Antarctica Cruises, Antarctica
Ocean Explorer
Glide through icy waters with unmatched stability
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the Ocean Explorer is purpose-built for intrepid expeditions into the heart of Antarctica and the Arctic. With an innovative, inverted bow design, it’s engineered to slice through churning waters like the Drake Passage, effectively reducing their impact for a smoother journey. Other distinct features include a fleet of 15 Zodiacs for transporting you deeper into the frozen wilderness of the Polar regions, as well as a seasoned expedition team that will share their knowledge through captivating presentations in a cutting-edge lecture lounge.
From the Ocean Explorer’s various outdoor viewing areas and multi-height outer decks, you can gaze out at colossal ice cliffs and breathtaking glaciers without interruption. They also double as unrivalled vantage points for spotting wildlife. Inside, enormous two-storey glass windows in the library and forward lounge ensure you’ll enjoy the dramatic scenery from within. There’s also a stylish observation lounge and a panoramic sauna in the spa. At the vessel’s stern, al fresco Jacuzzis invite you to unwind in pure bliss as icy landscapes unfold before you.
The Ocean Explorer accommodates 138 guests on each voyage across 72 cabins. These are elegantly modern and spacious, with many leading out to verandas, perfect for watching albatrosses soar overhead. For the ultimate indulgence, stay in the Owner’s Suite. This spacious retreat features a master bedroom, a living room and a dining area situated on the highest cabin level, allowing for wide-sweeping views
Highlights
Experience smooth sailing thanks to the vessel's inverted bow design
Cruise between tabular icebergs during Zodiac excursions
Deepen your knowledge through fascinating talks delivered by your expedition team
Search for wildlife from multi-height outer decks
Reset with a rejuvenating sauna session in between landings
Soak up the icy landscapes from the outdoor Jacuzzis
Choose the Owner’s Suite for the most spectacular views
Trip inspiration
Plan your trip to the Polar regions
Whatever you want from your adventure in the Polar regions, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Places to combine with Ocean Explorer
Torres del Paine
You wouldn’t think that the spectacular Patagonian region of Torres del Paine could get any better regarding luxurious design-led hotels, but it has, courtesy of the exclusive sibling hotel to Awasi Atacama, and the only lodge in the area to offer tailor-made excursions for each guest. Adding to that, a portion of the proceeds from each guest’s stay helps to support The Awasi Patagonia Conservation Project, which aims to create a natural corridor for wildlife. Awasi guides also help to monitor the puma populations and keep hunters away, increasing the properties, and its guests, positive impact on the region.
14 wooden-clad, shipping crate-style ‘villas’, which were inspired by the old outpost shelters, lie scattered over the wind-protected private reserve, facing the epic Lake Sarmiento and the famous three-tower peaks. Inside, the warming and minimal Scandinavian cabin decor nicely cushions you from the harsh weather outside, with natural wood interiors, large inviting beds, your own living room with log fireplaces, a hot tub and with every modern amenity to hand. The master villa, which has two bedrooms, is perfect for families.
The dispersal of these freestanding villas befits the solitude of your surroundings, giving you a pleasing level of privacy but also a heightened experience of the landscape’s isolation.
The main house, just a short walk from the villas, features a Relais & Chateaux restaurant, terrace and living area. Awasi is renowned not only for its style, but for tailoring its tours to each individual guest and for serving delectable gourmet food. Guests can choose whatever excursions they want to do, without having to compromise for the sake of a group.
Torres del Paine
It’s this hotel’s bizarrely beautiful shape, designed to imitate that of a sun-bleached fossil on the ruggedly wild shores of Lake Sarmiento, which makes Tierra Patagonia such a striking place to stay. In fact, this sustainable lodge is known worldwide for its innovative architecture, which blends naturally into the landscape. The revitalised pampa, where the complex is based, has benefited from great conservation efforts, as well as focus on minimising footprint in this beautiful area.
This impressive blonde-wooded, design-led ‘shell’ houses 40 simple yet sophisticated Scandinavian-style rooms. Their exposed timber interiors create a tangible Sauna-like warmth that contrasts well with the views of the desolate pampas outside. There are family apartments of two adjoining rooms available, as well as the extensive Uma Spa, which is particularly welcomed after a hard day hiking the Torres del Paine National Park, which is simple given the hotel’s superb team of guides and the varied activities on offer here. From horse riding to climbing, this great range of opportunities means you really can take full advantage of your truly magnificent surrounds.
