Quark Expeditions
Ocean Explorer
Purpose-built for the polar extremes, the 138-guest Ocean Explorer pairs cutting-edge X-BOW® engineering with whisper-quiet, Scandinavian luxury.
The Spirit of Discovery
The Ocean Explorer was built on a simple, uncompromising premise: rigorous polar discovery should not require sacrificing profound comfort. As a standout in modern marine engineering, this 138-guest expedition ship was designed for those who hear the call of the ice but demand a refined refuge at the end of the day. Featuring the innovative ULSTEIN X-BOW® for exceptionally smooth sailing, the vessel effortlessly navigates the Southern Ocean. Inside, the rugged extremes give way to bespoke Scandinavian design and a striking two-story, glass-enclosed library at the bow. It is a masterclass in balance, offering untamed expedition-level adventure alongside the absolute serenity of an all-balcony sanctuary
HIGHLIGHTS
Carrying just 138 guests, the Ocean Explorer offers a profoundly intimate approach to the polar extremes. Driven by fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines and featuring the innovative ULSTEIN X-BOW®, the vessel navigates the ice with minimal disturbance and exceptional smoothness. From the striking two-storey glass-enclosed library to a rapid-launch fleet of fifteen Zodiacs, every detail on board points outward, engineered to plunge explorers deep into the landscape before returning them to the restorative warmth of an elegant sanctuary.
15 Zodiacs
Sauna
World-Class Wellness
Immersive Polar Discovery
Uncompromising Comfort
A unique onboard experience
After a thrilling day of polar exploration, the Ocean Explorer offers a wealth of sophisticated spaces to unwind. From the striking, two-storey Discovery Library to the restorative Tundra Spa, every onboard amenity is engineered to balance untamed adventure with profound comfort.
A popular social hub on Deck 5, the beautifully lit Latitude Bar, with its lush sofas and faux marble-topped end tables, is large enough to seat 46 and is ideal for enjoying a quiet drink on your own or hanging out with friends.
Ocean Explorer
Staterooms & Suites
Discover a profound sense of comfort amidst the untamed Antarctic. Featuring sleek Scandinavian styling and sweeping panoramic views, these private quarters are meticulously designed to balance rigorous daily exploration with absolute, uninterrupted relaxation.
Studio Veranda Single
Solitude with a view: one bed, one generous balcony, entirely private. The smallest footprint aboard Ocean Explorer, and among its most coveted.
Studio Veranda Single
Solitude with a view: one bed, one generous balcony, entirely private. The smallest footprint aboard Ocean Explorer, and among its most coveted.
Features of the Vessel
In addition to forming the double-story library, the innovative X-Bow design also ensures calm, energy-efficient sailing in rough waters.
Contact Our Polar Expert
Our simple, guided process with an expert by your side, from first conversation to final detail.
Book a no-obligation discovery call
Enjoy our simple, guided process with an expert by your side, from first conversation to final detail.
We’ll call you
Our travel specialist will discuss your ideas and all the opportunities.
Explore your options
We’ll do the all the hard work and present you with different options to choose from.
Book a no-obligation discovery call
Enjoy our simple, guided process with an expert by your side, from first conversation to final detail.
We’ll call you
Our travel specialist will discuss your ideas and all the opportunities.
Explore your options
We’ll do the all the hard work and present you with different options to choose from.
Talk with a specialist
A conversation, not a commitment
We help match you with the expedition style, comfort level and itinerary that suits you.
Antarctica Cruise was brilliant in organising
Antarctica Cruise was brilliant in organising a cruise for my father and I to Antarctica - Nico was extremely knowledgeable and experienced, listened to what we were looking for and proposed an excellent cruise with options to choose from - and since he has extensive experience in this area we knew we were in good hands - the cruise was special to share with my father - words cannot describe how incredible this experience was - and something I will hold with me for the rest of my life. Thank you!
Dan L
A Fantastic Experience
This bucket list of mine has well and truly been ticked off…thanks to the great work of Alicia James and her team for making it possible. It didn’t matter what time of the day or night, if I had a problem or question Alicia would handle it with professionalism and good humour. Thanks for all your support…it was a fantastic experience for me to step on my 7th continent…let us all preserve this wonderland.
William H
Looking forward to an Arctic cruise on the World Traveller.
We recently did an Antarctica cruise on the World Traveller Atlas Ocean Voyages and it was spectacular. We enjoyed many land excursions by Zodiacs. The boat was luxurious, the expedition crew were very passionate about their experiences and the other staff members were brilliant. We would not have experienced all this without the expert knowledge of Ben, Sam and Alicia. They always responded with answers to our queries in a prompt manner. Highly recommend them and we are looking forward to an Arctic cruise on the World Traveller.
Jim B
Antarctica Cruise was brilliant in organising
Antarctica Cruise was brilliant in organising a cruise for my father and I to Antarctica - Nico was extremely knowledgeable and experienced, listened to what we were looking for and proposed an excellent cruise with options to choose from - and since he has extensive experience in this area we knew we were in good hands - the cruise was special to share with my father - words cannot describe how incredible this experience was - and something I will hold with me for the rest of my life. Thank you!
Dan L
A Fantastic Experience
This bucket list of mine has well and truly been ticked off…thanks to the great work of Alicia James and her team for making it possible. It didn’t matter what time of the day or night, if I had a problem or question Alicia would handle it with professionalism and good humour. Thanks for all your support…it was a fantastic experience for me to step on my 7th continent…let us all preserve this wonderland.
William H
Looking forward to an Arctic cruise on the World Traveller.
We recently did an Antarctica cruise on the World Traveller Atlas Ocean Voyages and it was spectacular. We enjoyed many land excursions by Zodiacs. The boat was luxurious, the expedition crew were very passionate about their experiences and the other staff members were brilliant. We would not have experienced all this without the expert knowledge of Ben, Sam and Alicia. They always responded with answers to our queries in a prompt manner. Highly recommend them and we are looking forward to an Arctic cruise on the World Traveller.
Jim B