October 23, 2026 — Antarctica21 has opened bookings for its 2028–29 season. Its 47 departures are the most it has ever offered, and all of them fly over the Drake Passage instead of sailing across it.
What happened
Every itinerary starts and ends in Punta Arenas, Chile, and uses the line’s two purpose-built ships, Magellan Explorer and Magellan Discoverer. Antarctica21 started the air-cruise model in 2003. A two-hour flight replaces the two-day sea crossing of the Drake Passage, and guests board the ship in Antarctica to explore the Peninsula. The announcement marks 25 years of air-cruise operations. Guests also get access to Explorers House, the company’s private expedition club in Punta Arenas.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Season | 2028–29; start and end dates TBA |
| Departures | 47 |
| Gateway | Punta Arenas, Chile |
| Ships | Magellan Explorer, Magellan Discoverer |
| Prices | TBA in the report |
What it means for airline travelers
- Every trip starts in Punta Arenas, Chile, which usually means more than one flight to get there. Build in slack, because the whole trip runs to a fixed group schedule.
- Fly in at least a day or two before your departure date. Missing the group flight to Antarctica can mean missing the trip.
- The report does not mention any travel-industry or interline rates.
Sources
- Seatrade Cruise News: Antarctica21 opens bookings for 2028-29 air-cruise season
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