New hybrid-electric Magellan Discoverer prepares for Antarctic debut

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Antarctica21’s new 96-passenger expedition ship is expected to reach Punta Arenas in late October ahead of its naming ceremony and inaugural Antarctic season.

The Chilean operator says Magellan Discoverer is nearing completion at the ASENAV shipyard in Valdivia. The vessel is scheduled to arrive in Punta Arenas on 25 October, undergo a naming ceremony in November and begin carrying passengers in December 2026.

Antarctica21 launches hybrid-electric expedition vessel Magellan Discoverer

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Antarctic expedition cruise operator Antarctica21 has unveiled its newest vessel, Magellan Discoverer, a hybrid-electric polar ship scheduled to enter service during the 2026–27 Antarctic season.

New vessel annouced for Antarctica21

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Antarctic expedition cruise line, Antarctica21, will construct a new vessel to be called, Magellan Discoverer, and will join its fleet for the 2026-27 Antarctic season.

Can you fly to Antarctica?

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When Antarctica21 began its operation in 2003, our guests flew to Antarctica in a 50-passenger De Haviland Dash-7 aircraft.

New luxury expedition vessel, Magellan Explorer, due to begin service 2019

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Magellan Explorer is a new and modern expedition vessel. She was built in Chile to the latest Polar Code specifications to start service in 2019. Magellan Explorer has capacity for 100 passengers in seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. All cabins except Porthole cabins feature private balconies. All double cabins except two have two twin beds that can be configured as one king-size bed. All cabins feature a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with shower.

The ship features a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, a well-stocked bar, a library, a meeting room, a gym, a sauna, and a medical clinic. The forward-facing observation deck leads to the bow of the ship, which is accessible to guests to offer proximity to marine wildlife. The ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching

Length: 90.7 m - 298 ft.

Passenger Capacity: 100 (only 69 passengers for Air-Cruise operations)

More information about the Magellan Explorer

New Polar Expedition Ship Antarctica XXI

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Antarctic air-cruise specialist ANTARCTICA XXI announced it has ordered a new polar expedition ship from ASENAV for the 2019-2019 cruise season.

Fly the Drake Passage, Cruise Antarctica

Photos: Ben Cooper

Quark Expeditions takes the shake out of the Drake!

Travelers to Antarctica can skip the Drake Passage when traveling to Antarctica with Quark Expeditions. This time saving addition to the polar specialist’s extensive selection of Antarctic cruises reduces the Drake Passage crossing from over 2 days to less than 2 hours!

A flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Antarctica is the key. The BAE 146 jet aircraft carries 62 passengers and is built to land on short runways, essential in Antarctica. The Antarctic fly and cruise program saves travelers approximately 100 hours of sailing time when compared to traditional expeditions!

A quick crossing does not mean reduced time in Antarctica. Travelers spend the same amount of time exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands as they would on traditional Antarctic expeditions – 5 days – they just get there more quickly! They board the expedition vessel, Ocean Nova, directly in Antarctica, off the Chilean Research Base Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva, on King George Island.

Ocean Nova, with an ice-strengthened hull, was built for navigating the ice dotted waters of coastal Greenland. All cabins have exterior views and bathrooms en suite. A glass-enclosed observation lounge converts to a modern presentation room. The vessel has navigated Antarctic waters with unparalleled success, including the challenging Weddell Sea.

Quark Expeditions offers this 8-day, Antarctica Fly and Cruise program operated by Antarctica XXI, beginning December 13, 2010. There are seven departures available. Per person prices, inclusive of the roundtrip Antarctic flight, are $8,990 for triple occupancy and USD$9,990 for twin occupancy. Travelers can book online (www.quarkexpeditions.com/antarctic/antarctica-flights) or call 1-866-961-2960 to speak to a polar travel consultant.