South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
Cruise to South Georgia for king penguins and quintessential wildlife before exploring the Antarctic Peninsula on this penguin-focused polar expedition aboard 168-guest World Voyager or 138-guest Ocean Explorer.
The 18-day South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari itinerary is a fast way to get to the rarely visited South Georgia Island while also stepping foot on the 7th Continent. Highlights include experiencing the quintessential wildlife experience of the “Galapagos of the Poles,” visiting South Georgia’s king penguin rookeries–the largest in the world, reflecting at the resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton, visiting abandoned whaling stations and learning stories of their inhabitants.
While cruising, photograph massive albatross and pintado petrel as they swoop and soar around the ship, guiding her toward South Georgia. Step ashore onto beaches teeming with king penguins and elephant seals on this fabled island, where there’s time to pay respects to famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Antarctica awaits, with its geographic contradictions and overwhelming enormity. Relax on a Zodiac ride, hike glistening glaciers, share comical moments with inquisitive penguins, or witness the rugged peninsula from a sea kayak. Antarctica will surprise and delight, and never disappoint.
Passage is aboard a selection of small ships. The 138-guest Ocean Explorer and 168-guest World Voyager are refined ships with cutting edge technology and design for efficient and sustainability-minded cruising. The classy ambience and unique wellness amenities of World Explorer and World Voyager make their departures an excellent option among our luxury Antarctica cruises.
From your ship home base, enjoy opportunities for Zodiac cruising, hiking, photography, daily lectures by onboard polar experts and even the polar plunge. Added-cost activities may include sea kayaking, one-time paddling excursions and stand-up paddleboarding.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and South Georgia cruises.
South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari Itinerary
The main South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari cruise operates round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with a focus on South Georgia and exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.
Begin the journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port at the tip of South America. It’s the ideal gateway to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for the adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which the vessel will cruise down the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation while departing!
There are many activities while at sea. Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend dynamic presentations by the expedition team. Be prepped on safety procedures for Zodiac cruises and shore landings, and also be given instructions for getting the most out of optional sea kayaking adventures (extra cost), a truly intimate way to experience Antarctica.
If conditions are right, the first indication that the ship is approaching South Georgia is the sight of birds around a group of rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Have binoculars and cameras ready to capture these rocks rising out of the icy ocean waters. Shags and prions often rest here, and due to nutrient rich upwellings around the rocks, it can be a good place to keep a lookout for whales.
After enjoying South Georgia from a distance, the ship will head toward its numerable beaches to find a bay for the first land excursion. Landing sites are varied, largely determined by the weather conditions. Whichever sites are visited, they’ll provide wildlife encounters unrivaled anywhere else on earth.
South Georgia is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches blanketed with penguins. It won’t take long to realize that you are in a bird paradise, as burrowing seabirds, albatross and petrels can be seen in abundance. South Georgia, once a popular base for whalers and sealers, is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries gone by.
The expedition team will help bring those days to life while you visit old whaling stations and during presentations on the South Georgia of then and now. One of the most significant sites you will visit on the island is Grytviken. This is one of the first whaling stations established in sub-Antarctic waters. Grytviken possesses a special appeal largely because it’s the site of the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the most famous Antarctic explorers.
Say goodbye to the king penguins, as the next destination is Antarctica! These days at sea are filled with presentations and workshops led by the expedition team, who will prepare you for the wildlife and landscapes that will surround upon the ship’s arrival.
The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment, be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence, and at the next moment be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to observe you.
The expedition team will take care of you at each excursion, whether you are Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site or observing penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. Keep a lookout for Antarctic whales, such as minkes, while on a Zodiac cruise. Each day and each excursion will present a new array of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy. As exciting as the Zodiac excursions and landings are, perhaps you’ll treat yourself to an extra-special Antarctic experience by booking an optional paddling excursion (at an extra cost) or cast reason aside and jump into Antarctic waters for the Polar Plunge!
After more than a dozen days of unique wildlife encounters and remarkable landscapes, the journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is an unofficial rite of passage. Spend time on deck watching for seabirds and whales, enjoy presentations by the expedition team, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, disembark the ship and continue the adventure onward or catch flights home.
