" Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. " 

2min Testimonial Video: Hear from Delegates about their experience on a recent Radiology CME/CPD Conference & Expedition to Antarctica, coordinated by Blue Horizon Conferencing.

Day 5 - 8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

Once the Antarctic Convergence is left in our wake, you will truly begin your Antarctic adventure. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. 

Every time we visit Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience. 

You will take daily Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal.

The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360° views of your surroundings. One of these in particular, in Danco Island, affords us the opportunity to visit a penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here, you’ll have the choice between hiking to the island’s summit or spending time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach, enjoying the antics of curious penguins. 

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, participating in the Polar Plunge swim is about as crazy as it gets!

Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbour.

Each day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to entertain and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.

Conference schedule to be announced.

Day 9 & 10: Crossing the Drake Passage / Conference Schedule 

The journey back across the Drake Passage provides final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.

Conference schedule to be announced.

Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure on land or catch your flights home.

Quark Expeditions® World Explorer Ice-class Ship

Quark Expeditions® reveals the latest addition to its Antarctic fleet – World Explorer, its fastest and finest expedition ship to date.

Inaugural Voyage: March, 2019 Capacity: 176 guests Year Built: 2019 Crew: 125 Length: 413 feet 

As a hybrid polar-capable ice class 1B expedition vessel it is able to run on electric motors that minimise noise, meaning travelers can fully immerse themselves in the pristine, natural wonders of Antarctica with only the sound of cracking ice. The environmentally friendly hybrid propulsion system of the ship allows for lower CO2 emissions by incorporating state-of-the-art Rolls Royce diesel/electric engine technology.

“As the world leader in remarkable polar adventures, we constantly explore new ways to enhance the traveler experience,” says Quark Expeditions® President Andrew White. “With two powerful Rolls Royce engines and six tiers of deluxe accommodations featuring balconies across all suites, World Explorer is Quark’s fastest and finest ship to date.

From an outdoor running track and heated pool to an exclusive spa and sauna, passengers will enjoy touches of luxury throughout their authentic polar expedition.”

Polar Experts Since 1991-

Since 1991, Quark Expeditions has specialized in expedition cruising to the Arctic and Antarctica, in ships with ice-strengthened hulls or in icebreakers. Polar travelers will enjoy unparalleled technical expertise, leadership and passion for expedition trips to the Arctic and Antarctica. 

What to pack for your polar expedition

Conference & Expedition Costs

What will it cost for Delegates and their partners/travel companions to join the Conference & Expedition? 

What is included as part of my Conference & Expedition experience? 

Inclusions: 

CPD / CME hours .  

Lectures will be run in between the normal Antarctica itinerary and scheduled activities. 

You will not be missing excursions by attending the conference program.  

Antarctica Expedition Highlights - Zodiac landings (included)  

During our expedition you’ll be setting foot, not only on the Antarctic Peninsula but on the Antarctic Continent itself.  

Not only a chance to get a picture of yourself on a continent not too many people get to set foot on, but endless opportunities to experience the wildlife of this beautiful part of the world, up close.

Antarctica Expedition Highlights - Snowshoeing (included)  

Something fun to quite literally ‘walk a mile in someone else’s shoes’. The explorers of yesteryear would have had to do all their explorations by snowshoe.  

This activity allows us to experience what it might have been like for them and see things from a slightly different perspective. 

Antarctica Expedition Highlights - Zodiac water tours (included)  

Yes, we’re sailing on a ship, enjoying the beauty that is Antarctica from it’s decks and from within its luxurious comforts.  

But it is just as amazing to feel the crisp Antarctic air on your face, and feel the thrill of exploring at sea level by zodiac, often with the opportunity to approach wildlife in it’s own natural habitat.  

The Zodiacs give accessibility where the ship can’t quite reach, which is why they are a favourite amongst guests visiting Antarctica.

Antarctica Expedition Highlights - Polar Plunge (included)  

Whilst plunging into Antarctic waters may seem like a ridiculous notion - this is a must do!  

You’ll find the crew is well trained in making sure this once-in-a-lifetime experience is as fun and enjoyable as possible!

Antarctica Expedition Highlights - Walking/Hiking (included)  

By being on a ship, you truly get to enjoy the unique perspective of seeing Antarctica by sea, but being on land offers another amazing perspective.  

You can really imagine how brave the first explorers of the Antarctic must have been, walking amongst giant mountain peaks, and gain a real appreciation for the wildlife that survives in such a wild environment.  

And there is more to explore on the land than you might think… 

Complimentary 3-in-1 Quark Expeditions® Parka

Please Note: Your Parka is provided to you by Quark, and is complimentary. The Body Basics (pictured right) is the suggested additional attire you should bring to ensure your comfort over the course of the Expedition and Voyage.

Other Inclusions Rates include all accommodations aboard ship and pre expedition hotel as outlined below. 

What is included in the price of our 11 day/10 night Antarctic Expedition aboard the Quark Expeditions, World Explorer. 

