EXPEDITION CRUISE

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 9-Day

All departures of this trip

CRUISE ID # LINDBLADORAFLY9-280131

Puerto Natales TO Puerto Natales

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 9-Day
Join the pioneers of Antarctic expedition travel on a thrilling exploration of the continent. Save time by flying directly from South America to the Antarctic peninsula (and back) where we embark the National Geographic Orion, purpose-built for polar waters. Witness the grandeur of this icy wilderness as you kayak among dazzling blue icebergs, sail past dramatic snow-capped peaks and rugged shores, and encounter the region’s iconic wildlife–from scores of penguins to whales, seals, and seabirds.

A veteran team of naturalists and a National Geographic Photography Expert by your side ensures that you’ll have the most unforgettable experience and incredible photos to prove it.    
TRIP STARTS ON
January 30, 2028
SHIP SAILS ON
January 31, 2028
HOTEL NIGHTS
Pre-Cruise: 1, Post-Cruise: 0
SHIP
National Geographic Orion
TRIP ENDS ON
February 08, 2028
STOPS
1 Stop, 0 Countries
CRUISE NIGHTS
6
OPERATOR
National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions
FROM: 

$17,900

WITH SPECIAL SAVINGS APPLIED

FARES SHOWN ARE PER GUEST

Suites & Fares

CHOOSE START DATE 

: January 31, 2028

 
STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED DEAL
Cruise Fare (incl. Recommended Group Flights)
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Cruise Fare
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Itinerary

1 Port
0 Countries
Day
One
Arrival
January 30, 2028
Port
Pre-Cruise Night
Day
Two
Arrival
January 31, 2028
Port
Day at Sea
Day
Three
Arrival
February 01, 2028
Port
Day at Sea
Day
Four
Arrival
February 02, 2028
Port
Day at Sea
Day
Five
Arrival
February 03, 2028
Port
Day at Sea
Day
Six
Arrival
February 04, 2028
Port
Day at Sea
Day
Seven
Arrival
February 05, 2028
Port
Day at Sea
Day
Eight
Arrival
February 06, 2028
Port
Day at Sea
Day
Nine
Arrival
February 07, 2028
Port
Day at Sea
Day
Ten
Arrival
February 08, 2028
Port
Day at Sea
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About the Ship

Name

National Geographic Orion

Operator

National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions

Featuring 53 cabins, the gracious and intimate National Geographic Orion takes travelers to little-known waters and isles in the Pacific Islands, Antarctica and the Mediterranean to experience each location's natural and cultural wonders up close. With her high ice-class rating, National Geographic Orion is strong enough to explore the polar regions, yet her elevated maneuverability allows for navigation practically anywhere accessible by sea.

Ship Facts
cabin count
53
capacity
102
crew count
76
deck count
6
currency
USD onboard
gross tonnage
3984
language
en
launch year
2003
length
102.7m
speed
13kts
wheelchair count
No Data
width
4m

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DINING

Meals are served in the dining room, or weather permitting, the outdoor café, at a single seating with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menus feature sustainable choices, local where possible.

Restaurant- Main Deck

Meals are served in a single, unassigned seating for a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

Max Occupancy-112

Outdoor Dining- Upper Deck

Select meals can be enjoyed al fresco at the outdoor café, weather permitting.

Entertainment

Public spaces include two dining areas; lounge with bar and state-of-the-art presentation facilities; OM System Photo Gear Locker; sundeck with a whirlpool hot tub that doubles as a plunge pool in warm climates; observation lounge and library; fitness center and spa; plus open access to the Bridge, the Captain, officers, and on-duty wildlife spotters.

Bridge

The fleet's open bridge policy allows guests to visit anytime to chat with the captain and crew, conditions permitting.

Lounge and Bar

The lounge contains a full bar and state-of-the-art presentation facilities for talks, presentations, and evening Recaps.

Max Occupancy- 122

Observation Lounge & Library

The Observation Lounge is equipped with a library, nautical chart table, tea and coffee station, and two photo kiosks.

Max Occupancy- 20

Observation Points

More information coming soon.

Global Gallery

The Global Gallery offers a unique selection of handcrafted gifts, as well as expedition gear such as hats, jackets and sunshirts.