Included
Leadership throughout the voyage by experienced expedition leader, including shore landings and other activities; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per daily program; shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout voyage; beer, wine, standard spirits and cocktails during dinner and bar service hours; complimentary basic WiFi; coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; all shore landings per daily program; formal and informal presentations by expedition team and guest speakers as scheduled; photographic journal documenting the expedition; a pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings and Zodiac excursions; official Quark Expeditions parka to keep; hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling aboard ship; group transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on day 1; one night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast; group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day; group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from ship to local airport or luggage storage facility.
Exclusions
International airfare; passport and applicable visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned; meals ashore unless otherwise specified; baggage, cancellation, interruption, evacuation and medical travel insurance (strongly recommended); excess baggage fees on international flights; mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned; laundry, bar, massage services, premium WiFi and other personal charges, unless specified; phone charges; voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew; additional overnight accommodation; arrival and departure transfers, except when explicitly stated; adventure options on expeditions (all weather dependent) that are not included in the cost of the voyage (e.g., sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, etc.).
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 150 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 120 days – 25% of total trip cost
119 to 90 days – 75% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The main South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari voyage begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina (USH). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Ushuaia at any time on Day 1. If arriving on Day 1, a group arrival transfer from the Ushuaia airport to the group hotel is included and a ship representative will be available to answer questions in the lobby during the optional pre-departure briefing on Day 1, at 6:00pm.
Plan flights to depart Ushuaia no earlier than 12:00pm noon on disembarkation day. A group departure transfer is included from the ship to the airport on the final day of your itinerary. If your flight is later in the day, you may opt to transfer to the luggage storage facility instead and enjoy further activities in Ushuaia on your own. Access to luggage storage is available until 6:00pm on the disembarkation day only. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
Various optional activities may be available on your South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari cruise, for guests aged 16 and older. Per-person prices for the 2027-28 season: kayaking $1,995; photography included; stand-up paddleboarding $295. One-time paddling excursions are available for $395 per person, per outing, for those who want something less in-depth than the full sea kayaking program; no experience is necessary. Each departure’s first paddling excursion may be pre-booked and all subsequent outings are booked on the ship. Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking.
Room Configuration
Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x (2x for Premium cabins) the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. Premium Cabins are as follows:
Ocean Explorer: Grand & Royal Veranda Stateroom; Studio Veranda Single; Explorer, Junior & Owner’s Suite
World Explorer: Superior Suite, Deluxe Suite & Owner’s Suite.
Families & Children
At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 9 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 64lbs or 29kg and 48 in. or 1.2 m. tall) must be met. Children under 16 years of age must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times and may not participate in adventure options.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of your participation in this expedition that you shall have comprehensive medical insurance in place which is sufficient to cover all medical risks and exposure, including emergency medical and evacuation coverage. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.
South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari via Buenos Aires Itinerary
The 18-day South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari via Buenos Aires cruise begins and ends in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with charter flights to and from Ushuaia. Cruise to South Georgia and the South Shetland Islands before exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and returning via the Drake Passage. Highlights include South Georgia’s king penguins and Shackleton history, as well as Antarctic whaling stations.
Arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, independently transfer to the group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).
After an early breakfast at the hotel, transfer with the group to the airport and board a private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier.
After a late afternoon embarkation, sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as the ship departs!
There are many activities available to stay engaged while at sea. Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend dynamic presentations by the expedition team. Be prepped on safety procedures for Zodiac cruises and shore landings.
If conditions are right, the first indication that the ship is approaching South Georgia is the sight of birds around a group of rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Have binoculars and cameras ready to capture these rocky spires rising out of the icy ocean waters. Shags and prions often rest here, and due to nutrient rich upwellings around the rocks it can be a good place to keep a lookout for whales.
After enjoying South Georgia from a distance, the ship will head toward its numerous beaches to find a bay for the first excursion. Landing sites are varied, largely determined by the weather conditions of the voyage. Whichever sites the ship visits, they’ll provide wildlife encounters unrivaled anywhere else on earth.
South Georgia is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches blanketed with penguins and seals. It won’t take long to realize this bird paradise, as burrowing seabirds, albatross and petrels can be seen in abundance. South Georgia, once a popular base for whalers and sealers, is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries gone by.
