Voyage Overview

Embarkation

Ushuaia

Disembarkation

Puerto Natales

Destination Highlight

The world's southernmost city, Ushuaia overlooks Beagle Channel, named after the ship that took Charles Darwin to the bottom of the world. Founded just over one hundred years ago, this rustic town is situated amidst incredible snowcapped mountains, dramatic waterfalls, massive glaciers, and a forest known for its red foliage. Tierra del Fuego, the "Land of Fire," twelve miles to the west of Ushuaia, is known for its glacial landscape and its national park, which is a bird-watcher's paradise.

About the Ship

National Geographic Explorer is the world’s ultimate expedition ship. Her design and equipment is the result of almost 200 years of collective expedition experience. Originally built for service along Norway’s coast as part of the famed Hurtigruten, or Coastal Express, her excellent maneuverability and just-right size made her a natural choice for addition to the fleet. Drawing on nearly 50 years of pioneering expedition history and expertise, the cruise completely redesigned and rebuilt her. Explorer is uniquely equipped with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment for polar expeditions; a roster of tools for exploration; and a well-appointed interior with vast expanses of glass for an unprecedented connection to the regions that explores. She provides a peerless expedition cruise trip.

Daily Itinerary

Dec 07, 2026 - Ushuaia

Dec 08, 2026 - Ushuaia

Dec 09, 2026 - Drake Passage

The Drake Passage is the body of water between the southern tip of South America at Cape Horn and Antarctica. It forms part of the Southern Ocean. It is named after 16th century English explorer Sir Francis Drake.

Dec 10, 2026 - Drake Passage

Dec 11, 2026 - Antarctic Experience

Dec 12, 2026 - Antarctic Experience

Dec 13, 2026 - Antarctic Experience

Dec 14, 2026 - Antarctic Experience

Dec 15, 2026 - King George Island

Dec 15, 2026 - Puerto Natales

Puerto Natales is located on the coast of southern Chile. Here you'll have one spectacular experience after another -- seeing fjords, glaciers and perhaps encountering whales. And just a short distance inland you are reminded that this is Patagonia, home to Andean condors, guanacos and rheas (cousins of the ostrich), all of which can be found in monumental Torres del Paine National Park.

Dec 16, 2026 - Puerto Natales

Stateroom Options

Suite (Cat 06)

Cat 6 Suite with Balcony #213 - These spacious cabins have private balconies, two lower single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, chairs, and a TV. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.

Suite (Cat 07)

Cat 7 Suite with Balcony #215, 219, 230 - These large cabins with private balconies have either two lower single beds that can convert to an Olympic-sized queen. They have seating areas and can be converted to triples. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.

Balcony Cabin (Cat 05)

Cat 5 with Balcony #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 - These cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, feature one queen-sized bed, a writing desk and chairs, climate controls, a TV showing the ship's position and programing. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. (Cabin 221 has two lower single beds that can convert to an Olympic-sized queen.)

Outside Cabin (Cat 01)

#301-308 — Cabins feature one or two portholes. Cabins #301, 302, and 307 have two twin beds. Cabins #304-306 feature one queen-sized bed. Cabin #308 features two twin beds that can be converted to a queen. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.

Outside Cabin (Cat 02)

Cat 2 with Window #317-320, 335-336 - Cabins feature two lower single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, reading lamps, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV showing the ship's position and programming.

Outside Cabin (Cat 03)

Cat 3 with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344, 346, 348, 350 - Cabins feature two lower single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), one large window, and two sitting chairs and a small table and ample storage. They have a writing desk, reading lamps, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV showing the ship's position and programming.

Outside Cabin (Cat 04)

Cat 4 with Window #201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 - Cabins feature two lower single beds and at least one large window. Cabin 217, 226 & 228 feature one queen-size bed. All cabins feature climate controls, a TV showing the ship's position and programing. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. The dining room is on this deck and accommodates all guests at once.

Solo Cabin (Cat SA)

Cat Solo A with Window #309-312, 329-334 - These cabins feature one lower single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV showing the ship's position and programming.

Solo Outside Cabin (Cat SB)

Cat Solo B with Window #203, 208 - These cabins feature one lower single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV showing the ship's position and programming. The dining room and ship's bow are easily accessible.

Included Amenities

Exclusive Bonus:

$200 per Couple Shipboard Credit

9-nights accommodations
All meals aboard ship
And more

Additional Departure Dates for This Itinerary

Select an upcoming departure below to view availability or lock in exclusive Signature Travel Network perks.

Nov 18, 2026

9-night Antarctica Direct: Sail And Fly The Drake Passage Cruise