Antarctica expedition cruises

National Geographic Explorer

National Geographic Explorer is a fully-stabilized, ice-class vessel with a DNV Ice-1A Super rating on her forward hull. The ship was designed and built for safe exploration in the planet's remote polar regions.

Class: Antarctic Category 1
Style: Luxury polar expedition
Passengers: 148 maximum
Length: 367 ft
Cruising speed: 12 knots

Cabin prices:

Introducing 'National Geographic Explorer'

Inaugurated in 2008, National Geographic Explorer is the result of almost 200 years of collective expedition experience. Originally built for service along Norway's coast, Explorer is equipped with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment for polar expeditions.

Explorer accommodates 148 guests in 81 cabins, including 13 cabins with private balconies, six spacious suites and 14 cabins specifically designed for solo travelers. At 367 feet with six decks, she is spacious and modern, with a variety of public rooms to view the passing landscape. The ambiance onboard is friendly and informal.

Voyages

'Antarctica South Georgia and the Falklands'

21 nights

The ultimate Southern Ocean experience, this expedition takes you into majestically spectacular wildness. Not even the vast migrations of Africa can rival the awesomeness of seeing a king penguin colony of some tens of thousands individuals stretching as far as the eye can see. Or albatross colonies that fill the windward edges of the remote islands they call home.

You'll have other rare sightings here too: massive, in both senses of the word, herds of elephant seals: and a wandering albatross stretching its 11-foot wings. It's the impossible beauty of Antarctica exponentially increased by unimaginable numbers of animals. A not-be-missed polar experience, for those with the luxury of time.

Stanley, the capital of the Falklands, is a colourful, welcoming seaside town built around the waters of Stanley harbour. It is an interesting town to visit with its British heritage, various architectural styles and superb wildlife. Situated almost 300 miles east of southern Argentina and comprising 700 islands populated by around 4000 people and many thousands more sea-birds, this is a unique destination.

'Journey to Antarctica - The White Continent'

11 nights

You'll get out on adventures every day we're in Antarctica, sometimes twice a day -- to walk or hike, kayak or Zodiac cruise among the bergs - weather permitting, no waiting around for returning parties.

You'll have a choice of activities each day, and the option to join the naturalist whose interests mirror yours. Choice also includes opting to enjoy the view from the bridge, the all-glass observation lounge, the library or the chart room. To visit the fitness center with its panoramic windows, or ease into the sauna or a massage in the wellness center.

Explore under the sure guidance of an expedition leader, eight veteran naturalists, a National Geographic photographer, plus a National Geographic certified photo instructor, not to mention an undersea specialist, a video chronicler, and a wellness specialist. Their knowledge and passion for Antarctica is the key to your once-in-a-lifetime experience

'South Georgia and the Falklands'

16 nights

If the epic stories of discovery, endurance and polar explorers like Shackleton, or the sheer magnificence of ice-capped peaks don't grab you, the wildlife certainly will: penguins (king, gentoo macaroni), sea lions, fur seals and enormous elephant seals cosy up to these shores.

Only on South Georgia can you observe one of the world's great wildlife spectacles: literally, tens of thousands of king penguins on a single beach. This is the expedition for wildlife or photography enthusiasts, or for those who have already been to Antarctica and want more.

On board 'National Geographic Explorer'

Cabins

Category 7 Cabin

Number of cabins of this type: 3

Bed configuration: twin beds, or a double bed

Category 6 Cabin

Number of cabins of this type: 3

Bed configuration: twin beds or double bed, with extra pull-out bed

Category 5 Cabin

Number of cabins of this type: 9

Bed configuration: twin beds, or a double bed

Category 4 Cabin

Number of cabins of this type: 15

Bed configuration: twin beds, or a double bed

Category 3 Cabin

Number of cabins of this type: 21

Bed configuration: twin beds, or a double bed

Category 2 Cabin

Number of cabins of this type: 6

Bed configuration: twin beds, or a double bed

Category 1 Cabin

Number of cabins of this type: 8

Bed configuration: twin beds, or a double bed

Solo Cabin A

Number of cabins of this type: 10

Bed configuration: single bed

Solo Cabin B

Number of cabins of this type: 4

Bed configuration: single bed

Decks

B Deck

(Deck level: 6)

Main Deck

(Deck level: 5)

Upper Deck

(Deck level: 4)

Veranda Deck

(Deck level: 3)

Wellness Deck

(Deck level: 2)

Bridge Deck

(Deck level: 1)

Voyages in detail

Important

Everyone visiting Antarctica and the South Atlantic must recognise the obvious: that conditions can intervene at short notice and a voyage's planned itinerary must be altered. Make sure you read 'A very important note on published itineraries' in 'How to choose an Antarctic cruise'.