The expedition team will help bring those days to life while visiting old whaling stations and offering presentations on the South Georgia of then and now. One of the most significant sites to visit on the island is Grytviken. This settlement is the first whaling stations established in sub-Antarctic waters. Many travelers find that this place has a special appeal, as it is the site of the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the most famous Antarctic explorers.
Say goodbye to the king penguins, as the ship’s next destination is Antarctica! These days at sea are filled with presentations and workshops led by the expedition team, who will prepare you for the wildlife and landscapes that will surround upon arrival.
The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment, be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence, and at the next moment be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by.
The expedition team will assist at each excursion, whether Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. Keep a lookout for Antarctic whales, such as minkes, while on a Zodiac cruise. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight and keep the camera busy.
After more than a dozen days of unique wildlife encounters and remarkable landscapes, the journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is an unofficial rite of passage. Spend time on deck watching for seabirds and whales, enjoy presentations by the expedition team, or simply relax and reminisce about the voyage’s experiences.
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a taste of Patagonia with a Tierra del Fuego National Park tour before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
Included
Mandatory Transfer Package (approximate package price is $1,295 for the 2027-28 season and includes one night’s pre-expedition hotel night in Buenos Aires with breakfast on Day 2, group transfer from hotel to airport in Buenos Aires, charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, arrival and departure transfers in Ushuaia, and charter flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires); shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board; beer, wine, standard spirits and cocktails during dinner and bar service hours; complimentary basic WiFi; all shore landings per the daily program; leadership throughout the voyage by experienced expedition leaders; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; formal and informal presentations by expedition team and special guests as scheduled; a photographic journal documenting the expedition; waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings; an official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep; coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; a hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling aboard the ship; one 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather and logistics permitting).
Exclusions
International airfare; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above; meals ashore unless otherwise specified; baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance (strongly recommended); excess-baggage fees on international flights; mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, and any other gear not mentioned above; laundry, bar, massage services, premium WiFi and other personal charges unless specified; phone and internet charges; additional overnight accommodation; optional adventure activities; voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew; arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 150 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 120 days – 25% of total trip cost
119 to 90 days – 75% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari via Buenos Aires voyage begins and ends in Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE), with charter group flights to and from Ushuaia. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Buenos Aires ahead of the 12:00-8:00pm window for luggage weighing and tagging on Day 1. Arrange your own independent transfer to the included Buenos Aires hotel on Day 1. Arrange your own independent transfer to the included Buenos Aires hotel on Day 1. Plan flights to depart Buenos Aires no earlier than 9:00pm (EZE) or 10:00pm (AEP) on disembarkation day. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Internal Flights
Group charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia are required on this trip’s itinerary; see the Mandatory Transfer Package information listed above under Inclusions. The flight to Ushuaia is expected to depart early on Day 2 of the itinerary. There is a luggage limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) checked luggage and 17 lbs (8 kg) cabin baggage on the flights to and from Ushuaia. Should you have additional luggage, it can be stored at the hotel in Buenos Aires; there is no option to pay for additional luggage. On the final day of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier between 7:00 and 8:00am local time. Disembarkation follows breakfast.
Activities
Various optional activities may be available on your South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari via Buenos Aires cruise, for guests aged 16 and older. Included are optional hiking, Zodiac cruising, daily presentations, photography guides, the polar plunge and a 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather- and logistics-dependent). Per-person prices for the 2026-27 season: kayaking $1,995; photography included; stand-up paddleboarding $295. One-time paddling excursions are available for $395 per person, per outing, for those who want something less in-depth than the full sea kayaking program; no experience is necessary. Each departure’s first paddling excursion may be pre-booked and all subsequent outings are booked on the ship. Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking.
Room Configuration
Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x (2x for Premium cabins) the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. Premium Cabins are as follows:
World Voyager: Superior Suite, Deluxe Suite & Owner’s Suite
Families & Children
At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 9 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 64lbs or 29kg and 48 in. or 1.2 m. tall) must be met. Children under 16 years of age must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times and may not participate in adventure options.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of your participation in this expedition that you shall have comprehensive medical insurance in place which is sufficient to cover all medical risks and exposure, including emergency medical and evacuation coverage. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.
