Penguins jumping into the water in Antartica
Polar Regions Winter Sea
Travel
January 21 - January 28, 2027

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

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Michael Oppenheimer, Albert G. Milbank Professor of Geosciences and International Affairs and the High Meadows Environmental Institute; Director, Center for Policy Research on Energy and the Environment

About the Study Leader

Michael Oppenheimer, Albert G. Milbank Professor of Geosciences and International Affairs and the High Meadows Environmental Institute; Director, Center for Policy Research on Energy and the Environment

Michael Oppenheimer has been an author of reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, since its First Assessment Report (1990). Oppenheimer is coeditor-in-chief of the journal Climatic Change.  He is a science advisor to the Environmental Defense Fund and member of several boards of directors including the Board of the Trust for Governors Island (NYC), the future site of a major climate science research and education center focused on solutions to the climate problem, and Climate Central, an NGO focused on research and communications. He is a Heinz Award winner and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Oppenheimer’s current research focuses on impacts of, and adaptation to, sea level rise, coastal flooding, and other extreme outcomes of climate change. A major research focus is the link between human migration and climate change.  Much of his work has centered on defining the concept of “dangerous” climate change, a key aspect of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.

Oppenheimer is the author of over 200 articles published in professional journals and is co-author (with Robert H. Boyle) of a 1990 book, Dead Heat: The Race against the Greenhouse Effect. He is also coauthor of the book Discerning Experts: The Practices of Scientific Assessment for Environmental Policy, published in 2019 by the University of Chicago Press. He has an SB degree from MIT in chemistry (1966) and a PhD from the University of Chicago in chemical physics (1970).  He joined the Princeton faculty in 2002 after more than two decades with the Environmental Defense Fund (1981-2002), where he served as chief scientist and manager of the Climate and Air Program. Before joining the EDF staff, he was a postdoctoral fellow and then an Atomic and Molecular Astrophysicist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (1971-1981).

About the Journey 

Venturing to Antarctica is an expedition like no other—a chance to explore wonderlands of sculpted snow and ice where whales swim, penguins flock and albatrosses soar. It’s a true journey of a lifetime that has historically called for multiple weeks of travel, including a round-trip sea crossing of the Drake Passage. 

We are excited to share a more time-efficient way to discover the wonders of the White Continent without sacrificing any of the adventure. On this eight-day journey with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, fly between South America and Antarctica on a round-trip flight and enjoy five adventure-filled days to explore the otherworldly realm at the bottom of the globe. 

Aboard the National Geographic Explorer, each day is filled with new sights and sounds. Greet the southernmost sky with a sunrise stretch session, paddle a kayak past tabular icebergs the size of islands and walk among charismatic penguins. You’ll even have the rare opportunity to peer deep into polar waters from the comfort and safety of the ship via a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). A veteran team of naturalists will be on hand to provide expert perspectives, and a certified photo instructor can help you capture incredible images. 

Princeton travelers will be joined on this adventure by those from National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. 

Please note: January 21 is your arrival day in Puerto Natales, Chile. Most travelers from the U.S. will depart their gateway city on January 20 for an overnight flight. 

This is an expedition in the truest sense—flexibility is key. Delays and early departures of flights due to inclement weather are common in Antarctica. In the event of a flight adjustment, your expedition team may implement a contingency plan with alternative activities. Please see National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ FAQ page for more details. 

View photos from our 2022 program “Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent.” 

Accommodation 

National Geographic Explorer 
Designed for in-depth exploration, National Geographic Explorer is the definitive expedition ship, capable of navigating both polar passages and temperate waters. Fully stabilized and with an ice strengthened hull, she provides exceptional comfort, while her dynamic suite of exploration features—including an interactive chart room, a high observation lounge and a low-profile bow with dramatic views—reflect a dedication to curiosity and wonder. National Geographic Explorer accommodates 148 guests and is equipped with Zodiacs, kayaks, a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), and underwater video camera. 

Reservations 

Registration is not yet open for this journey. Please request a brochure or contact the Princeton Journeys team at journeys@princeton.edu / 609.258.8686 with questions.

Trip Details