ocean Ship

Magellan Explorer

by Antarctica 21

About this ship

The Magellan Explorer Ship

  • Built in

    2019

  • Capacity

    76

  • By

    Antarctica 21

The Magellan Explorer stands as a pioneer in modern polar travel, designed specifically to facilitate Antarctica21’s fly-cruise expeditions. By combining a high-tech Polar Class 6 ice hull with the aesthetics of a boutique hotel, this vessel allows you to bypass the turbulent Drake Passage by air and board directly in Antarctica. While the ship can physically hold more passengers, occupancy is capped at just 73 guests for air-cruises. This deliberate limitation ensures that every traveler can disembark for shore landings at the same time—eliminating the rotation shifts common on larger ships—giving you maximum time on land to photograph penguin colonies and hike glaciated peaks.

On board, the experience is defined by intimate luxury and forward-thinking design. Almost all cabins feature private balconies, allowing you to wake up to the crackle of brash ice right outside your window. Between excursions, you can retreat to the glass-enclosed observation lounge, work out in a gym designed by Anytime Fitness, or warm up in the sauna with panoramic views of the polar landscape. Sustainability is also central to the ship’s engineering, utilizing a sophisticated heat recovery system to recycle engine heat for the ship’s water supply and heating. From the single-seating dining room serving premium Chilean wines to the fleet of 10 Zodiacs ready for adventure, the Magellan Explorer offers a seamless blend of rugged capability and refined comfort.

Sailings on this ship

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Suites

Discover suites on this ship

Penthouse Suite

355 sq. feet

-

Penthouse Suite with balcony, bathroom, sitting and bed area.

Deluxe Suite

474 sq. feet

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balcony, bathroom and either 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed

Deluxe Veranda Cabin

237 sq. feet

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Veranda Cabin: balcony, bathroom, and either 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed.

Veranda Cabin

205 sq. feet

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Veranda Cabin: balcony, bathroom, and either 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed.

Porthole Cabin

194 sq. feet

-

Cabin with sitting area and porthole

Single Veranda Cabin-SOLO

205 sq. feet

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Cabin with sitting area and balcony

Itineraries on this ship

Antarctica 21: Boutique Air-Cruise Experiences

Why Antarctica 21

Antarctica 21: Boutique Air-Cruise Experiences

Antarctica21 pioneered the air-cruise to Antarctica, a way to reach the continent in comfort and without wasted time. Where traditional Antarctic cruises spend two days crossing the Drake Passage, the open and often rough stretch of ocean south of South America, Antarctica21 flies guests straight to King George Island. That skips the long sea days and leaves more time for exploring. Once there, guests board one of Antarctica21's small expedition ships, built for an intimate, personal experience in one of the most remote places on Earth.

Each voyage is built around a memorable polar adventure, with expert-led excursions, Zodiac landings (Zodiacs are the small inflatable boats used to go ashore), and guided hikes that bring you close to glaciers, towering icebergs, and wildlife such as penguins, seals, and whales. With a focus on sustainability, safety, and comfort, these boutique expeditions carry fewer guests, which means more personal service and a deeper connection to the Antarctic environment. On board, you will find comfortable accommodations, gourmet cuisine, and expert lectures that deepen your understanding of the continent's ecosystem and history.

A Curated Selection by Small Ship Travel

At Small Ship Travel we focus on the world's finest small-ship expeditions and hold each one to high standards of comfort, authenticity, and responsible exploration. Antarctica21 has been carefully vetted and chosen as a partner in our collection, which reflects our commitment to the best small-ship experiences available.

With its mix of adventure and comfort, Antarctica21 fits our aim of offering journeys that are both immersive and well-run. We are a small specialist agency, and we work closely with Antarctica21 to build tailor-made itineraries so every part of your Antarctic voyage, from first planning to final departure, is handled with care.

Book with Confidence

As specialists in small-ship travel, Small Ship Travel offers priority access, expert guidance, and concierge-level service to improve your Antarctica21 experience. From choosing the right itinerary to arranging pre- and post-expedition stays, private transfers, and gear recommendations, we take care of every detail.

Plan your Antarctic voyage with Antarctica21 and Small Ship Travel, where smart logistics, exploration, and comfort come together for a trip to the White Continent. Contact us today to start planning your expedition.

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*$250 credit applies to a non-cruise portion of your booking and is only available to new clients who have not previously booked with Small Ship Travel.

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