Elite Boutique Vessels Built for the Ultimate Polar Expedition
A true Antarctica air cruise requires ships engineered specifically to balance yacht-like luxury with the rugged demands of the polar regions. Our fleet—comprising the acclaimed Magellan Explorer and her state-of-the-art sister ship, Magellan Discoverer—is custom-built to deliver this exact experience.
By capping our passenger numbers at just 76 guests for air-cruise operations, we ensure an ultra-private journey. While larger cruise ships force guests to wait in shifts, our boutique fleet allows every single passenger to board our 10 heavy-duty Zodiacs and land on the ice simultaneously, maximizing your time exploring the White Continent.
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Magellan Explorer
The Blueprint for Modern Polar Yacht Luxury
The Magellan Explorer is a masterpiece of modern maritime architecture, blending cutting-edge Scandinavian interior design with rigorous Ice-Class specifications. Built in Chile by the renowned ASENAV shipyard, she serves as a highly refined, stable basecamp for remote polar navigation.
Key Technical Specifications
- Air-Cruise Capacity: 76 Guests (96 on traditional sea voyages)
- Expedition Staff & Crew: 60 Members
- Classification & Ice-Class: LR PC6 (Polar Class 6)
- Cruising Speed: 14 knots in open water
- Dimensions: Length: 90.7 m | Breadth: 16.2 m | Draft: 4.3 m
- Stabilization: Active retractable stabilizers with high-powered bow & stern thrusters
Featured Ship Amenities
- Glass-Enclosed Observation Lounge: A stunning forward-facing panoramic lounge and bar outfitted with state-of-the-art presentation audio-visual systems.
- Antime Fitness Gym: A custom-built fitness center designed by the professionals at Anytime Fitness.
- Polar Wellness Sauna: A beautifully designed sauna—the perfect sanctuary to restore your body after an adventurous day on the ice.
- Outdoor BBQ Deck: An open-air dining area at the stern for scenic, chef-prepared outdoor lunches surrounded by glaciers.
Deck Plan Breakdown
- DECK 5: Penthouse Suites, Main Observation Deck, Glass-Enclosed Lounge & Bar, and the Outdoor BBQ Area.
- DECK 4: Deluxe Suites, Grand Suites, Deluxe Veranda Cabins, Library, Wellness Gym, Treatment Room, Sauna, Meeting Room, and the Expedition Operations Office.
- DECK 3: Veranda Cabins, Porthole Cabins, Single Veranda Cabins, Main Reception Lobby, Gift Shop, and the Panoramic Dining Room Restaurant.
- DECK 2 (The Field Deck): Main Mudroom & Expedition Gear Storage, dedicated Expedition Boarding Zones, Ship Clinic, and Crew Accommodations.
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Magellan Discoverer
The Next Sustainable Era of Polar Exploration
Entering service to elevate the fleet, the brand-new Magellan Discoverer mirrors the luxury and boutique scale of her sister ship while introducing radical green technology advancements. Built at the same premier ASENAV shipyard, she sets a new benchmark for environmental responsibility in Antarctica.
Key Technical Specifications
- Air-Cruise Capacity: 76 Guests (96 on traditional sea voyages)
- Expedition Staff & Crew: 67 Members
- Propulsion System: Next-generation Hybrid-Electric Diesel Engines (2 x 1,800 kW)
- Ice-Class & Design: PC6 Compliant / Tier III Emission Standard Certified
- Dimensions: Length: 94 m | Breadth: 17.2 m | Draft: 4.5 m
- Safety Fleet: 10 Polar-grade Zodiacs for immediate deployment
Upgraded Ship Features
- Hybrid-Electric Engineering: State-of-the-art hybrid engines run silently in pristine waters, greatly minimizing underwater noise pollution.
- Wet Science Laboratory: An on-board interactive research lab supporting citizen science projects and visiting polar researchers.
- 360° Open Walking Track: A continuous outdoor walking track on the upper deck providing unrestricted, panoramic vantage points for wildlife viewing.
- Panoramic Window Sauna: An upgraded wellness center where you can watch floating icebergs pass right by the floor-to-ceiling glass wall while relaxing.
Deck Plan Breakdown
- DECK 5: Premium Grand Veranda Suites, Deluxe Veranda Cabins, Panoramic Observation Lounge & Presentation Bar, Upper Library, and Elevator Access.
- DECK 4: Grand Veranda Suites, Family Veranda Suites, Triple Veranda Suites, Deluxe Veranda Cabins, Bridge Access, Fitness Gym, and the Open-View Sauna.
- DECK 3: Single Veranda Cabins, Main Dining Room, Reception Desk, Gift Shop, and access to the outdoor viewing platforms.
- DECK 2 (The Launch Deck): Interactive Wet Science Lab, Multipurpose Science Room, Expedition Mudroom & Gear Storage, Zodiac Boarding Stations, and the Ship Infirmary.
Shared Cabin Amenities Across Both Ships
No matter which vessel you choose for your expedition, your accommodation is curated to maximize comfort and restoration:
- Private Balconies: Included in over 85% of all staterooms across both ships.
- Smart Climates: Individually controlled, efficient heating systems and under-floor bathroom tile heating.
- Versatile Layouts: Luxury bedding configurations easily convert between open King-size or twin setups.
- Inclusions: Premium regional Chilean wines and soft drinks served with lunches and dinners on board.
Choose Your Boutique Vessel
Both ships offer an identical, high-end guest-to-guide ratio and fly-and-sail capability. Contact our booking team today to view live cabin availability and secure your preferred deck placement for the upcoming travel season.