Why we like the Ocean Explorer
- The energy-efficient X-bow design cuts through waves and reduces noise, vibration and pitching to improve guest comfort at sea
- With just 138 passengers on board, this vessel offers an intimate social atmosphere while benefiting from spacious social areas and deck space
- A high ice-class PC6 rating allows for confident navigation in Antarctica’s waters
- An impressive expedition team to guest ratio of 1:6
- 2 outdoor Jacuzzis and a sizzling sauna are perfect for warming up after a chilly landing
- 95% of the generously sized cabins have balconies, so you never miss a spectacular view
- Double height windows flood the library and lounge with Antarctic light
Photos of the Ocean Explorer
Your Antarctic vessel
The atrium
The restaurant
The Discovery Library
The bar
Presentation lounge
Main dining room
Fitness suite
The sauna
Jacuzzi
Voyages aboard the Ocean Explorer
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
4.6 out of 5
Antarctic Fly & Cruise Safari
If you’re keen to fly to Antarctica instead of sailing, this 8-day trip is ideal, with a choice of dates in December and January. Travel on outstanding modern expedition ships with a maximum of 140 passengers. Active adventurers can enjoy…
- 8 Days
- $16,795
4.8 out of 5
Antarctic Explorer
The great strength of this trip is choice – a wide selection of departure dates and optional adventure activities available on a sleek purpose-built 138 passenger expedition ship. Spend four full days exploring Antarctica. Enjoy daily shore landings and zodiac…
- 11 Days
- $16,495
Voyage south in Shackleton’s footsteps, exploring the Southern Ocean's highlights as part of this expansive 20-day adventure. A well-balanced itinerary gives plenty of time in each jaw-dropping location. Explore from the comfort of your sleek purpose-built expedition ship, accompanied by…
- 20 Days
- $32,495
4.7 out of 5
Fly & Cruise Polar Circle
This impressive voyage combines all the comfort and speed of flying in both directions with extended time in Antarctica (7 full days), allowing you to head south towards the remote Antarctic Circle. Explore from the comfort of your outstanding purpose-built…
- 10 Days
- $26,995
5 out of 5
Antarctic Circle Odyssey
Sail south to the iconic Polar Circle for 7 full days exploring the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula as part of an epic 14-day adventure. Pre-voyage hotel night in Ushuaia and a 3-in-1 parka jacket are included. An optional one-off…
- 14 Days
- $20,995
The most time-efficient trip for combining the top highlights of the Southern Ocean: the dramatic Antarctic Peninsula and the wildlife mecca of South Georgia. Travelling on a comfortable, ice-strengthened expedition ship you'll experience everything from king penguin rookeries to vast…
- 18 Days
- $26,395
By sailing south across the Drake Passage then flying north in just two hours, this itinerary blends the adventure of arriving in Antarctica by ship with the speed of a quick exit. The risk of weather-related flight delays is removed…
- 10 Days
- $16,795
If you’re undecided between sailing or flying to Antarctica, why not choose both with this combination trip? A two hour flight south provides fast access to the White Continent, then after four incredible days of exploring, you’ll sail back across…
- 10 Days
- $17,995
Lizzie says
The Ocean Explorer is so delightfully quiet you sometimes don’t realise you are moving until you see the icebergs gliding past! I also love the heated bathroom floors – a thoughtful touch and perfect for drying off wet kit after a snowy day out exploring.
Lizzie Williams Polar Product & Partnerships Manager
Why our customers love Swoop
The Antarctic Experts.
No Compromises
Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.
Expert impartial advice at no extra cost
Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist
We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.
A full concierge service, unlike booking direct
We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.
Cabin Categories
*Note that the above measurements are approximate averages and exact cabin size can vary
The ship has 70 spacious en-suite staterooms. All cabins have a small fridge, safe and widescreen television with a state of the art ‘infotainment system” that can live-stream lectures to your room. Bathrooms are equipped with heated floors, and bathrobes, slippers, a hairdryer and toiletries are provided. Complimentary basic WiFi is available for one device per guest.
Some cabins are equipped with a sofa bed, so please let us know if you are looking for triple occupancy options. Connecting cabin options are also available. For those travelling solo, the ship has two dedicated solo occupancy cabins. Alternatively, it is possible to book a same-sex twin berth share in some of the cabin categories.
Owner's Suite
- Located on Deck 7
- Total cabin size of 443ft² / 41m² with a huge 197ft² / 18m² balcony
- 2 room suite with 2 bathrooms
- Main bedroom with double bed, which can be configured into 2 singles
- Main ensuite bathroom with bathtub, vanity and heated floor
- Additional bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor
- Living area with sofa bed, chair and 4 seat dining table
- Access to the triple balcony from both rooms
Penthouse Suite
- Located on Deck 7
- Cabin size of 269ft² / 25m² with large 122ft² / 11m² balcony
- 2 room suite with double balcony
- Main bedroom with double bed, which can be configured into 2 singles
- Sitting area with sofa bed and television
- Main bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor
- Powder room with additional toilet in outside sitting area
Junior Suite
- Located on Deck 6
- Cabin size of 297ft² / 27m² with a 104ft² / 9.7m² balcony
- 2 room suite
- Bedroom with double bed that can be configured into 2 singles
- Sitting room with sofa bed and double desk area
- Ensuite with bathtub, vanity and heated floor
Veranda Suite
- Decks 4 and 6
- Cabin size of approximately 200-205sq² / 18.6-19.1m² with a balcony of approximately 242-263sq² / 3.9-5.4m²
- Double bed can be configured into 2 singles
- Separate sitting area with a sofa bed
- Floor to ceiling glass doors opening onto the balcony
- Ensuite with shower, vanity and heated floor
Veranda Stateroom
- Located throughout the ship
- Cabin size of approximately 173-272sq² / 16.1-25.3m² with a balcony of approximately 42-117sq² / 3.9-10.9m²
- Double bed that can be configured into 2 singles
- Separate sitting area
- Two club chairs and coffee table (except cabins 611 and 612)
- Floor to ceiling glass doors opening to balcony
- En suite with shower, vanity and heated floor
Deluxe Veranda Fwd
- Located on Deck 4
- Cabin size of approximately 168-195ft² / 15.6-18.1m² with circa 38-44ft² / 3.5-4.1m² balcony (some variations of sizing of room and balcony from cabin to cabin)
- Double bed can be configured into 2 singles
- Floor to ceiling glass doors opening to balcony
- En suite with shower, vanity and heated floor
Studio Veranda Single
- Located on Deck 7
- Cabin size of 162ft² / 15m² with 76ft² / 7m² balcony
- One single twin bed
- Floor to ceiling glass doors opening to generous balcony
- En suite with shower, vanity and heated floor
Studio Single
- Located on Deck 3
- Cabin size from 166ft² / 15.4m²
- Double bed
- Porthole view
- Desk and chair
- En suite with shower, vanity and heated floor
Ocean Explorer's deck plan
Onboard Communications & Facilities
- The ship offers a complimentary low data WiFi service for basic internet browsing and voice applications. Each guest can log on using one device at a time
- Plugs: European 220V sockets with two round pins
- USB-A sockets
- 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.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
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.
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