Fly the Drake' to Antarctica

Save time getting to Antarctica and avoid possibly heavy seas by skipping a Drake Passage sailing from/to Argentina and choosing a  "Fly the Drake " itinerary offered by Quark Expeditions (Seattle, WA; 844/881-3177, www.quarkexpeditions.com).

Options include two 10-day tours,  "Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North " and  "Fly South, Cruise North " (starting at $11,595 per person for a south cruise or at $10,995 for a north cruise), and the 8- to 9-day  "Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake " (from $8,995). On the latter, passengers fly both south and north. Antarctic cruises are held December-February.