press and Member of the Following Organizations:
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Marisa, we've been back a week and I'm writing to say how wonderful our trip was. Thanks you for all your guidance and planning. Buenos Aires was so interesting. Our tour guide, Alejandro, was top notch-- and very funny. The hotel was in a good location and the all-day tour in Ushuaia was memorable. The ship was well-run and the food was both interesting and plentiful. The crew was professional. The expedition leaders were kind, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. I can't give you credit for the fantastic weather and incredible scenery but it was an amazing trip. Thank you. - Susan Ogden/Rose Marie Wilson (Akademik Ioffe) 
