Why We Like This Ship

  • The first small-ship (under 100 passengers) built specifically for Antarctic expedition travel since 2003
  • Designed and operated by the original pioneers of the Antarctic Fly & Cruise concept
  • Limited to a maximum of only 76 passengers per fly-cruise departure, Antarctic exploration doesn't get much more personal.
  • Spacious, well appointed suites, many with floor to ceiling windows and outside balconies
  • Adventure activities, such as kayaking and snowshoeing are available to guests
  • Built to the latest Polar Code specifications she carries a Polar Class 6 ice-class (Lloyd’s Register PC6)
  • For passenger comfort the ship features state-of-the-art stabilizers
  • To minimize fuel consumption, a waste heat recovery system recycles the heat produced by the ship’s engines and repurposes it to power the ship’s heating system and to warm the water used on board

Magellan Explorer video guide

Voyages Aboard Magellan Explorer

Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.

66 Degrees South Fly Cruise

By offering time saving flights, extended time in Antarctica and the chance to reach the Polar Circle, this 10-day voyage maximises the polar experience. Minimum travel time & maximum exploring time and all the benefits of only 73 people…

  • 10 Days
  • $15,995
Original Fly & Cruise Luxury Adventure

Fly over the Drake Passage in just 2 hours, both to and from Antarctica. ​Ideal for those ​wanting a high comfort level, but ​who have limited time or ​are ​anxious sailors. ​An outstanding program, successfully operated for over 15 seasons.​…

  • 8 Days
  • $15,995
South Georgia & Falklands Wildlife Safari

With 8 full days exploring the wildlife meccas of South Georgia and the Falklands, this trip particularly appeals to wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Travelling aboard a small custom-designed 100 guest expedition ship ensures extended time ashore each day. Further benefits…

  • 17 Days
  • $12,995
Express Tour of Antarctica

A cost-effective Antarctic adventure. This itinerary is also ideal for those with limited time wanting to combine Antarctica with time exploring Patagonia. Sailing one way and flying back, you get to combine two iconic places: Antarctica and Cape Horn. Note,…

  • 6-7 Days
  • $4,995
Fly-Sail Antarctica & South Georgia

This unique express trip saves time by flying to Antarctica, cutting out 2 sailing days and skipping the Falklands. Maximising your time amid the spectacular wildlife and scenery of Antarctica and South Georgia is the focus of this voyage. The…

  • 17 Days
  • $15,995
Swoop Says background image

Alex says

I was thrilled to sail on and thoroughly inspect the Magellan Explorer in December 2021. The eye-catching design looks stunning amidst the ice and the small passenger capacity meant my experience of Antarctica was incredibly intimate, maximising my time exploring off the ship.

Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Antarctica

Cabin Categories

All double cabins have two twin beds that can be configured as one bed. All cabins feature a private bathroom and a sitting area.

When operating sea voyages, the ship's capacity is 96 passengers.

*Grand Suites will be known simply as "Suites" for trips from November 2024 onwards.

Please note that the above measurements are approximate averages and exact cabin size can vary.

Grand Suites

  • 44 m2 / 480 sqft - located on deck 4
  • 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed
  • Separate living area with queen-size sofabed and coffee table
  • Desk and chair sets in both living and bedroom areas
  • 2 armchairs with side tables
  • 2 private balconies with sitting areas
  • 2 larger private bathrooms with separate shower
  • Grand Suites will be known simply as "Suites" for trips from November 2024 onwards.

Penthouse Suite

  • 33 m2 / 360 sqft - located on deck 5 
  • 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed 
  • Separate sitting area with sofa and coffee table 
  • Desk and chair 
  • 2 armchairs 
  • Private balcony with sitting area 
  • Larger private bathroom with separate shower 

Deluxe Veranda Cabin

  • 22 m2 / 240 sqft - located on deck 4
  • 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed
  • Desk and chair
  • 1 armchair with side table
  • Private balcony with sitting area
  • Larger private bathroom with separate shower

Veranda Cabin

  • 19 m2 / 210 sqft - located on deck 3
  • 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed
  • Desk and chair
  • 1 armchair with side table
  • Private balcony with sitting area
  • Private bathroom with separate shower

Porthole Cabin

  • 18 m2 / 200 sqft - located on deck 3
  • 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed
  • Desk and chair
  • 2 armchairs with side table
  • Private bathroom with separate shower

