Description
Revel in the excitement of crossing the famed Drake Passage after embarking from Ushuaia, with the convenience of a northbound return flight at the end of your expedition. Minke and humpback whales or Adélie penguins floating on ice floes may greet you as you pass, enroute to the northernmost tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.
The surreal silence in this vast wilderness may at first overwhelm, but playful, charismatic wildlife and your intrepid traveling companions keep you grounded. You’ll develop a new appreciation and understanding of Antarctica’s extreme contrasts – harsh, rugged mountain peaks and fragile ecosystems; stark, lonely icescapes and populous, gregarious penguins.
Trip Name
Antarctic Express - Cruise South, Fly North Expedition
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Polar Expedition
Length: 342 ft (104.4 m)
Passenger Capacity: 138
Built: 2021
Ocean Explorer, the newest addition to our fleet, is modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship.
Spacious cabins feature a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design and almost all have verandas. Guests can relax and find comfort in the spacious gym, sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis.
Ocean Explorer features ample outdoor viewing areas and multi-height outer decks, which are ideal for long-view photography and wildlife viewing. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of 15 Zodiacs that enable guests to get off the ship quickly and safely for off-ship adventures. In addition to the well-appointed and spacious public areas, Ocean Explorer has an industry-leading mix of sustainability systems, including fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines.
Two Story Library
Light-filled interior library—at the bow of the ship— allows guests to sit and relax indoors while taking in the surrounding polar landscapes from their choice of two levels.
Leading Edge Sustainability
With the latest sustainability technology in polar expedition, the ship features fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines and the ground-breaking MAGS gasification system that converts waste into energy, eliminating the environmental impact of waste transportation.
ULSTEIN X-Bow
In addition to forming the double-story library, the innovative X-Bow design ensures calm, energy-efficient sailing in rough waters.
High Observation Outdoor Decks
Observation areas on Decks 7 and 8 allow for higher, longer-view landscape photography while contending with less sea spray.
Quiet and Comfortable
Spacious and luxurious cabins ensure your quiet ambience with no sound disturbance from adjoining cabins—and almost all cabins feature a balcony for outdoor viewing.
Stunning Interior Design
Each interior element was carefully hand-picked by designers for you to enjoy, from the dramatic two-story forward lounge, the floor-to-ceiling glass refuge in the library, to the grand fixtures and luxe furnishings throughout the ship.
Main Dining Room
Contemporary meets cozy in this modern dining room with its stylish lighting and contemporary art. Located on Deck 5, the Main Dining Room seats 144 guests, and features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto the spectacular polar wilderness.
Private Dining Room
Tasteful and intimate. This stylish, private dining room on deck 5 provides a relaxed dining experience—with views of the polar landscape—for up to 36 guests.
The Latitude Bar
A popular social hub on Deck 5, the beautifully-lit Latitude Bar—with its lush sofas and faux marble-topped end tables—is large enough to seat 46 and is ideal for enjoying a quiet drink on your own or hanging out with friends.
Library
Located on Deck 6 at the top of the gorgeous atrium staircase, this beautiful Library with floor-to-ceiling glass, accommodates up to 47 people
Dry Sauna
After a day of exciting off-ship adventure, guests can relax on the sauna’s traditional wood benches while gazing at the polar wilderness just outside the large sauna windows. Accommodates 15 people on Deck 7.
Fitness Center
Stay fit with the latest work-out equipment in the Fitness Center on Deck 7.
Jacuzzis
Two outdoor Jacuzzis on deck 7, at the ship’s stern, mean you can relax alfresco while soaking up the breath-taking polar views.
Observation Lounge
This stylish lounge at the top of the ship guarantees incredible views. Guests also frequent this spacious lookout on Deck 8 to enjoy cocktails and conversation with fellow travelers. Seats 63.