Cabins

All of Explorer’s 81 inviting and spacious cabins face the water; 13 have balconies. The cabins are outfitted with deluxe bedding, our signature feather duvets, and thick terry robes. They feature flat screen TVs, offering movie programming, a live feed from Explorer’s remote-controlled crow’s nest camera, and an electronic chart system. Each cabin is also equipped with ethernet connections to our satellite internet service and plugs for laptops, phones, or camera chargers. Sleek tile, glass, and teak bathrooms feature vanities, shelves and hair dryers.

Suites

Explorer’s six suites are spacious, boasting expansive windows that fill the room with light and offer spectacular views. Four suites feature balconies. All suites feature premium bedding; our signature feather duvets; thick terry robes; and flat screen TVs with movie programming, the live feed from our remote-controlled crow’s nest camera, and our electronic chart system. Suites are equipped with ethernet connections to our satellite internet service, and plugs for laptops, phones, or camera chargers. Teak, tile and glass suite bathrooms feature double-sink vanities, shelves, and hair dryers.

Safety Features

Explorer is the only newly-converted ship whose design is informed by 40+ years of polar expedition experience. Her hull has been strengthened so extensively that the forward section has received a rating of DNV ICE-1A Super, the highest possible, short of an icebreaker classification. Additional tools for safety include:

• A Reinforced Ice Belt ensuring the ability to go further with the greatest safety in polar regions
• IAATO Emergency Response System Developed through IAATO by Captain Leif Skog to ensure that all IATTO ships operating in the region keep in daily touch to form the initial response for any incident
• Ice Radar Hi-def visual data from the ship's 3 cm wavelength radar to see safest routes
• Ice Searchlight A mast-mounted xenon light brightly reflects ice at night and in heavier seas to augment radar
• GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress & Safety System) A1, A2, A3 and A4 covering polar waters, plus an Iridium OpenPort Multimedia Device relying on 66 near polar-orbiting satellites provides continuous coverage in Antarctica without interruptions for optimum connectivity
• Double Weather Forecasting We subscribe to both Bon Voyage and GRIBPLOT/WRI weather services
• Ship's officers Polar veterans, hand- picked and trained to act without hesitation in any severe conditions
• Forward-scanning Sonar scans several hundred feet ahead to spot uncharted obstacles and the safest way around them

Onboard Technology

We have equipped Explorer with innovative exploration tools not found on any cruise ship. She voyages with equipment designed to enrich and enhance your expedition experience, such as:

• Fully-stabilized with an ice-1A class rating on the forward hull.
• A Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) that can explore the ocean at depths to 1,000 feet
• A Remote-controlled Crow's Nest Camera with real-time footage broadcast on high definition LCD video screens within each cabin
• An Electronic Chart System that broadcasts as a channel in the cabins
• A Chart Room with nautical maps & a coffee, tea, hot cocoa station
• Open Invitation to Visit the Bridge
• The Observation Lounge, providing panoramic vistas of scenic destinations
• 13 Zodiacs and internal boarding mechanism for swift, effortless disembarkation
• 36 Double Kayaks that allow guests to kayak in pristine environments
• A Professional Video Chronicler to capture every facet of your unique adventure, and professionally edit a DVD prior to departure available for purchase