Polar Latitudes Expeditions is launching new Fly & Cruise voyages to Antarctica starting in the 2027-28 season.

The sailings will be operated by the Ocean Nova starting in January 2028 and will include charter flights between Punta Arenas in Chile and King George Island in Antarctica.

According to the company’s Director of Product Development, Steffan Danino, the new product allows guests to visit Antarctica in a time-efficient way.

“It’s also for folks who are nervous about sailing across the Drake Passage, which is famously some of the roughest waters on Earth,” he said during a webinar.

“They can skip that completely and still have that full Antarctica expedition experience,” Danino added, noting that flights over the Drake Passage take only two hours, while the crossing by sea can take up to two days.

Other than the most expedited arrival in Antarctica, passengers will have the same experience as other expeditions with Polar Latitudes, he continued.

“You’ll have our regular complement of expert expedition team members onboard the ship, in addition to our shoreside teams supporting you at the start and end of your flight-cruise voyage,” Danino explained.

The company’s product also includes pre- and post-cruise accommodation at the Cabo de Hornos hotel in Punta Arenas.

Before boarding their flights to King George Island, guests will be briefed by the company’s team in Chile, he added.

“Essentially, they will get you ready so that when you step out of the plane in Antarctica, you are ready to get on the ship and explore.”

Five departures will be available between mid-January and early February, including two expeditions that either arrive or depart from Antarctica by sea.

According to Danino, the Ocean Nova was chosen for the operation due to its smaller size, which allows for a closer look at the ice, wildlife and landscapes of Antarctica.

The ship’s 80-passenger capacity also allows Polar Latitudes to transport all guests in just one flight, he added, noting that the operation was designed to be weather-proof.