Triple Suite

  • 44 m2 / 480 sqft - Located on Deck 4
  • 2 twin beds (can be merged into a king size bed for couples) and 1 queen-size sofa bed (max. occupancy 3 people) 
  • The sofa bed for the third guest is located in a separate additional bedroom area for increased privacy
  • Desks and chair sets in both living and bedroom areas
  • 2 armchairs with side tables
  • 2 private balconies with sitting areas
  • 2 private bathrooms with shower

Single Veranda Cabin

  • 19 m2 / 210 sqft - located on deck 3
  • 1 king-size bed
  • Desk and chair
  • 1 armchair with side table
  • Private balcony with sitting area
  • Private bathroom with separate shower
Customer review background image

What our customers think of Magellan Explorer

10/10 - Small purpose-built ship with small number of eager and intelligent passengers, plus excellent weather to observe Antarctica and its wildlife is a winning business model. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Terry Goodyear - Canada

Well beyond my expectations. The little things on the ship were well thought of. Food was amazing. Staff was phenomenal. Service was beyond expectations. Would 100% choose this ship again. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Sanjit Vallabhaneni - India

The Magellan Explorer exceeded my expectations! I was in a grand suite and it was nothing less than a 5 star suite. The food was excellent and the kitchen staff took care of my dietary restrictions and allergies. I will, without a second thought, choose this ship again :) Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Ankita Gupta - India

I'd 100% choose the ship again. Everything was luxurious but unpretentious. I can't believe how many different staff members greeted us by name every day. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Timothy Kleiman - USA

The cabin was beautiful, the food was amazing, and all of the staff were incredible. I have nothing bad to say. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Jeanette Karon - USA

The ship could not have been better! The cabin was large & I loved the heated bathroom floor & towel warmer. The cabin steward was very personable & efficient. The food was wonderful! I would absolutely choose this ship again & have recommended it to many already. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Linda Karon - USA

Everyone on the expedition team is so passionate about the area and the wildlife. They are able to appeal to a wide number of people from all walks of life. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Michelle Anderson - USA

The Magellan Explorer was an awesome vessel and the crew to guest ratio was perfect for us. The whole team did an incredible job through and through to make sure we had the best experience possible! Read the full review

Travelled: November 2023

Sarah Yip - USA

The ship was great! It is a small ship and felt very intimate. My room was extremely comfortable and I was so glad to have a balcony. The food was tasty and the staff was excellent. I would definitely choose the ship again. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2023

Preetee Singhal - USA

Great ship, very comfortable, great service and crew. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2023

Michael Mermall - USA

The small ship experience is by far the best way to visit Antarctica. The crew and expedition staff are first rate. The expedition leader worked tirelessly with the Captain to adapt to evolving conditions and give the guests the best possible experience. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2023

Chuck Gallegos - USA

The Magellan Explorer was better than we could have ever expected. The cabin was always spotless, our room manager Edwin always did a fantastic job and was so friendly to us. The food was incredible and it was mindblowing how the chefs were able to make such amazing dishes and never repeated them during the 16 days onboard. The crew in the restaurant always remembered our names and what drinks we liked and made sure we were taken care of at all times without being overbearing. I would absolutely choose this vessel again. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2023

Sarah Yip - USA

We liked this ship very much. It is new, clean, and very comfortable. Every time, after our meals and excursions, when we entered the cabin, we felt like we were at home. The food was excellent. I enjoyed each meal. Yes, everything not only met our expectations but actually went way beyond our expectations. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2023

Dali Yang - USA

I felt like the size of the boat gave us an intimate enough feel, the ship amenities were great, the boat is well maintained, the crew on board were fantastic and accommodating. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2023

Saebom Lee - USA

We loved our cabin on deck 3 with a verandah. I will always remember our first morning pulling back the blackout curtains and seeing the pristine Antarctic Peninsula. And a few days later doing the same and seeing a humpback whale waving its fin. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2023

Saebom Lee - USA

The size of the ship and relatively small passenger capacity made it very easy for me as a solo traveler to get to meet lots of people and make friends even within the first day or two. You are all going on such a unique adventure, it bonds you together, and that’s coming from an introvert. The ship itself is new and stylish, but not at the expense of the sense of adventure. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2023

Aaron Stewart - USA

10/10 - The Magellan Explorer was terrific and the staff provided an experience beyond our wildest expectations. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2023

Tom Aldrich - USA

There are really no words to describe the ship and its staff. From the porters to the restaurant staff to the executives, the organization is impressive. The ship itself was a great place to relax and enjoy the cruise time. From the library to the lounge to our cabin we enjoyed all it had to offer. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Robert Wenze - USA

10/10 - They did everything well. Every person on the cruise was knowledgeable, helpful and enthusiastic. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Pete Russo - USA

