Ocean Explorer

A modern 138-guest expedition ship with 15 Zodiacs and wide observation decks

A polar cruise on board the Ocean Explorer

19 Reviews

Luxury

What we love about the Ocean Explorer

A 138-guest expedition ship with a fleet of 15 Zodiacs.

A light-filled, two-storey library at the bow.

Private verandas in most cabins and multi-height outdoor viewing decks.

Ocean Explorer is a modern, purpose-built expedition ship for up to 138 guests. Its Ulstein X-Bow, 15 Zodiacs, multi-height outdoor decks and light-filled, two-storey library at the bow are designed around polar travel and wildlife viewing. Most cabins have a private veranda.

The Ready Room keeps expedition gear outside the cabin areas. Between outings, guests can use the observation spaces, Tundra Spa & Sauna, gym and two outdoor Jacuzzis. The combination gives guests several places to watch the landscape or step away from busier shared areas between excursions. The veranda-heavy cabin plan also gives most guests direct outdoor access between landings, which is useful when wildlife appears during time on board.

We would shortlist Ocean Explorer for travellers who want contemporary interiors, generous viewing areas and a broad cabin choice. With 138 guests, it is not among the smallest expedition ships, so travellers whose first priority is the lowest possible guest count may prefer a smaller vessel. Routes, landings and activities remain subject to weather, ice, wildlife and the expedition team's decisions.

Dates & Prices of Ocean Explorer

When would you like to travel?

Dates

Trip

Info

Status

Price

Could not find your preferred date?

Amenities on board the Ocean Explorer

Library

Kayaks on board

English guides

Expedition Parka

Bar

Internet/Wifi

Interconnecting cabins

TV in room

All meals

Mudroom

Observation Lounge

Restaurant

Sauna

Observation Deck

Gym on board

Hot Tub

Water, Coffee, Tea & fresh juices

Zodiac Fleet

Medical Services

Food & Drinks on board the Ocean Explorer

Ocean Explorer has two main dining venues. The Main Dining Room on Deck 5 seats 144 guests, while the Observation Bistro seats up to 44 and serves lighter fare and grab-and-go snacks.

Breakfast and lunch are normally buffet-style and dinner is plated. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are labelled, and most special dietary requests can be accommodated when declared on the expedition forms. Kosher food cannot be prepared.

Ocean Explorer's take on sustainable traveling

Double/Matrimonial + sofa bed

Max. occupancy:

More about this cabin

More info about the Ocean Explorer

Luxury

Type

Large Ship

Cruising speed

16.5 knots

Draft

17.3ft (5.3 m)

Class

1A, PC6

Main Engines

Rolls Royce

Length

342 ft (104.4 m)

Capacity

138 Crew members

105 Safety

2 safety boats

Reviews of Ocean Explorer

Fiona

Ocean Explorer

Luxury

Cabin was very comfortable with plenty of room. You could turn the heat up in the bathroom which meant and washing you did dried very quickly. All the staff were so attentive and helpful - from cleaning staff, to waiters, to reception. Food was amazing ... in fact it was too good, I'll have to go on a diet when I get home! Source: https://tinyurl.com/28fhkg6p

Lindsey

Ocean Explorer

Luxury

The Ocean Explorer was such a wonderful ship. The layout was great and all the common were very nice. There were multiple different areas you could go and sit around the boat and be with fellow passengers or find quiet corners to take it all in by yourself. The library was great, as well as the meeting room, and the observation deck and lounge. I also really appreciated the Ready Room to hold all of the expedition gear so you didn't have to store it in your room as each room got their own locker. One of the parts I liked the best was the dining room. There were tables of all sizes so my husband and I usually sat at a larger table and were able to meet so many different people just by having meals with them. This made the trip a lot of fun. The bathroom was also the biggest bathroom on any cruise ship we have been on with a heated floor. That was such a nice touch after being in the cold all day. Source: https://tinyurl.com/2cys69wj

Suzann

Ocean Explorer

Luxury

Cabinets good but the door was a problem that needed fixing as it kept us awake banging for three nights . It got fixed in the end . Food was exceptional and yes we would definitely choose ocean explorer again . Source: https://tinyurl.com/2yk6x9ep

Sadie

Ocean Explorer

Luxury

I didn’t really have any expectations because I didn’t look at the ship as a key part of booking the trip. But the ship was absolutely amazing and everyone that I’ve shown has been really really impressed. The facilities were amazing including the gym and the hot tub. Source: https://tinyurl.com/2xkjrknu

Cecelia P.

Ocean Explorer

Luxury

Exceeded our expectations! Have never been on a cruise before, we were a bit concerned but the number of passengers did now seem too large. We were very happy with our cabin with the big sliding door and small balcony. We kept the drapes open at all times with the fear we might miss something. Food was amazing! We bonded with several of the hospitality staff who were professional and very warm & friendly. We did not anticipate the variety of cuisine, freshness or high quality. Great wines! Exceptional all! Source: https://tinyurl.com/2be94fca

Fred R.

