MS Polar Explorer | Expedition Cruise Ship | Antarctica Cruises

MS Polar Explorer

Purpose-Built for Polar Excellence

📅
2019
Year Built
8,000 GT
Tonnage
👥
120
Passengers
🚢
6
Decks
🛌
60
Cabins
4.9/5
Rating

About MS Polar Explorer

Purpose-built for polar expeditions, MS Polar Explorer combines cutting-edge technology with exceptional comfort to deliver the ultimate Arctic and Antarctic experience.

Launched in 2019, this state-of-the-art expedition vessel was designed from the keel up for polar exploration. With a Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull, she can navigate through medium first-year ice, allowing access to remote destinations that other ships cannot reach.

The ship features advanced stabilization systems for passenger comfort, Zodiac launching platforms for easy shore excursions, and observation lounges with panoramic views. Environmental sustainability is central to her design, with hybrid propulsion technology and strict environmental protocols.

Cabin Categories

Choose your perfect accommodation for the expedition

Premium Owner's Suite

Owner's Suite

📐 55 m² 👥 2 guests 🛌 King bed

The ultimate polar luxury with panoramic wraparound balcony, separate living area, and exclusive butler service.

  • Private balcony
  • Living room
  • Butler service
  • Mini bar
  • Jacuzzi tub
Most Popular Superior Balcony Suite

Superior Balcony Suite

📐 35 m² 👥 2 guests 🛌 Queen bed

Spacious suites with private balcony offering stunning views of the polar landscape and wildlife.

  • Private balcony
  • Ocean view
  • Mini bar
  • Sitting area
Deluxe Cabin

Deluxe Cabin

📐 22 m² 👥 2 guests 🛌 Twin/Queen

Comfortable cabins with large windows providing excellent natural light and panoramic ocean views.

  • Large windows
  • Ocean view
  • Mini bar
Best Value Triple Cabin

Triple Cabin

📐 25 m² 👥 3 guests 🛌 Twin + upper

Perfect for friends or family traveling together, with flexible bedding configurations and ample storage.

  • Porthole window
  • Flexible beds
  • Extra storage
Standard Cabin

Standard Cabin

📐 18 m² 👥 2 guests 🛌 Twin beds

Cozy and functional cabins with porthole windows, ideal for the adventurous traveler focused on exploration.

  • Porthole window
  • En-suite bathroom
Solo Traveler Solo Cabin

Solo Cabin

📐 12 m² 👥 1 guest 🛌 Single bed

Designed for solo travelers, offering privacy and comfort without the single supplement.

  • Porthole window
  • No single supplement

Dining & Bars

World-class cuisine in extraordinary settings

Included The Polar Table
Main Restaurant

The Polar Table

Our main dining venue offers gourmet international cuisine with locally-sourced ingredients and stunning ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows.

🍽 International Cuisine 👔 Smart Casual
Aurora Grill
Specialty Restaurant

Aurora Grill

An intimate setting for premium steaks, fresh seafood, and fine wines. Reservations recommended for this elevated dining experience.

🍖 Steakhouse & Seafood 👔 Smart Elegant
Included Explorer Lounge
Lounge & Bar

Explorer Lounge

Panoramic observation lounge with 270-degree views, perfect for wildlife spotting while enjoying afternoon tea or evening cocktails.

🍸 Cocktails & Light Bites 👔 Casual
Included Ice Bar
Bar

Ice Bar

Relax by the heated pool with refreshing beverages, light snacks, and unobstructed views of the polar scenery.

🍹 Drinks & Snacks 👔 Casual
Included Expedition Cafe
Cafe

Expedition Cafe

Casual self-service venue for quick breakfasts, light lunches, and 24-hour hot beverages and fresh pastries.

☕ Coffee & Pastries 👔 Casual
Suite Guests In-Suite Dining
Room Service

In-Suite Dining

Enjoy restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of your suite. Complimentary for suite guests, available 24 hours.