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The 138-passenger Ocean Explorer cruise ship is the smallest ship offered by Quark Expeditions. Arctic and Antarctic travelers choosing Ocean Explorer are treated to a modern and refined atmosphere, excellent sightlines and outdoor access, top-notch guides, and smooth sailing due to the ship's inverted bow. The Ocean Explorer ship was built in 2021 by Ulstein; she's part of the SunStone Infinity series and launched in Antarctic waters in late 2024.
Ocean Explorer Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Ocean Explorer review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our experts have been aboard nearly every small expedition ship in the polar regions. Please read our Ocean Explorer ship review below then contact our polar cruise experts to compare the Ocean Explorer with Antarctica ships and expedition ships that offer Antarctica cruises, Arctic cruises, northern lights cruises, Iceland cruises, Greenland small ship cruises, Spitsbergen & Svalbard cruises, Canada cruises and small ship cruises in northern Europe.
Choose the Ocean Explorer for her superior comfort and modern feel. With a leading ice class rating and inverted Ulstein X-Bow, the Ocean Explorer offers a smoother ride and faster transits. Nearly every cabin offers a walkout balcony, with various solo traveler options. Add top-trained, loyal guides, thoughtful amenities and sweeping sightlines with views directly into the sea, and Ocean Explorer becomes a leader in polar vessels.
Design, Sustainability & Accessibility
For guest comfort and aesthetics, Ocean Explorer offers bespoke Scandinavian interiors with grand fixtures and luxe furnishings throughout. Spaces blend the outdoors with the indoors via features including floor-to-ceiling glass library walls. The ship's ample observation decks create opportunities for photographs with a variety of vantages, plus increased opportunities to capture wildlife on the move. An elevator accesses all decks of the ship, however accessible cabins are not available.
Ocean Explorer's Micro Auto Gasification System incinerates waste that then creates stored energy for use on board, making her a leader in state-of-the-art waste handling. Her X-Bow increases efficiency while underway, reducing fuel consumption. Rolls Royce zero-speed stabilizers help ensure smooth sailing and steadiness when at rest. Finally, Ocean Explorer's Safe Return to Port system maintains power even in cases of engine failure.
Onboard Facilities
The Ocean Explorer cruise ship offers upscale, inviting spaces and amenities aimed at ultimate guest comfort in demanding polar climates. The ship touts unbelievable viewing areas, including a dramatic two-story forward lounge and the well-stocked library's floor-to-ceiling glass refuge, with views straight down into the sea. Complimentary basic WiFi is offered throughout the ship, with a premium option available. Finally, a medical clinic offers peace of mind during remote polar travel.
Lecture Theater & Observation Decks
The Explorer Lecture Lounge seats all guests at the same time, for informative talks on polar wildlife, history, geology and more. With TVs strategically placed around the room and clean sightlines, every guest is guaranteed a front-row seat.
Ocean Explorer's Deck 8 features 360-degree opportunities to view and photograph passing wildlife and scenery, away from sea spray; an interior Observation Lounge (seating 63 guests at a time) adds a heated space from which to soak in the ship's surrounds. And Deck 7 features a special forward-facing Observation Deck, just below the Bridge (guests can also enjoy the open Bridge policy for sheltered forward viewing on Deck 7).
Dining & Bars
The Ocean Explorer cruise ship offers her guests numerous daily dining options. The Main Dining Room seats up to 144 guests at a time for buffet-style breakfast and lunch, in a modern, bright, stylish setting. This dining room also features a nightly 5-course dinner, for an elegant 3-hour affair. For groups, a private dining room accommodates up to 36 guests with buffet-style service; reserve on board (no additional fee).
Deck 8's Compass Restaurant (the Observation Bistro) provides a streamlined alternative to the full-course dinner in the Main Dining Room. Buffet-style options enable guests to eat a lighter meal, or save time for relaxing. Seating is unassigned for all meals in all dining areas.
Ocean Explorer features two bars: the al fresco Sun Deck Bar and the lecture-lounge-adjacent Latitude Bar (the latter seating up to 46 guests at once). Enjoy lush sofas and chairs, faux marble-topped tables and a convivial atmosphere.
