Why We Like This Ship
- With capacity for 148 guests, she combines all of the advantages of travelling on a small ship, with the superior stability and facilities of a larger one
- Retractable gyroscopic stabilising fins help reduce roll by 70-80%, while the strengthened bows to the highest 1A categorisation maximise safety in icy waters
- A dedicated Mud Room and dual zodiac loading areas ensure slick and speedy logistics and no waiting time during zodiac operations
- Superior onboard safety features, including ice radar and forward-scanning sonar help identify uncharted obstacles and the safest routes
- The panoramic Observation Lounge & Library are very popular places with all guests
- An onboard ROV capturing rare underwater footage and photographic gear available for loan by guests are both unique to this ship
Photos of National Geographic Explorer
Exploring the Antarctic ice © Michael S Nolan
Views from the bow © Michael S. Nolan
Bridge
Dining room
Lounge
Observation lounge
Lecture theatre
Polar library
Sauna
Gym
Taking a stroll from the vessel © Michael S. Nolan
Launching the underwater camera from the Zodiac
Gentoo penguins © Ralph-Lee-Hopkins
National Geographic Antarctica Cruises
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
3.6 out of 5
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
Travelling aboard a state-of-the-art small ship and accompanied by unparalleled onboard expertise, expeditionary cruising doesn’t get much better. Regular departures throughout the season and a choice of three outstanding ships renowned for their comfort, enhanced safety features and spirit of…
- 12 Days
- $16,810
Devised by a team with 50 years of polar expedition experience, from the balance of the time exploring each location, to the wealth of onboard expertise and thoughtfully designed expedition ships, this trip has a real ‘pedigree’. Explore with the…
- 22 Days
- $28,020
Fast-tracking your arrival into Antarctica by flying and skipping the Drake Passage means a compressed journey of only 2 hours before embarking on your spacious and well-appointed 148 guest expeditionary ship. Touches other travellers have appreciated include the onboard National…
- 8 Days
- $10,960
Enjoy the best of both worlds by sailing south, experiencing the journey across the Drake Passage and the elation of spotting your first iceberg, then expedite your return to civilisation by plane at the end. In between, spend four days…
- 10 Days
- $11,950
Alex says
I've now been aboard National Geographic Explorer twice and can't get enough. From her stunning panoramic observation lounge to the retractable stabilisers, and even photo equipment which you can loan, they've thought of everything. Then throw in some of the best expedition staff in the business.
Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Antarctica
Cabin Categories
Some of these cabins feature a private balcony with chairs, and a large sliding glass door that provides easy access and exceptional views.
Category 07 - Superior Balcony
- Located on the Upper Deck
- A spacious cabin (can be converted to triple occupancy)
- Large sliding door window connecting to a balcony
- They have two lower single beds that can be converted into a queen
- Writing desk, chairs and some offer a lounge
- Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks
- All cabins feature climate controls, a TV showing the ship's position and programming
- Exclusive amenities including welcome gift, in-room espresso maker and complimentary laundry
- Guests will also benefit from one priority booking if you wish to make an appointment for a spa treatment.
Category 06 - Captain's Suite
- Located on the Veranda and Upper Deck
- Upper Deck features a balcony (large sliding door window)
- Veranda Deck cabins are spacious cabins and can be converted into triples
- Two lower single beds that can be converted into a queen
- Writing desk, chairs and some offer a lounge
- Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks
- All cabins feature climate controls, a TV showing the ship's position and programming
- Exclusive amenities including welcome gift, in-room espresso maker and complimentary laundry
- Guests will also benefit from one priority booking if you wish to make an appointment for a spa treatment.
Category 05 - Balcony
- Located on the Upper Deck
- Large sliding door window connecting to a balcony
- They have two lower single beds that can be converted into a queen
- Writing desk, chairs and some offer a lounge
- Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks
- All cabins feature climate controls, a TV showing the ship's position and programming
Category 04 - Window
- Located on the Veranda and Upper Deck
- Eight of these cabins feature two lower single beds and at least one large window
- Three of these cabins feature one queen-size bed
- All cabins feature climate controls, a TV showing the ship's position and programming
- Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall
Category 03 - Window
- Located on the Main Deck
- Two lower single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed)
- One large window
- Two sitting chairs and a small table and ample storage
- Writing desk, reading lamps, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV showing the ship's position and programming
Category 02 - Window
- Located on the Main Deck
- Two lower single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed)
- One large window
- They offer a writing desk, reading lamps
- Bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall
- TV showing the ship's position
Category 01 - Porthole
- Located on the Main Deck
- Cabin numbers: 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308
- One or two porthole windows
- Most cabins feature two lower single beds, although cabins 303-306 feature one queen-sized bed
- All offer a writing desk, reading lamps
- Bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV showing the ship's position
Single & Premium Single
- Located on Main, Veranda and Upper Decks
- Only slightly smaller than double occupancy cabins
- Large window or two portholes
- Writing desk, reading lamp
- Bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall
- TV showing the ship's position
Please note there is a a price differential between these two solo cabin categories
- Single Category A Solo (SA) is on the Main Deck
- Premium Single Category B Solo (SB) is on the Veranda and Upper Decks
From One to One Hundred
Swoop has catered for travellers of every group size. Whether you’re adventuring solo or bringing a group of over 100. We can help.
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Solos
- Working with over 30 different ships to find you the most solo-friendly ships, with the lowest single supplements, and the best solo deals available. Discover More
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2 - 5 people
- With over 100 collective years of Polar experience our team will help you find your perfect trip, so you’re on the right ship, in the right cabin, and at the right point of the season. Discover More
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6 - 80 people
- We’ve worked with all sizes of groups, from large families to small schools. Travelling with Swoop means you’ll be the best prepared customers on the voyage and you pay nothing extra for this service. Discover More
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Large Groups
- We are experienced charter consultants that can build tailored experiences for both part and full charters of vessels. Discover More
Deck Plan
Onboard Communications & Facilities
If you wish to stay in touch, even in Antarctica, you can choose from the options below:
- Satellite phone: For making personal calls
- Internet: Ethernet, WiFi lounges and Internet card available
Please note that this is only for light data traffic and that the above services are subject to extra charges.
Other facilities include:
- Plugs: European 220V two-round-pinned sockets and North American 120V two-flat-pinned sockets
- Towels, toiletries and hair dryers
- Laundry service (additional cost)
What our customers think of National Geographic Explorer
Review:
Find Your Antarctic Ship
Choosing the right ship is crucial, given the amount of time you'll spend on board. Swoop is experienced at helping match our customers to exactly the right ship.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
With over 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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