🍽 Full Menu 👔 Any attire

Onboard Experience

Activities and amenities designed for polar explorers

🧗 Wellness & Spa

  • Full-Service Spa
  • Fitness Center
  • Sauna & Steam Room
  • Heated Indoor Pool
  • Outdoor Hot Tubs
  • Yoga Classes

🎓 Education & Enrichment

  • Lecture Theater
  • Expert Naturalist Talks
  • Photography Workshops
  • Science Center
  • Library & Reading Room
  • Interactive Displays

🌊 Expedition Activities

  • Zodiac Excursions
  • Kayaking
  • Polar Plunge
  • Snowshoeing
  • Camping on Ice
  • Wildlife Watching

🎭 Entertainment

  • Live Music Evenings
  • Documentary Screenings
  • Wine & Whisky Tastings
  • Stargazing Sessions
  • Art Gallery
  • Photo Processing Lab

Deck Plans

Explore the layout of MS Polar Explorer

Deck 6 - Observation Deck Plan
Owner's Suite Observation Lounge Pool Deck
Deck 5 - Explorer Deck Plan
Balcony Suites Spa & Fitness
Deck 4 - Discovery Deck Plan
Balcony Suites Deluxe Cabins Main Restaurant
Deck 3 - Expedition Deck Plan
Deluxe Cabins Standard Cabins Lecture Theater
Deck 2 - Adventure Deck Plan
Standard Cabins Triple Cabins Zodiac Boarding

Where We Sail

Explore the world's most remote and pristine destinations

Available Cruises

Upcoming expeditions aboard MS Polar Explorer

Early Bird -15% Classic Antarctica
Antarctic

Classic Antarctica Peninsula

📅 11 Days 🚢 10 Landings
Departures: Nov 15, Dec 3, Dec 21, 2024
Antarctic Circle
Antarctic

Antarctic Circle Expedition

📅 14 Days 🚢 12 Landings
Departures: Jan 5, Jan 25, Feb 10, 2025
Limited Space Svalbard Expedition
Arctic

Svalbard: Realm of the Polar Bear

📅 10 Days 🚢 8 Landings
Departures: Jun 15, Jul 3, Jul 20, 2025
Falklands & South Georgia
Antarctic

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

📅 21 Days 🚢 18 Landings
Departures: Oct 28, Nov 20, 2024
New Route Greenland Explorer
Arctic

Greenland: Land of the Midnight Sun

📅 12 Days 🚢 10 Landings
Departures: Aug 5, Aug 18, 2025
Alaska Wildlife
Alaska

Alaska: Glaciers & Wildlife

📅 8 Days 🚢 6 Landings
Departures: May 20, Jun 5, Jun 22, 2025

Guest Reviews

What our explorers say about MS Polar Explorer

"An absolutely incredible expedition! The ship exceeded all expectations - beautiful cabins, gourmet food, and the most knowledgeable expedition team. Seeing Antarctica from the observation lounge was a dream come true."
Sarah M.
Sarah M. Classic Antarctica, December 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about MS Polar Explorer

MS Polar Explorer has a Polar Class 6 (PC6) ice-strengthened hull, which allows navigation through medium first-year ice. This rating enables access to remote polar destinations while maintaining the highest safety standards.

The atmosphere on expedition cruises is relaxed and casual. There's no formal dress code - smart casual attire is appropriate for all venues. Pack comfortable, layered clothing suitable for outdoor activities and lounging.

No prior experience is necessary! Our expedition team provides comprehensive briefings before every landing and activity. Whether it's your first expedition or your fiftieth, our experienced guides ensure a safe and enriching experience.

Your fare includes accommodation, all meals and non-alcoholic beverages, Zodiac excursions, lectures and educational programs, use of expedition gear (boots and parkas), and all onboard activities. Gratuities, premium beverages, spa treatments, and optional activities like kayaking are additional.

Yes, satellite Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship. While it's sufficient for email and messaging, bandwidth is limited in polar regions, so streaming is not recommended. Many guests choose to disconnect and embrace the remote wilderness experience.

MS Polar Explorer is equipped with state-of-the-art stabilization systems that significantly reduce rolling in rough seas. While the Drake Passage can be challenging, our stabilizers and experienced captain ensure the most comfortable crossing possible. Motion sickness medication is available onboard.

Ready to Explore?

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