Jacuzzis, Sauna & Gym
A dry sauna (accommodating up to 15 guests at a time) and two upper deck, outdoor Jacuzzis invite guests to unwind after an exciting day exploring in the polar wilds. A fitness center ensures guests can maintain routines, with machines such as treadmills, a spin bike and an elliptical machine—all beside floor-to-ceiling windows for wildlife sighting.
Library
The onboard Library accommodates up to 47 guests with comfortable seating, accent lighting, view windows and reference materials. The Ocean Explorer ship's library seamlessly transitions into the 2-story glass atrium for forward viewing off the bow.
Mudroom
Ocean Explorer's Deck 3 Mudroom optimizes the process for polar excursions. Each guest is assigned an open storage locker for life jackets, coats, and waterproof pants and boots throughout the voyage. With thoughtful locker assignments and ample benches, no one is cramped while preparing or ending an off-ship excursion.
Activities & Expeditions
For expedition operations, 15 Zodiacs deployed via four separate sea-level embarkation points get guests out into the environment faster. Also on board are 16 sea kayaks for long outings, 16 inflatable kayaks for one-time paddle excursions, 16 stand-up paddleboards, full dry suits, gloves and life jackets, plus camping gear.
Crew, Guides & Expedition Leaders
The 105 crew members aboard work to ensure a seamless guest experience, where lifelong memories are made. And the 22-26 onboard Quark Expeditions guides (some with over 20 years of experience) are eager to base their expeditions from this purpose-built, comfortable small ship. These elite guides are trained above and beyond every standard imaginable for safety and preparedness in the Polar Regions. Guests' experience on board the Ocean Explorer ship will be enriched by lectures and interactions with professionals from various knowledge bases: paddle guides, photography guides, geologists, ornithologists, historians, penguin scientists, marine biologists and other experts relevant to each specific polar destination.
Cabins & Ocean Explorer Deck Plan
With 8 cabin categories (Junior Suite becomes Triple Suite starting late 2026), Ocean Explorer offers the optimal space for every polar traveler. Each luxurious cabin features calm polar tones, plenty of space (meaning reduced noise from neighbors), and a private bathroom with shower, hair dryer, vanity, bathrobes, slippers and heated floors. Most cabins feature a balcony for outdoor viewing. And all cabins offer seating, a desk and chair, minifridge and modern infotainment system. Some 41 (47 in late 2026) cabins offer a sofa bed that can accommodate triple occupancy for families or three adults.
Come aboard the 168-guest World Voyager cruise ship for a well-rounded polar expedition. Savor upscale cuisine and sleek spaces bathed in light. Enjoy unobstructed views from various lounges and outdoor observation decks. Relax in her spacious sauna, steam room and spa beds. Take advantage of onboard activity gear for camping and paddling. And delight in citizen science opportunities and interactions with traveling researchers in World Voyager's Science Hub.
World Voyager Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ World Voyager review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our experts have been aboard nearly every small expedition ship in the polar regions. Please read our World Voyager ship review then contact our polar cruise experts to compare the World Voyager with Antarctica ships and expedition ships that offer Antarctica cruises and luxury Antarctica cruise amenities.
Choose the World Voyager for her all-suite, all-balcony cabin options, plus her Science & Discovery program, substantial wellness amenities and classy ambiance. This polar expedition ship is equal parts polished, relaxing, adventure-minded and nerdy, offering a voyage of the utmost comfort, intellect and polar immersion.
Design, Sustainability & Accessibility
The World Voyager cruise ship offers not only a comfortable ride but also one you can feel good about. She improves upon her predecessor ship World Explorer with even better sustainability-minded tech. She is equipped with the industry-leading Micro Auto Gasification System, which converts waste into recycled onboard energy. And her two hybrid-electric Rolls Royce engines keep fuel consumption down, while also offering a smooth ride. Additionally, two elevators access all decks, helping ease movement around this spacious 8-deck ship.
Onboard Facilities
Every aspect of an incredible expedition cruise is accounted for on this ship. Like World Explorer, her 6 passenger decks offer opportunities to get active, relax with fellow guests, take in educational lectures and breathe in the invigorating polar air. Add a medical clinic, plenty of public restrooms, and panoramic views throughout the ship, and it's clear the World voyager is ideally suited for polar expedition cruising.
Lecture Theater & Observation Decks
The lecture theater on Deck 4 offers seating for the entire passenger complement, with regular presentations and/or films on offer. Moving up the ship, commanding views of the surrounding polar wilds can be accessed everywhere, with a few standout locations.