Health And Fitness

Public spaces include two dining areas; lounge with bar and state-of-the-art presentation facilities; OM System Photo Gear Locker; sundeck with a whirlpool hot tub that doubles as a plunge pool in warm climates; observation lounge and library; fitness center and spa; plus open access to the Bridge, the Captain, officers, and on-duty wildlife spotters.

Fitness Centre

The fitness center offers cardio equipment, weights, resistance bands, and an excellent view.

Max Occupancy- 5

Whirlpool Hot Tub

Located on the Observation Deck, the hot tub doubles as a plunge pool in warmer climates.

Sauna

Relax in the sauna, located on the Observation Deck.

Max Occupancy- 2

Wellness Program

More information coming soon.

LEXspa

Treatments in the LEXspa are available by appointment.

Max Occupancy- 1

Enrichment
Expedition Team

Wherever in the world you choose to explore with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, you will travel alongside a team of experts who are deeply passionate about discovering the places you visit. They are scientists, photographers, and cultural experts at the top of their fields who have spent time immersed in your destination—and they thrive on sharing their knowledge and seeking out new insights alongside our inquisitive guests. For the....

Expeditions

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions' ships are uniquely equipped with state-of-the-art tools so you can experience the excitement and wonder of genuine exploration, no matter where you travel with us. Navigate along rocky shorelines and into secluded coves in a kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard or dive into remote waters to discover a galaxy of brightly colored fish—we supply high-quality snorkeling gear, wetsuits, and optional dive gear....

Citizen Science

Guests can get involved in the advancement of science by participating in a variety of research projects hosted on their expedition..

Happywhale

Whales have unique markings on their flukes that allow scientists to identify individuals and track them across the globe. When guests capture pictures of the whales spotted on expedition, they can submit them to the Happywhale app to aid in the tracking process. National Geographic....

Guest Speakers Program

When you travel with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, you'll enjoy exclusive experiences featuring renowned individuals from the worlds of science, exploration, music, photography, culture and more—including National Geographic experts—thoughtfully curated to enrich your expedition by helping you to connect more deeply to the people, places, and wildlife along your journey.

Visiting Scientist Program

The Visiting Scientist Program has been active for years, and in response to the program’s popularity with guests, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is expanding it for the upcoming travel seasons. Now, more travelers than ever before can voyage alongside fascinating researchers, enjoy talks on their findings, and in some instances participate in the scientific process through activities such as data collection. 

New and Ongoin....

Kids And Teens
National Geographic Global Explorers Program

Developed in conjunction with National Geographic Education, our hands-on program invites kids and teens ages 18 and under to sharpen their observation skills and bring their adventures to life through photography, video, drawing and more. From studying plankton under the ship’s microscope to building ice cream sundae glaciers or earning a Zodiac “driver’s license,” activities encourage each explorer to follow their curiosity.

The Nat....

UNIQUE FEATURES

The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art tools for exploration, including a glass-bottom boat, underwater cameras, video microscope, plus kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

USEFUL TO KNOW
Age Requirements

The minimum age for children traveling with a parent or legal guardian varies by itinerary. For most voyages, the minimum age is 6 months at the time of embarkation.

All children must travel with a parent or legal guardian.

Self-Disinfecting Ships

Act Clean Coat™ is a light-activated, self-disinfecting cleaning process that continuously breaks down viruses, bacteria, mold and airborne allergens across all ship surfaces. Not only does this create a cleaner, healthier shipboard environment for guests and crew alike, but this non-toxic, chemical-free system also saves more than one million gallons of water each year in our cleaning procedures, and reduces our carbon footprint as well as th....

Smoking Policy

Smoking and Vaping are allowed only in designated outdoor areas.

Expedition Equipment

A fleet of 6 Zodiacs and 16 kayaks, paddleboards, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, splash-cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, snorkeling gear and wet suits for all guests (where applicable).

Special Features

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions certified photo instructor, undersea specialist and video chronicler.

Pricing Includes

Excursions, hotels and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary

Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins) and other state-of-the-art gear

Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff

All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspir....

Pricing Does Not Include

Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights and private transfers (except when indicated as included)

Travel protection plans

Passport, visa and immigration fees

Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving* and phone services (except when indicated as included)

Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where a....