Atlas Ocean Voyages has unveiled its 2028/29 Antarctica season, featuring 25 yacht-style expeditions running from October 2028 through March 2029. The expanded programme doubles the operator's Drake Fly & Sail departures from two to four, giving travellers more flexibility in how they cross the Drake Passage.
The new season retains the Drake Express option, which flies across the Drake Passage in both directions, as well as classic Antarctic voyages that make the legendary sea crossing. Extended itineraries will also reach the Antarctic Circle, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands.
James Rodriguez, president and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages, said: "Antarctica has a remarkable ability to change the way you see the world." The company is positioning the season as a milestone for polar travel, coinciding with the centenary of Antarctic aviation.
Three ways to cross the Drake Passage
Travellers can choose from three distinct approaches: the Drake Fly & Sail, the Drake Express, and Antarctic Discovery expeditions. For those seeking a more extensive polar journey, the season includes two 12-night expeditions that cross the Antarctic Circle and an 18-night Grand Antarctica expedition combining the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands.
The 2028/29 season commemorates the pioneering flight by Sir Hubert Wilkins and Carl Ben Eielson on 16 November 1928. Atlas Ocean Voyages will mark this milestone with an Antarctic Discovery expedition departing on the same date in 2028.
To celebrate the launch, guests booking by 31 December 2026 can enjoy up to 10% Bonus Savings, along with air savings and hotel packages. The offer is designed to drive early bookings for the season.
Atlas Ocean Voyages continues to expand its polar offerings, building on its booking incentives for Australian agents and its broader expedition portfolio. The company's focus on small-ship, yacht-style cruising remains a key differentiator in the luxury expedition segment.
The expanded Antarctica season follows a trend among expedition cruise lines to offer more fly-cruise options, as seen with Secret Atlas's fly-cruise Antarctic expeditions for 2027-28. Atlas's doubling of Drake Fly & Sail departures reflects growing demand for time-efficient ways to reach the White Continent.
With 25 departures, Atlas Ocean Voyages is positioning itself as a significant player in the Antarctic cruise market, competing with established operators like Ponant and Hurtigruten. The company's World Voyager and World Traveller ships are designed for polar exploration, with ice-strengthened hulls and Zodiac fleets.
The 2028/29 season also underscores the importance of the Antarctic Circle and South Georgia as premium destinations for experienced travellers. These extended itineraries appeal to those who have already visited the Peninsula and seek deeper polar immersion.
For travel agents, the expanded season offers more selling opportunities, particularly with the early-booking incentives. The centenary departure on 16 November 2028 is likely to be a highlight, appealing to history-minded clients.
Atlas Ocean Voyages' expansion comes as the expedition cruise sector continues to grow, with new ships and itineraries being announced across the industry. The company's focus on yacht-style experiences and small-group exploration aligns with current traveller preferences for authentic, immersive journeys.
