Ocean Explorer

Small Expedition Cruise Ship

One of the smallest expedition ships in the polar regions, Ocean Explorer offers comfort and an intimate group size.

Why We Love Ocean Explorer

Welcome to the Ocean Explorer, a state-of-the-art expedition ship designed to take you to the most remote destinations in a small group. This ship always gets excellent feedback from our travellers and is a vessel we recommend time and time again. It is an excellent choice for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and those who want to maximise their time ashore, such as kayaking and trekking.

At the core of the Ocean Explorer is its X Bow design, with a two-level observation lounge at the bow with panoramic windows. Surprisingly spacious and stable for a small ship, the Ocean Explorer has lots of space and a stylish interior. Many cabins have private balconies, on-deck hot tubs, and a sauna to relax.

With only 138 guests per voyage, the Ocean Explorer delivers an intimate experience that bigger ships can’t. The expert guide team goes above and beyond, and the small group size means more time ashore.

Highlights Of Ocean Explorer

1

Small Ship, Big Adventures

Join an authentic expedition on the Ocean Explorer, a small expedition ship for 138 guests. The group size is perfect for travellers who want to spend more time exploring remote areas by Zodiac and shore landings.
2

Great For Activities

Due to its size, the Ocean Explorer is an excellent choice for extra-polar activities. Led by polar experts, guests can add to the expedition experience by kayaking, camping, and trekking.
3

Excellent Zodiac to Guest Ratio

Take Zodiacs in the raw nature that can accommodate all guests simultaneously. With the Ocean Explorer’s large fleet of Zodiacs and quick boarding platforms, guests have more time to explore and make memories in the wilderness.
4

State of The Art Design

Get immersed in the Ocean Explorer’s X Bow design, the ship’s bow viewing lounge is a real showstopper. The ship is stable making longer sea passages a comfortable experience.
5

Sustainability and Safety

Leading the way in sustainability, the Ocean Explorer employs the latest technology, from fuel efficiency to GPS anchoring and a waste-to-energy system, for full green credentials.
6

Onboard Comfort

Enjoy the comfort of well-appointed cabins with private balconies, an observation lounge with great views, on-deck hot tubs, a sauna, and a gym. The Ocean Explorer offers high comfort levels and the intimacy of a small group.
7

Best Guides in the Industry

With a great reputation for having the best guides and polar specialists on board, the Ocean Explorer is a pioneer in small-ship expeditions. Whether for activities, wildlife or exploration, the ship’s guides are the best in the industry.

Key Features Of Ocean Explorer

Exterior

Ocean Explorer Xbow

Ulstein X-Bow

The ship features the iconic X-bow design with a viewing lounge looking out through the bow.
Ocean Explorer observation deck

Outdoor Decks

High observation decks on Decks 7 and 8 for landscape photography with minimal sea spray.
Ocean Explorer Jacuzzi

Hot Tubs

Find your bliss in our two hot tubs on Deck 7 at the back of the ship. Relax in these outdoor spaces and take in the polar views.

Interior

Ocean Explorer library

Two Story Library

At the bow of the ship, our light-filled two-story library is the perfect place to relax indoors and enjoy the polar views.
Ocean Explorer

Observation Lounge

Step into our Deck 8 lounge, a great spot to enjoy the views. Seating for 63 guests, this is a visual feast and social hub where guests gather for cocktails and chat.
Ocean Explorer Grand veranda Stateroom

Large and Quiet Cabins

Enjoy the peace of large, comfortable cabins without noise from adjacent rooms. Almost all cabins have a private balcony to take in the outdoor views.
Ocean Explorer Latitude bar

The Latitude Bar

After a day of off-ship activities, relax in the sauna on Deck 7. Look out at the polar wilderness through large windows while sitting on traditional wood benches. The sauna can accommodate 15 people, making it the perfect post-activity retreat.
Ocean Explorer sauna

Dry Sauna

After a day of off-ship activities, relax in the sauna on Deck 7. Look out at the polar wilderness through large windows while sitting on traditional wood benches. The sauna can accommodate 15 people, making it the perfect post-activity retreat.
Ocean Explorer gym

Gym

Get fit in our state-of-the-art gym on Deck 7 with the latest equipment.
ready Rooms Ultramarine

Activity Preparation Room

As the departure point for Zodiac cruising, our large activity preparation room on the ship has changing rooms and lockers so you can quickly and easily change into and out of your gear.

Dining Options

Ocean Explorer dining room

Main Dining Room

The main Dining Room on Deck 5 is modern and cosy. With seating for 144 guests and windows that open out onto the polar view, it’s a dining experience like no other.

Compass Resturant

For a more intimate dining experience, our private dining room on Deck 5 seats up to 36 guests and offers stunning views of the polar landscape.

Ocean Explorer Cabins

Studio Double

Deck 3

175-186 sq. ft. 1-2

One double bed made up of two twin berths

Studio Single

Deck 3

177 sq. ft. 1

One double bed made up of two twin berths

Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom

Deck 4

168-195 sq. ft. 1-2

One double bed made up of two twin berths

Deluxe Veranda Middle Stateroom

Deck 4

203-272 sq. ft. 1-2

One double bed made up of two twin berths plus some with fold out sofa bed

Deluxe Veranda Stateroom

Image Coming Soon

Deck 4

200-205 sq. ft. 1-2

One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

Studio Veranda Stateroom

Deck 6

173 sq. ft. 1-2

One double bed made up of two twin berths

Grand Veranda Stateroom

Deck 6

195-205 sq. ft. 1-2

One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

Junior Suite

Deck 6

296-299 sq. ft. 1-2

Two rooms

One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed

Royal Veranda Stateroom

Deck 4

Deck 6

189-272 sq. ft. 1-2

One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

Studio Veranda Single

Deck 7

238 sq. ft.

1 One twin single

Explorer Suite

Deck 7

269 sq. ft. 1-2

Two rooms

One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed

Owners Suite

Deck 7

443 sq. ft. 1-2

Two rooms

One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed

Ocean Explorer Deck Plan

Ocean Explorer Deck Plan Deck 3

Ocean Explorer Ship Specifications

Length
104 M
Cruising speed
16.5 knots
Ice class
Polar Class PC6
Classification
PC6
Flag
Portugal
Guest decks
6
Guest capacity
132
Zodiacs
15
Gross tonnage
8,076 GT
Motors
2 X Ingeteam
Construction
China

Ocean Explorer Cruises

hiking in snowy landscape in Svalbard
Small Ship
Longyearbyen - Longyearbyen
Aug 3 - Aug 14 2025
11 Nights

Price from per person

£7,752
cruising through ice in Greenland
Small Ship
Reykjavik - Reykjavik
Sep 13 - Sep 23 2025
10 Nights

Price from per person

£6,174
Penguin watching in South Georgia
Small Ship
Ushuaia to Ushuaia
Jan 24 - Feb 10 2026
17 Nights

Price from per person

£14,031
penguins on an Iceberg in Antarctica
Small Ship
Ushuaia - Ushuaia
Dec 10 - Dec 20 2025
10 Nights

Price from per person

£8,420
whale in Antarctica
Small Ship
Ushuaia - Ushuaia
Dec 10 - Dec 20 2024
10 Nights

Price from per person

£8,407
Guests hiking ashore in Antarctica
Small Ship
Ushuaia - Ushuaia
Dec 1 - Dec 11 2024
10 Nights

Price from per person

£7,581

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