Ocean Diamond Antarctic Cruises

Sea Spirit

Like some of the birds we see in the Arctic and Antarctica, our m/v Sea Spirit is migratory and follows the sun, northbound in the summer and southbound in the winter, always ready for spontaneous discoveries — a pod of whales, a family of polar bears or a glaciated mountain vista. She is highly maneuverable and capable of navigating the narrow fjords of East Greenland and entering the small bays of Spitsbergen. In 2017, she was renovated to offer a unique mixture of adventure and comfort for our sophisticated travelers. Sea Spirit has been retrofitted with Rolls Royce Zero Speed Stabilizers that allow safe, stable navigation through icy waters. The operational benefits of the new retractable fin stabilizers include reducing the ship's roll when anchored, moored, or drifting, reducing dynamic drag when deployed while underway, and eliminating vibration and noise. Onboard, we create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for all our guests. They are united by one goal — to have a memorable wilderness experience and to become real polar adventurers. We believe that first-hand travel to such places makes one an ambassador for conservation, and helps strengthen our resolve to protect these natural environments for future generations.

Magellan Explorer

Welcome aboard the Magellan Explorer, an ultra-modern expedition cruise ship built for the Antarctic. An Antarctic trip aboard the Magellan Explorer is unlike the rest. Instead of boarding your cruise ship right away and spending long days crossing the Drake Passage to get to the Antarctica, you’ll take a two-hour plane ride from Punta Arenas straight to the continent itself. This flight will save you time, and you’ll be able to head straight to the Antarctic action. A Magellan Explorer is a pioneer air-cruise is designed for adventure and with your comfort in mind. To manage environmental impact, the Antarctic Treaty limits the numbers of visitors on shore to maximum 100 at one time. A Magellan Explorer air-cruise comfortably accommodates only 73 guests so everyone can go ashore at the same time. This means that you will spend more time ashore, rather than waiting your turn to disembark the ship. The Magellan Explorer cruise ship offers 7 different categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. All cabins except for the Porthole cabins have a private balcony for your enjoyment. All cabins feature a wardrobe, an individually controlled heating system, a private bathroom, a sitting area, and heated floors. The Magellan Explorer cruise ship also features a beautiful glass-enclosed observation lounge deck for guests to awe over the incredible Antarctic views. Guests are welcome to take part in the polar discussions in the presentation room with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment. The polar cruise ship also offers a library, a boutique gym built by the professionals at Anytime Fitness, a sauna, and a medial clinic. The Magellan Explorer comes equipped with a fleet of 10 Zodiac boats, perfectly suited for an Antarctic adventure and a closer look at the flora and fauna. The observation deck aboard the cruise ship also leads to the bow of the ship where guests and crew can better spot marine wildlife. A Magellan Explorer air-cruise is the most modern way to explore the amazing Antarctic region. Time-saving, comfortable, and intimate, this air-cruise rethinks polar exploration for those who have a limited amount of travel time.

Magellan Discoverer

Anticipating a new era of Antarctic exploration, the Magellan Discoverer is the highly anticipated sister ship to the Magellan Explorer. Built on more than 20 years of experience with Antarctic air-cruise expeditions, this ship develops the fly-cruise concept further, designed for those who seek comfort, adventure, and efficiency. The Magellan Discoverer allows guests to bypass the Drake Passage via a direct two-hour flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Antarctica, letting travelers spend more time immersed in the continent’s stunning landscapes. This new vessel will host a small, intimate group of 73 guests, all of whom can disembark at once, maximizing time spent ashore. Each expedition includes a skilled team of 12 expert polar guides, dedicated to creating an unforgettable and safe experience. Accommodation options include seven cabin categories with private balconies (except for Porthole cabins), providing a cozy retreat with heated floors, yacht-inspired furnishings, and personal sitting areas for relaxation after a day of discovery. Guests can also enjoy an elegant glass-enclosed observation lounge, where they can appreciate the dramatic scenery of Antarctica while staying warm, as well as a lecture room for insightful presentations. Onboard amenities include a library, a sauna, a gym by Anytime Fitness, and a medical clinic. The ship’s fleet of 10 Zodiacs offers up-close encounters with the Antarctic shores and wildlife, while the observation deck leads to the bow for optimal marine-life viewing.

Hebridean Sky

Hebridean Sky is still sailing, but Polartours is not currently offering voyages aboard her. The information on this page describes the former 75-guest air-cruise product, when the ship carried up to 75 guests. We are keeping that distinction clear because the vessel's current configuration is materially different from the product shown here. What made the former product stand out was the contrast between active Antarctic days and a warm, classically styled all-suite base. Flying to the Antarctic Peninsula reduced time at sea, while ten Zodiacs supported an efficient expedition rhythm. Between outings, The Club, the library, the presentation lounge and the wraparound deck gave guests easy places to compare sightings, listen to the expedition team or simply watch the landscape. Every suite in this historic configuration had a sitting area, private bathroom and picture window. Some categories added a private balcony, while the two Triple Suites used a sofa bed suitable for a third guest up to 1.70 metres tall. The appeal was comfort and intimacy rather than resort-style facilities: past traveller reports repeatedly praised the expedition team, crew, food and Zodiac handling, while also noting that cabins could feel compact and that sea conditions still shaped the journey. What we still like about this former configuration is how clearly the ship supported the expedition itself. It suited travellers who valued access, guiding and a sociable small-ship atmosphere more than spas or extensive entertainment. For a current voyage, however, please ask us about ships and departures that Polartours is actively offering today.