BEAUTIFUL SHIP!!!! I don’t know if I could go on another ship if it wasn’t the Magellan. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Madison Augustyn - USA

Magellan Explorer is a world class piece of art! Brand new ship with everything you can ask for. The outside deck of our cabin was very nice and private. The ship has the latest stabilizer technology so we didn’t feel the waves too much. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Khanh Nguyen - USA

The ship was amazing, so much nicer than we expected!!! Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Larry Jaffe - USA

Select this boat for their first class, small ship experience. The small ship has access to locations other ships can not get to, and the staff to guest ratio is excellent. This is a brand new luxury adventure ship. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Kenneth Bych - USA

Cabin size was efficient and very comfortable. The choices at meal time were amazing and the chef provided top quality meals. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Kenneth Bych - USA

Everyone on the ship were inclusive, friendly, and professional, and they made me feel more than welcome to be with them. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Mary Buchino Johnson - USA

This boat was wow. I've never been on a cruise before and now I suspect I'll never be satisfied on a lesser cruise. It was nice having only 60 or so passengers. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Tyler Steffenson - USA

10/10 - Excellent, pristine ship, very stable. Outstanding crew, waitstaff and guides….absolutely top notch. So friendly and professional. Stabilizers really helped it in the rougher seas. We were very surprised at the spaciousness of the room; all the finishes in the ship were so well designed and top quality. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2022

Joe Brubaker - USA

From David, the leader who had an ever changing set of challenges due to weather and seas. We felt entirely safe with him and knew he was sincerely trying to give us the best experience he could. All the expedition team were outstanding, informative, warm, really really great. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2022

Joe Brubaker - USA

Excellent ship. Well appointed and comfortable. Cabin was fine. Excellent staff on ship. Pleased with housekeeping and waiter staff. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2022

Larry Pass - USA

Great staff, nice boat, and good food and drink. Excellent on all dimensions. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2022

Oliver Harris - UK

Expedition team members were uniformly friendly, approachable, helpful, and full of knowledge related to what we were seeing or could see. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2022

Fred Delcomyn - USA

I have been on (much larger) cruise ships before, so I did have some general idea of how being onboard would be. My experience with Magellan Explorer was a step up from my previous experiences. Partly this was due to the small size of the ship, but even taking this into account, I found staff extremely friendly and helpful throughout the voyage. In addition, I found the food excellent, with great variety and ample portions. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2022

Fred Delcomyn - USA

Beautiful new boat. Very comfy and nice. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2022

Todd Mackey - USA

Awesome team!!! Very knowledgeable and accessible. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2022

Todd Mackey - USA

Cabin was perfect. Food was unbelievable and staff fabulous. I’d definitely choose the Magellan again. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2021

Chris Dixon - UK

I can't say enough good things about the the expedition team. That were genuinely excited to be on the cruise with us and it showed. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2021

Jeannette Shull - USA

The observation lounge was especially pleasant to spend time in. The dining room was very stable during meals. The food was well prepared. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2021

Jeannette Shull - USA

The epitome of a vessel to ply the waters in Antarctica. Unmatched staff. The food service, world class. The lectures onboard, fantastic. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2021

Ray Applebaum - USA

The size of our ship enabled us to take two excursions each day. Larger ships can only let 100 passengers off at a time and ships larger than 500 cannot let the passengers off at all. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2021

Jeannette Shull - USA

The staff was excellent and very skilled. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2021

Randy Smith - USA

5 star plus treatment - the ship is great. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2021

Randy Smith - USA

The ship was incredible, food was fantastic, I'm beyond impressed with our experience! Would recommend this ship to anyone. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2021

Sara Smith - USA

Everything went very smoothly from check in to check out. There was always staff available to help. The personnel on the trip were all terrific from the hospitality workers to the guides. They were very friendly and knowledgeable. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2020

Carol Clarke - United States Of America

Particular kudos go to the ship's crew of the Magellan Explorer. Our leader there was Ben and he was just astonishing. He is a world traveller, an athlete, and just one hell of a nice guy. We really felt like somebody had your back and truly wanted you to have the experience of a lifetime. And it was. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2019

Donald Emeigh - United States Of America

Review:

Onboard Communications & Facilities

There are satellite telephone and internet services on board, available at an additional charge to guests. Please note that due to the nature of our expedition and the locations we travel to, services may slow or delayed services compared to those you might expect at home.

Deck Plan

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.

Find your Antarctic ship

Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?

1
Listen

Listen

We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.

2
Match

Match

Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.

3
Reserve

Reserve

We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.

With over 150 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.

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