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

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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

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