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Ocean Explorer

  • Ocean Explorer Ship
  • Antarctica – Quark – Ocean Explorer – Studio veranda state cabin
  • Antarctica – Quark – Ocean Explorer – Dining room
  • Antarctica – Quark – Ocean Explorer – Jacuzzi
  • Antarctica – Quark – Ocean Explorer – observation deck
  • Antarctica – Quark – Ocean Explorer – sauna
  • Antarctica – Quark – Ocean Explorer – restaurant
  • Antarctica – Quark – Ocean Explorer – Royal veranda state cabin
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A modern ship perfectly designed for Antarctic waters.

The Ocean Explorer, built in 2021, is a specialist Polar vessel whose unusual bow design enables passengers to enjoy a smoother, more relaxing journey than most other ships sailing in rough or icy waters. This not only makes crossing the infamous Drake Passage noticeably more stable, but also more fuel-efficient.

The Scandinavian-style cabins are completely sound-proofed, though most come with verandas if you want to enjoy the sounds or indeed silence, of your surrounds. Communal areas include a library, observation deck, sauna and gym, as well as two outdoor Jacuzzis. The dining room offers a relaxed and spacious environment to enjoy meals and there is a stylish bar where you can enjoy a drink alone or mingle with your fellow passengers.

The fleet size of 15 Zodiacs means that even when the ship is operating at its maximum capacity of 138 passengers, everyone is able to take part in off ship excursions at the same time.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • Highlights were South Georgia – amazing king penguin colony, bathing in thermal pool and cooling off in Whalers Bay on deception island, the open air party as we left Paradise…

    HG, Surbition Feb 2010
  • The whole experience of sailing across Antarctica was amazing, but being able to visit Scott's at Cape Evans was probably the pinnacle of the trip.

    JW, Bedford Jan 2020
  • Every bit was memorable from the rough sea crossings to the wonderful remoteness of the destination and the absolutely fantastic wildlife.

    HD, London Feb 2015
  • Highlights: “Setting foot on Antarctica and seeing the wildlife in its natural habitat.  The first part had always been an ambition of mine”

    SM, Dennie Jan 2010
  • Most memorable experience: "The whales in Wilhelmina Bay. Our expedition leader said that this was the best he had seen in his 19 years of leading these trips."

    RW, Teddington Feb 2014
  • Most Memorable Experience: “The Awesome Beauty of a Sunny Antarctica!”

    AW, Nottingham Dec 2012
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Our Expert's Opinion

Maggie
Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Kathryn
    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

  • Mary
    Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert

    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

  • Paul Winrow Giffin
    Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert

    After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.

  • Maggie
    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

  • Sallly
    Sally Dodge - Travel Expert

    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

  • Juliet
    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

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