Ocean Explorer

Luxury

This ship was marvelous and laid out so well. From the library where you could have some quiet time, to the well planned ready room with places for everyone to stow their excursion gear. The food was a good variety whether the buffet or the seated dinners. Being from the Southwest US, 8-days was too long to go without some spectacular red and/or green chiles available with meals (a very minor suggestion for improvement). There were great indoor and outdoor observation areas. The cabins were nicely appointed and had plenty of space and storage. Great to have the soap, shampoo, and lotion dispensers so we could cut down on bringing travel soaps/lotions. The housekeeping staff had everything cleaned multiple times a day - the best service I've ever experienced, anywhere. Thank you, Melek! Source: https://tinyurl.com/29zhvvhg

Similar Ships

Luxury

World Voyager

World Voyager is one of our favourite choices for curious travellers who want the intellectual spark of a true expedition without giving up a beautifully designed ship. Its dedicated Science Hub connects wildlife encounters with the science behind them and, on selected sailings, supports hands-on Science & Discovery activities. It gives the voyage a sense of purpose that continues after each landing. The Ready Room makes preparing for Zodiac outings straightforward; the wraparound Deck 8 with heated seating keeps you outside when the scenery is irresistible; and the theatre gives everyone a proper seat for briefings and expert talks. Depending on the itinerary, days may unfold around the Antarctic Peninsula, south of the Circle, among marine-mammal hotspots or amid South Georgia's penguin colonies. Back on board, World Voyager feels polished rather than formal. There is a spa and sauna, gym, heated outdoor pool with two Jacuzzis, panoramic lounges and quiet space to compare photographs. Every cabin has floor-to-ceiling polar views; most add a walk-out balcony, while Infinity Suites use a floor-to-ceiling Juliet balcony. Choose World Voyager if learning is part of the adventure and you want active expedition days balanced by real comfort. With 168 guests, she is not the smallest ship in Antarctica, but the combination of science, views and recovery spaces is compelling.

Luxury

World Explorer

Welcome aboard the World Explorer! Distinct and comfortable, refined and roomy—these attributes and more describe World Explorer. Every cabin has a private walk-out or French balcony for direct ocean views. World Explorer also delivers spacious public lounge spaces to unwind after a day outdoors, including the glass-domed Observation Lounge, the Explorer Lounge, and a dedicated presentation theater. Health and wellness facilities feature an outdoor walking track, a fitness center, and a spa, plus a sauna with a change room and shower. For the active adventurers, add-ons include kayaking, camping, and stand-up paddleboarding. The ship dress code is casual, though some may choose to dress up a little for the Captain’s Welcome Reception.

Luxury

Ultramarine

Ultramarine is the ship we recommend when you want your polar voyage to feel genuinely ambitious. Its two twin-engine helicopters, 20 Zodiacs and water-level embarkation area turn the ship into an expedition base: on the right itinerary and in the right conditions, you can reach viewpoints and landing areas that a conventional cruise program cannot offer. Whether the route leads through Antarctica, Greenland, Svalbard or the Northwest Passage, the big attraction is how quickly the day moves from briefing room to real exploration. Our clients often come back to us talking about two things: the generous cabin space and how well the off-ship logistics work. Even the entry-level Explorer Suites are large by expedition-ship standards, while heated bathroom floors, sensible storage and dedicated ready rooms make wet gear and early starts much easier. Back on board, the Panorama Lounge, Balena Restaurant, Bistro 487 and the window-lined sauna give you comfortable places to share the day's sightings rather than retreating to your cabin. With up to 199 guests, Ultramarine is not our most intimate polar ship, and we think that is worth saying plainly. Book it if you want a modern, activity-led expedition with serious technical capability, a wide choice of cabins and plenty of comfort between landings. If your priority is the smallest possible group and a very private atmosphere, we would guide you toward a smaller vessel instead. Weather, permits and operating conditions always determine which helicopter and landing activities can run.

Luxury

Silver Wind

Welcome aboard the Silver Wind, an elegant and versatile ship perfectly suited for your Arctic and Antarctic cruise. The Silver Wind underwent a major upgrade in 2018 and the second one in 2020, where it benefited from a new and improved ice-class hull. This strongly reinforced hull will make the Silver Wind well adapted to polar cruising. The service aboard the Silver Wind cruises is exquisite, with a total of 239 crew members ready and eager to serve a maximum of 274 passengers. Her timeless features and luxuriously relaxed atmosphere will make your Arctic or Antarctic cruise experience one to remember. The variety of suite options available on the Silver Wind suit all types of comfort levels. Each suite includes a fully-equipped mini bar, a marble bathroom, a walk-in closet, a bathrobe and slippers, Italian linens, and for your personal preference, a selection of pillows and toiletries to choose from. Many of these beautiful suites come with balconies and range from 240 sq feet (ca. 22 m²) to the largest Owner’s Suite at 587sq feet (ca. 55 m²). The atmosphere aboard the Silver Wind Arctic or Antarctic cruises is international. English is the main language spoken, however, you will most likely meet passengers from all over the world. The mood is sophisticated and tranquil, appropriate for any guest to enjoy. The daytime dress code is casual, as the polar regions require suitable clothing. Within a 7-day cruise, you will be able to participate in one formal night. It is recommended ladies wear a cocktail or evening dress, while gentlemen wear a dark suit or tuxedo. Despite its intimate size, the Silver Wind offers a variety of amenities and entertainment options. Make your Polar cruise a perfect one with a full range of spa treatments at the Zagara Beauty Spa. Relax in the outdoor heated swimming pool, or try your luck at the Casino. The Silver Wind cruises also offer free fitness classes including Yoga, and Pilates as well as a small gym. Passengers of all ages can enjoy the Sports center equipped with a jogging track, a golf cage, paddle tennis, and a putting green. For those looking for a more educational experience during their Arctic or Antarctic cruise onboard the Silver Wind, visit the beautiful Parisian Show Lounge for daily lectures as well as Trivia games, language lessons, live music, and more. The Library also offers audio-listening stations and on-demand movies. Make sure you head to the Observation Lounge for a 270-degree panoramic view of the incredible Polar horizons. Lastly, adults can enjoy the smoking lounge at the Connoisseur’s Corner, furnished with leather armchairs where one can purchase vintage wines, cognacs, and fine cigars.