The bow of Deck 5 reveals 180-degree views from its exterior deck. Deck 6 has an open bridge with special wings that jut out beyond the walls of the ship. Deck 7's Observation Lounge features wraparound views (including a skylight) and another forward-facing outdoor deck. And Deck 8 has an oval track perfect for a walk or run amongst stunning scenery.
Dining & Bars
Deck 4 plays host to a variety of social areas aboard the World Voyager cruise ship. Anchoring every day is the onboard restaurant, with an elegant feel but casual approach, including unassigned seating and enough room for all guests to dine at the same time. Meals are international in flavor, with classic dishes on offer daily, alongside a rotating list of options. While al fresco seating is available at the aft of the dining room, it is typically reserved for warmer climates. For drinks and snacks with a view, the Deck 7 Observation Lounge is a great choice.
Pool, Jacuzzis, Sauna, Steam Room & Gym
The World Voyager cruise ship sets herself apart with her variety of wellness amenities, all accessible to every passenger (not just those who opt for a treatment). The World Voyager offers a spa that outsizes that of her predecessor ship, World Explorer.
Relax knowing you won't miss any wildlife through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the spacious sauna and its adjoining relaxation lounge with steam room. These starboard spaces complement the port-side gym with its glass walls and modern equipment. Uncommon among polar ships is the World Voyager's heated outdoor pool, complete with two Jacuzzis and protected lounge chairs (available when weather and seas allow).
Science Hub
The Science Hub brings together guides, travelers and researchers for engaging collaboration. This space provides opportunities to participate in citizen-science-minded data collection and reporting, while also offering the tools needed by researchers conducting experiments aboard. On select departures, guests can interact with scientists thanks to a partnership whereby operator Quark Expeditions provides berths to researchers.
Ready Room
Deck 3's Ready Room is a space to gear up for adventure, plus store parkas, boots and other items needed for off-ship activities. Rows of assigned open lockers and benches are adjacent to Zodiac access points. This space allows guests to keep their suite uncluttered, and is strategically managed for efficient embarkation and disembarkation during daily off-ship activities.
Activities & Expeditions
The World Voyager is just as adventurous as she is refined. She carries a fleet of Zodiacs to get all guests out exploring at the same time. And her gear racks are stocked with sleeping bags, bivouac sacks and mats for camping; inflatable stand-up paddleboards and "kayaks," dry suits, neoprene gloves/booties and adjustable paddles for shorter outings; and fiberglass sea kayaks for longer, repeated excursions.
Crew, Guides & Expedition Leaders
With 125 staff and crew, and only 168 guests, the service is first-class both on and off this ship. As a newer ship in the Quark fleet (joining after World Explorer), with upscale spaces, World Voyager attracts some of its operator's top guides, ensuring your cruise will be memorable. Expect a cerebral and passionate group of guides, who are also safety-minded, approachable and light-hearted; and a dedicated crew who will quickly learn your preferences.
Cabins & World Voyager Deck Plan
Choose from 5 categories aboard this all-suite, all-balcony ship. Also choose between a Juliet balcony with roomier seating, or a private walk-out balcony with more outdoor space. Cabins are designed for double occupancy, with no dedicated singles, quads or triples. Bedding is convertible for either two twins or one double.
Every suite comes equipped with a private bathroom with a hairdryer, soap, and bathrobes on loan; a refrigerator; plenty of electrical outlets with standard European round pin and American flat-pronged plugs (220 volts) plus USB ports; a TV with state-of-the-art “infotainment” system; a coffee maker, tea and reusable water bottles for sparkling or flat water; a thermostat and a safe.
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Learn About the Small Ships on Your Itinerary
The Ocean Explorer offers refined spaces, a relaxed atmosphere, state-of-the-art technology, a design optimized for smooth and efficient cruising, an elevator servicing all decks, and a private balcony in most cabins. Come aboard this polar ship for amenities like Jacuzzis and a sauna, plus tenured guides.
The hybrid-electric World Voyager pairs polished spaces with expansive wellness amenities and a Science Hub for researchers and citizen scientists alike. Come aboard for a well-rounded polar expedition, complete with activity gear and engaging guides.
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