• Departure transfer from pier to airport for early flights on disembarkation day. Passengers leaving on later flights have access to supervised luggage storage until late afternoon.
• Pre-night hotel stay in Ushuaia, Argentina.
• Accommodation aboard the World Explorer. 
• All meals while aboard the World Explorer **Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible.
• Domestic beer and wine with dinner. 
• Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a maximum benefit of $500,000 USD per person is included complimentary.
• Welcome and farewell cocktails aboard.
• All Zodiac landings and excursions, snowshoeing and hiking are included in daily program.
• Walking poles are also provided at each landing for your convenience. Snowshoes may also be provided when conditions are favorable. 
• The loan of a pair of waterproof boots for the duration of the voyage per passenger.
• One complimentary 3-in-1 Quark Expeditions® parka to keep. (you'll order your size beforehand, and your parka will be in your cabin upon arrival) 
• Professional Expedition Leadership.
• Formal and informal educational presentations by the Quark Expeditions® Team.
• Online Photographic Journal.
• Coffee, tea, cocoa, soft drinks and juices available around the clock.
• All shore excursions and sightseeing; entrance fees, special access permits.
• Comprehensive pre-departure package including the Quark Expeditions® Polar Reader and Map.
• An on-board Photographer.
• All taxes, service charges and port charges.
• Services of the ship’s physician. 

Not Included:  

• Air transportation from country of origin (return). 
• Passport and visa expenses (if applicable) 
• Alcoholic beverages outside of domestic beer and wine at dinner or Polar Boutique store charges.
• Voyage-end gratuities for Crew, Hospitality and Expedition Team members. (approx. US$150pp is recommended)
• Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance.
• Meals ashore, other than the breakfasts included with the hotel accommodation.
• Excess baggage charges.
• Extensions; passport, visa, security or immigration fees; travel insurance/travel protection plan; items of a personal nature such as use of on-board internet, laundry etc. 

"My Seventh was Heaven" MOLLIE M. — Mar 16, 2018 VERIFIED PASSENGER  

"In my 40's I decided to step food on every continent. You made it not only possible to complete my goal, but you also provided a trip full of unbelievable memories. 

This adventure was above any and all expectations anyone could imagine. Your staff was by far the best informed and accommodating group that I have ever encountered in all my travels. Thank you from the bottom of my heart." 

Cabin Selection and Rates  

We have 2 x different cabin options of varying cost / price per person on offer: Verandah Suite and Infinity Suite.

Please scroll down to view all cabin options and rates / pricing.

**Please Note: For the Infinity suite option, we have very limited availability so please do enquire to book and let us know your cabin preference ASAP.

Veranda Suite:   US$15,721 per person – double occupancy (Regularly US$18,995pp) 
Infinity Suite:     US$15,996 per person – double occupancy (Regularly US$19,395pp) 

Verandah Suite:  

 OUR CONFERENCE GROUP RATE: 
US$15,721 per person (double occupancy)

NORMAL RETAIL RATE: 
US$18,995 per person (double occupancy)

  Featured in each cabin: A sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV and state of the art “info-tainment” system. Private bathroom with shower.

*All meals, on-board activities and all programmed daily excursions are included in this rate - please see 'Inclusions' for a more detailed list.

Infinity Suite:  

 OUR CONFERENCE GROUP RATE: 
US$15,996 per person (double occupancy)

NORMAL RETAIL RATE: 
US$19,395 per person (double occupancy)

  Featured in each cabin: A sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV and state of the art “info-tainment” system. Private bathroom with shower.

*All meals, on-board activities and all programmed daily excursions are included in this rate - please see 'Inclusions' for a more detailed list.

Payment Schedule & Cancellation Policy:

Deposits: To confirm reservations on all Quark products a deposit of 30% of the gross per person rate is required at time of booking. The deposit can be paid by bank transfer or by credit card. 

Final Payments: Deposits and payments for pre-expedition and post-expedition services are specific to each item and are explained and communicated at time of purchase.  A 30% voyage deposit per person is due at the time of booking to secure your cabin. (Deposits are non-refundable). The second payment of 40% will be due mid April, 2023 with the final balance being due by mid September, 2023. Dates TBA. You will receive further details about how to pay this at a later date.

Late payments: All late payments are subject to a penalty of 1.5% interest per month, or 18% per annum. Quark reserves the right to cancel any booking that is not paid within 120 days of departure or deny boarding on any unpaid balances.

Days and date prior to Expedition start, per person Cancellation Fees: 

Please Note: 

Should delegates need to transfer their Expedition ticket to a different person due to unforeseen circumstances, we have arranged for you to be able to do so. A US$1250 fee will apply.

Cancellations received 180 days or more prior to departure, are refundable less an administrative fee of minimum US$1250, AU$1600, £830, €1100 per person. If cancellation is received between 179 days and 120 days, the voyage deposit is forfeited. 

If cancellation occurs less than 120 days prior to departure, all payments are forfeited. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance is due immediately. To protect your investment, Quark Expeditions highly recommends that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance.

All requests for cancellation must be received in writing.

Disclaimer: Conference Tax Deductibility and CME/CPD compliance Taxation Laws are complex and subject to change and interpretation. Whilst every effort will be made to have a comprehensive and fulfilling conference experience for all delegates, it is not expected that the conference expedition costs will be fully tax deductible. This is due in part to the many non-conference activities available and the high cost of the venue and accommodation. 

The conference convener/s and conference organisers cannot accept any responsibility for whatever costs delegates claim as tax deductible. This is ultimately an issue between the individual delegate and their accountant.