Antarctica21, the Chilean pioneer of Antarctic air-cruises, has opened reservations for its 2028-29 season, unveiling a schedule of 47 departures—the largest in the company's quarter-century of operations. Every expedition will operate round-trip from Punta Arenas, Chile, aboard the purpose-built expedition vessels Magellan Explorer and Magellan Discoverer.
The operator transformed Antarctic travel in 2003 by replacing the traditional two-day Drake Passage crossing with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, where passengers board ships directly. That model remains the fastest and most comfortable route to the White Continent, and it continues to underpin the company's growth strategy.
Record capacity and early-booking incentives
Brigitte Lämmle, Sales & Marketing Director at Antarctica21, framed the expanded program as a milestone. “Scheduling 47 Antarctic air-cruise departures for the 2028-29 season is the most exciting expression of our ambition yet,” she said. “Each expedition promises an experience as refined as it is responsible.”
To drive early demand, the company is offering savings of up to US$5,000 per person on all Classic Antarctica and Polar Circle air-cruise departures. The promotion applies to new bookings made by 31 January 2027, or until cabins are sold out—a window that gives travel advisors and tour operators ample time to secure inventory for clients planning far ahead.
The 2028-29 season will feature the operator's signature itineraries, including the Classic Antarctica route and the Polar Circle voyage, which pushes further south to the Antarctic Circle. Both programs emphasize small-scale, immersive experiences, with landings and zodiac cruising led by an experienced expedition team.
Antarctica21 remains a CarbonNeutral® certified member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), underscoring its commitment to responsible travel in one of the planet's most fragile environments. The company's base in Punta Arenas positions it as a key player in the growing air-cruise segment, which appeals to travelers seeking to minimize time at sea and maximize time on the continent.
For travel professionals, the early-booking window represents a strategic opportunity to lock in premium pricing for clients. The extended lead time—nearly two years—also allows for integration with broader South America itineraries, a trend seen across the luxury and expedition markets. As expedition cruising continues to expand, operators like Antarctica21 are competing with established players such as Hurtigruten and Silversea, but the air-cruise model remains a distinct niche.
The announcement follows a period of strong demand for polar travel, with other operators also expanding capacity. For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line's 2028 Mediterranean season opened earlier this year, reflecting broader confidence in long-term booking horizons. Meanwhile, the luxury hotel sector is also looking ahead, as seen in Four Seasons' 2027 pipeline, which includes new properties in the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia.
Antarctica21's 2028-29 program is now open for reservations through the company's sales team and partner agencies. With 47 departures, the operator is betting on sustained interest in Antarctic travel, even as the industry faces questions about sustainability and capacity limits. The company's IAATO membership and carbon-neutral certification are likely to resonate with eco-conscious travelers and the advisors who serve them.
As the season unfolds, expect further announcements from Antarctica21 regarding expedition leaders, onboard programming, and potential partnerships. For now, the early-booking savings provide a clear call to action for agents and operators looking to secure prime departure dates.
