Ship

National Geographic Explorer

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Ship overview:

The Explorer spent her first 20 years of life scurrying along the coast and fjords of Norway as part of the "Hurtigruten" (or the Coastal Express), so she's perfectly suited to exploring the glacial waters of the Antarctic. 

Prices per person

From $0

Prices based on two people sharing
Ship Capacity

148 passengers

Year built

Constructed in 1982

Expedition staff to guest ratio

1:12

Optional activities

Paddling

Why We Like This Ship

  • With capacity for 148 guests, she combines all of the advantages of travelling on a small ship, with the superior stability and facilities of a larger one
  • Retractable gyroscopic stabilising fins help reduce roll by 70-80%, while the strengthened bows to the highest 1A categorisation maximise safety in icy waters
  • A dedicated Mud Room and dual zodiac loading areas ensure slick and speedy logistics and no waiting time during zodiac operations
  • Superior onboard safety features, including ice radar and forward-scanning sonar help identify uncharted obstacles and the safest routes
  • The panoramic Observation Lounge & Library are very popular places with all guests
  • An onboard ROV capturing rare underwater footage and photographic gear available for loan by guests are both unique to this ship
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Alex says

I've now been aboard National Geographic Explorer twice and can't get enough. From her stunning panoramic observation lounge to the retractable stabilisers, and even photo equipment which you can loan, they've thought of everything. Then throw in some of the best expedition staff in the business.

Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Antarctica

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What customers think about the National Geographic Explorer

The expedition crew were all professionals and very knowledgable. The housekeeping crew were amazing. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Yuan Soohan Han - Thailand

It was the perfect ship for us! I love that I was welcomed on the bridge by the captain(s) at any time. The accommodations were lovely, the gift shop was great, the food was outstanding, the bar was plentiful(!), the staff were sooooo wonderful... I can't say enough good things. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Love Zubiller - USA

Review:

National Geographic Antarctica Cruises

Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.

Explore the Antarctic Peninsula

Travelling aboard a state-of-the-art small ship and accompanied by unparalleled onboard expertise, expeditionary cruising doesn’t get much better. Regular departures throughout the season and a choice of three outstanding ships renowned for their comfort, enhanced safety features and spirit of…

  • 12 Days
  • $15,380
South Georgia, Falklands and Antarctica In-Depth

This voyage was devised by a team with 50 years of polar expedition experience. From the balance of time exploring each location to the wealth of onboard expertise, the trip has real pedigree. Explore aboard a thoughtfully designed expedition vessel…

  • 22 Days
  • $27,200
Antarctic Express Fly & Cruise

Fast-tracking your arrival into Antarctica by flying and skipping the Drake Passage means a compressed journey of only 2 hours before embarking on your spacious and well-appointed 148 guest expeditionary ship. Touches other travellers have appreciated include the onboard National…

  • 8 Days
  • $11,975
Antarctic Express Sail & Fly

Enjoy the best of both worlds by sailing south, experiencing the journey across the Drake Passage and the elation of spotting your first iceberg, then expedite your return to civilisation by plane at the end. In between, spend four days…

  • 10 Days
  • $11,950
Antarctica & Patagonia In Depth

This extraordinary voyage offers a rare chance to immerse yourself in two of the planet’s wildest destinations on a comfortable, state-of-the-art expedition ship. Spend 4 or 5 days exploring the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula before the focus shifts to navigating Patagonia’s…

  • 17 or 18 Days
  • $26,262

Onboard Communications & Facilities

If you wish to stay in touch, even in Antarctica, you can choose from the options below:

  • Satellite phone: For making personal calls
  • Internet: Ethernet, WiFi lounges and Internet card available

Please note that this is only for light data traffic and that the above services are subject to extra charges. 

Other facilities include:

  • Plugs: European 220V two-round-pinned sockets and North American 120V two-flat-pinned sockets
  • Towels, toiletries and hair dryers
  • Laundry service (additional cost)

Find Your Antarctic Ship

Choosing the right ship is crucial, given the amount of time you'll spend on board. Swoop is experienced at helping match our customers to exactly the right ship.

Find your Antarctic ship

Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?

1
Listen

Listen

We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.

2
Match

Match

Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.

3
Reserve

Reserve

We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.

With over 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.

1-888-970-4570