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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

  • Most Memorable Experience: “The Awesome Beauty of a Sunny Antarctica!”

    AW, Nottingham Dec 2012
  • Most memorable experience: "A hard question to answer, but probably being able to walk on the continent, and not just strolling along the shore line, but fairly serious walking on…

    HW, New Romney Feb 2014
  • 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
  • This was a trip of a lifetime. The scale of the natural beauty of Antarctica is overwhelming.  The icebergs, penguins ,mountains and sunshine which reflected it all in the clear…

    AW, Stanmore Jan 2013
  • 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
  • Antarctica “Best holiday we have ever had.”

    MR, West Malling Dec 2012
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Our Expert's Opinion

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.

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Sophie
    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

  • Heloise
    Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

    Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

  • 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.

  • Carrie
    Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

  • 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.

  • 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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