Magellan Explorer

Named after the famed explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, the 298-ft Magellan Explorer was built in 2019 as the world’s first ice-class expedition cruise ship custom-designed for Antarctic air-cruise operations.

What makes your cruise different from all the rest is that instead of boarding right away and spending long days crossing the Drake Passage to reach Antarctica, you’ll save time by taking a two-hour plane ride from Punta Arenas straight to the White Continent itself. And what’s more, with capacity limited to just 73 guests and with 60 crew members, the Magellan Explorer has one of the best crew-to-guest ratios in Antarctica and subsequently excellent customer service levels.

Life On Board

On board, the accessible bow allows you to get close to the water level for exceptional wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities. You can enjoy a forward-facing observation lounge with a  bar, and it’s here that the expert polar guides will deliver their fascinating educational programs. Daily briefings also take place here.

The outdoor observation deck offers expansive views and close contact with the natural environment that surrounds you. The spacious dining room accommodates all guests and expedition staff in a single sitting. It has large windows for sightseeing while enjoying a delicious meal; breakfasts and lunches are presented buffet-style, with table service for dinner. Premium Chilean wines are served with lunch and dinner. Barbeques can be enjoyed on the deck when the weather is good in a protected outdoor barbeque area.

The ship offers local intranet with international news, daily programs and a medical clinic. Wireless internet is available throughout the ship for free for a limited amount of data, after which an additional cost applies.

Lodgings on your Magellan Explorer cruise are available in seven different accommodation categories. Starting from the dedicated single Porthole Cabins and rising to the opulence of the Grand Suite with its king-size bed, separate living area with queen-size sofa bed and coffee table, and a private balcony with sitting area.

All cabins feature a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, and a private bathroom with a shower and heated floors. All but the single Porthole Cabins feature private balconies, and all double cabins, except for two, have twin beds that can be converted into a king-size bed.

Antarctic Activities

There are 10 Zodiac boats onboard for exploration and shore excursions. These embark from a dedicated area equipped with hangers, lockers and sitting facilities to prepare for exploration. At an additional cost, the Magellan Explorer ship also offers various polar activities, such as kayaking, hiking and snowshoeing.

On board, when you’re not on the observation deck, you’ll find a meeting room with an interactive science lab, a library filled with Antarctic-themed books in multiple languages, a gift shop, a sauna offering the best way to warm up after exposure to the freezing air, and a fitness center with panoramic windows to ensure that you don’t miss any whale tails while you’re working out.

Safety & Sustainability

The environmentally-friendly vessel is built to the latest Polar Code specifications and carries a Polar Ice-Class 6 certification with ice-detecting radar, state-of-the-art navigation and double hull construction. She features stabilizers for comfortable navigation, as well as bow and stern thrusters for excellent maneuverability.

Specific measures have been taken to minimize the ship’s carbon footprint, and she is equipped with state-of-the-art efficient engines and meets the most rigorous emission standards in the industry.

Designed for adventure and with your comfort in mind, the Magellan Explorer combines expedition excellence with luxurious boutique hospitality in line with the company’s philosophy of small, sustainable cruises, focused on preserving your experience as well as the environment. Perfect for active, adventure-loving couples, singles, groups of friends and families with older kids.