Antarctica expedition cruises

Ocean Diamond

Ocean Diamond is a modern, stable super-yacht. She is one of the larger small expedition ships, carrying a maximum of 189 passengers. With her two stabilisers and an ice-strengthened hull, this outstanding vessel is a popular choice.

Class: Antarctic Category 1
Style: Polar expedition
Passengers: 189 maximum
Length: 407 ft
Cruising speed: 16 knots

Cabin prices: £, ££, £££, ££££

Introducing 'Ocean Diamond'

As one of the fastest, and most eco-friendly ships in Antarctica, Ocean Diamond is also one of the most comfortable. The speed of vessel saves up to 12 hours on the Drake crossing, giving you more time to enjoy Antarctica.

There are 101 elegantly designed cabins and suites, all with exterior views, and expansive common spaces, a club lounge, and a spacious restaurant.

The ship offers numerous adventure options, plus on-board features such as helpful chats with photography specialists. After a full day of exploration, passengers can relax, browse books or DVDs in the well-stocked polar library, or enjoy stunning polar scenery from the sun-lit, panoramic observation lounge.

Voyages

'Antarctic Explorer - Discovering the 7th Continent'

9 nights

This expedition offers the perfect chance to discover the best of the Antarctic Peninsula, the last continent's most northern region. You'll be delighted by penguins, seals and whales as they accompany you on your journey along the Antarctic coastline. Landing on the continent itself is a memorable highlight, where you'll explore the iconic sights that make this one of the world's most pristine, exotic and unforgettable natural environments.

'Crossing the Circle - Southern Expedition'

12 nights

This expedition offers you the most in-depth exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula. Extended time in the region allows you to go beyond the Antarctic Peninsula and venture south of the Antarctic Circle, home to fantastic ice formations and wildlife including the Weddell seal. You'll enjoy more time for communing with penguins and visits to less-frequented landing sites.

'Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica - Explorers and Kings'

18 nights

This extended expedition encompasses the wildlife paradise of South Georgia, the remote Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), as well as the extraordinary beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula.

You'll experience a great diversity of environments and landscapes, which will provide unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities. Join this cruise for the quintessential Antarctic experience for polar travellers!

'Epic Antarctica - Crossing the Circle via Falklands and South Georgia'

21 nights

If you desire to "do it all" on your Antarctic adventure, then this is the voyage for you. Not only will you cross the Antarctic Circle and travel further south than traditional Antarctic cruises, you'll also visit the wildlife playgrounds of the Falklands and South Georgia, including West Pointand Carcass Islands.

On board 'Ocean Diamond'

Cabins

Balcony Suite

Number of cabins of this type: 10

Bed configuration: double bed only

Suite

Number of cabins of this type: 10

Bed configuration: double bed only

Triple

Number of cabins of this type: 6

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

Twin Window

Number of cabins of this type: 38

Bed configuration: twin beds, or a double bed

Single with Porthole

Number of cabins of this type: 15

Bed configuration: double bed only

Twin Obstructed View

Number of cabins of this type: 18

Bed configuration: twin beds, or a double bed

Single Obstructed View

Number of cabins of this type: 4

Bed configuration: double bed only

Decks

Crew Deck

(Deck level: 7)

Lower Deck

(Deck level: 6)

Main Deck

(Deck level: 5)

Upper Deck

(Deck level: 4)

Captain's Deck

(Deck level: 3)

Observation Deck

(Deck level: 2)

Sun 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 Ocean Diamond: 'Antarctic Explorer - Discovering the 7th Continent'

9 nights

Planned itinerary for this voyage

Before the cruise sets sail

First evening in Ushuaia. Embarkation takes place in the afternoon of Day 2.

Cruise Day
1	Arrive at Islas Malvinas Airport (Ushuaia)
1	Ushuaia
2	Drake Passage
3	Drake Passage
4	South Shetland Islands
5	Antarctic Peninsula
6	Antarctic Peninsula
7	Orne Harbour
7	Neko Harbour
8	Drake Passage
9	Drake Passage
10	Ushuaia
10	Depart from Islas Malvinas Airport (Ushuaia)

Itineraries are subject to local conditions and other variables.

Some of the sites that may be visited

Orne Harbour

(planned for Day 7)

Orne Harbour is a cove one mile wide, indenting the west coast of Graham Land two miles southwest of Cape Anna along the Danco Coast on the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Discovered by the Belgian Antarctic Expedition under Gerlache in 1898, the name Orne Harbour was probably in use by Norwegian whalers, because it was used by Scottish geologist David Ferguson following his reconnaissance of this area aboard the whaler Hanka in 1913. The harbour is a popular excursion site for tourist expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula. Activities including kayaking in the harbour and visiting a nearby chinstrap penguin colony, weather conditions permitting. Antarctic shags and Chinstrap penguins nest not far above the waterline and can be observed quite closely from zodiacs. The harbour offers some excellent views of mountains and glaciers from cruising zodiacs.

courtesy Lewnwdc77

Neko Harbour

(planned for Day 7)

Along the eastern side of Andvord Bay, the sheer ice cliffs lining the coast are interrupted by a tiny rocky point called Neko Harbour. This is an excellent place for ice-cliff viewing. Ground space is hard to find here but it does not stop a small colony of Gentoo penguins nesting a good distance up the cliff. If you follow them please don’t step in their short legged “websteps” as this will make their icy climb more difficult. Perhaps a last stop on mainland Antarctica but beware straying too far. Extreme care should be taken due not only to hidden glacier crevasses but also huge waves created by falling ice. Other wildlife includes Snowy sheathbill, Skuas and Kelp gull.

Chef prepared meals
Bar
Massage therapy program
Library with a large collection of polar books and DVDs
Internet access (review a PDF of the Onboard Internet Guidelines)
Theatre-style auditorium
Clinic with licensed doctor

Zodiac Cruising (included)
Snowshoeing & hiking (included)
Optional Kayaking (additional charge)
Land excursions

Maximum number of passengers	189
Naturalist guides
Crew members	144
Overall length (ft)	407
Cruising speed	16
Gross tonnage	8282
Draft	16

Other technical information

Staff and Crew: 144
Guests: 189
Length: 124 meters
Breadth: 16 meters
Draft: 4.9 meters
Propulsion: 2 Wichmann Engines, 7375 horsepower
Ice Class: 1D
Cruising Speed: 15.5 knots
Registration: Nassau, Bahamas
Lifeboats: 2 fully enclosed

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

Customer reviews for Ocean Diamond

Sailings for 'Ocean Diamond'

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	Balcony Suite	Suite	Single with Porthole	Single Obstructed View	Twin Window	Twin Obstructed View	Triple