Select a voyage

Voyage on the National Geographic Explorer: 'Antarctica South Georgia and the Falklands'

21 nights

Planned itinerary for this voyage

Before the cruise sets sail

First two days are spent in Buenos Aires. Embarkation takes place on Day 3

Cruise Day
1	Arrive at Islas Malvinas Airport (Ushuaia)
1	Ushuaia
2	Drake Passage
3	Antarctic Peninsula
4
5
6
7
8
9	At Sea
10	At Sea
11	South Georgia
12
13
14
15
16	At Sea
17	At Sea
18	Stanley
	Falklands Museum
	Stanley
19	Falkland Islands
20	At Sea
21	At Sea
22	Ushuaia
22	Depart from Islas Malvinas Airport (Ushuaia)

Itineraries are subject to local conditions and other variables.

Some of the sites that may be visited

Falklands Museum

(planned for Day 18)

The main aim of the Falkland Islands Museum is to promote awareness and appreciation of the history and heritage of the Falkland Islands and to protect this for future generations.

The museum has a lot to offer. There are galleries covering the islands' natural history, social aspects and communications (such as radio and telephone), the maritime history (Stanley was a ships’ graveyard as well as a refuge for intrepid explorers and engineers), and the islands' role in Antarctic exploration. There is a moving display covering the 1982 war.

The museum is run by the Falklands National Trust and is located on the site of the historical dockyard at Stanley.

Observation lounge
Library
Fitness centre
Spa and sauna
Lounge
Sundeck
Chart room
Bridge
Dining room
Gallery space (shop)
Reception
Internet cafe with iMac station for uploading and editing photographs
Laundry service
Medical room

Zodiacs
Kayaks
Snorkeling (only on warm weather itineraries)
Underwater camera
Land excursions
Snowshoeing (early season only)
Skiing on frozen ice (early season only)
Presentations by different specialists onboard (e.g. the underwater specialist)
Wellness program including morning yoga classes
Open bridge policy where you can chat to the captains

Maximum number of passengers	148
Naturalist guides
Crew members	70
Overall length (ft)	367
Cruising speed	12
Gross tonnage	5471
Draft	15

Other technical information

Ice Class 1A

Length 112 m

Cruising speed 14mph

Max. speed 15.5 knots (17 mph)

This information has been provided by the boat operator and is subject to alteration

Customer reviews for National Geographic Explorer

Sailings for 'National Geographic Explorer'

Our prices

Prices are per person. The prices shown here are the current prices charged locally by each boat in their chosen currency. We charge our UK customers the equivalent price converted to British pounds at the current exchange rate. This helps keep prices low and protects you from currency fluctuations.

Our price promise

Our prices should be the best available anywhere. If you find a better price elsewhere please let us know: we will certainly try to match or beat it.

Complete trips

An expedition cruise is only part of your complete trip. Discuss your ideas with us. Our well-travelled experts can arrange your international flights from the UK, and design all the other parts of your trip in Argentina, Chile or elsewhere to fit the exact dates of your cruise and the things you want to do, and to make the best use of your time and budget. There is no obligation until you are ready to go ahead.

Your financial protection

By booking your trip with us you also benefit from our 100% financial protection and the knowledge that if anything goes wrong, or your plans change, our friendly experienced and resourceful travel specialists are here to help you.

Special offers

Special offers are often available (some are very generous) but they may only be open for short periods. Contact us to find out which offers are available now.

Cruise	Starts	Ends	Nights	Category 7 Cabin	Category 6 Cabin	Category 5 Cabin	Category 4 Cabin	Category 3 Cabin	Category 2 Cabin	Category 1 Cabin	Solo Cabin A