What Antarctica21 Small Ship Is Right for You?

Everything you need to know about our two ships, Magellan Explorer and Ocean Nova, to choose the right vessel for your Antarctic expedition.

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

What Antarctica21 Small Ship Is Right for You?

In order for you to more deeply discover two of our boutique expedition vessels, the Magellan Explorer and Ocean Nova, we’re breaking down the key features of both ships. From spacious outdoor seating areas where you can relax and soak up the beauty of Antarctica’s icy landscape to one of the highest passenger-to-staff ratio of any ship in all of Antarctica, each vessel has plenty to offer during your voyage to the Last Continent.

Keep reading to learn what it’s like to live aboard both of these ships during your journey of a lifetime to Antarctica. If you need more information to make your decision, reach out to us!

Magellan Explorer

The elegant and boutique Magellan Explorer is our new and modern expedition vessel custom-built for our Antarctic air cruises. On our air-cruises, this small ship has a capacity to accommodate 96 guests, however, during our fly & cruise voyages is used at a max of 73 guests in seven categories of rooms, including spacious dedicated single cabins.

All Magellan Explorer cabins except the porthole rooms come equipped with outdoor seating areas for you to take in the grandeur of the continent while enjoying your morning espresso or journaling about the day’s adventures. All cabins have two twin beds or a king or queen-size bed and include a spacious design that allows for each cabin to have a wardrobe, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with a shower and heated floors.

Enjoy cruising the waters of Antarctica with your fellow shipmates in Magellan Explorer’s glass-enclosed observation lounge or forward-facing observation deck that leads to the ship’s bow. In either of these spaces, you can mix and mingle with fellow passengers while staying on the lookout for sightings of species like humpback whales and birds.

After snowshoeing through fresh powder or kayaking through the stunning, iceberg-filled waterways of Antarctica, you’ll likely be excited to warm up once you’re back on board the ship. That’s why we outfitted the Magellan Explorer with new features, including a sauna. To enjoy a dry heat session, all you need to do is schedule your preferred time.

Panoramic view from the Antarctica Lounge on board Magellan Explorer. Photography by Tom Arban.

Ocean Nova

This sturdy and nimble expedition vessel was built to cruise ice-choked seas like those found in Antarctica. When you choose Ocean Nova as your base, you’ll enjoy a comfortable cruise experience while being led by passionate guides who are serious about their love for Antarctica’s breathtaking landscapes and wild species. Offering an intimate yet refined adventure journey, the Ocean Nova has a capacity for around 70 passengers to ensure a more comfortable experience.

The large expeditionary staff of 12 makes it one of the highest passenger-to-staff ratios of any ship that operates in Antarctica. That means our expedition leader can keep a flexible itinerary and make spur-of-the-moment decisions so you’re afforded the best chance of wildlife sightings on both land and at sea.

When you sail aboard Ocean Nova, you have three categories of accommodations to choose from, including single, double, and triple options. No matter what you choose, each offers a peaceful area to rest and recharge for the next day’s adventure.

The Ocean Nova also features unique spaces to enjoy time with the guides and your fellow passengers. Aboard the ship, there is a 200-degree glass-enclosed lounge, a cozy and warm place for wildlife viewing. Similar to the layout of Magellan Explorer, this is the part of the Ocean Nova where our guides and specialists host lectures and presentations, as well as movie nights which take place throughout your voyage. Ocean Nova also has a spacious dining room, a bar, and a spacious library to select your favorite Antarctica literature. This is an ideal area to relax and admire the depth of a journey to Antarctica.

Lounge and library on Ocean Nova vessel. Photography by Tom Arban.

Ready to choose your ship for your next Antarctic adventure? We can help with all of your inquiries. Contact us today for a personalized quote!

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Download the Ultimate Guide

This essential guide includes:

  • Insider information on flights to Antarctica
  • The pros and cons of sailing and flying to Antarctica
  • Weather information and detailed flight statistics
  • Expert tips to consider before booking

Doing research for your trip? You can’t miss this guide!


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