How many passengers does Ocean Explorer hold?
Ocean Explorer carries 138 guests at double occupancy and up to 162 at maximum capacity.
Quark Expeditions · Ulstein X-BOW Class
Ocean Explorer
Built to go everywhere. Designed to make you forget everything else.
2021
Year Built
138
Guests
Ulstein X-BOW Class
Class
8,228
GT
0
Pools
Delivered in 2021 and joining Quark in late 2024, Ocean Explorer is a state-of-the-art SunStone Infinity-class vessel built by Ulstein shipyard, featuring the signature X-BOW hull that cuts through polar swells with remarkable smoothness. Carrying 138 guests across 7 decks with 70 outside cabins, it is one of the most modern expedition ships operating in Antarctic and Arctic waters today.
Dining & Drinks
Signature Culinary Program
Polar & Expedition Table — Fresh, Hearty Regional Cuisine Included in Fare
Included Restaurants
Main Expedition Dining Room
Open-Seating Multi-Course International & Regional Menus
Al Fresco Deck Grill / Bistro Lounge
Casual Lunches, Early-Riser Pastries & Post-Landing Snacks
Specialty dining (extra charge)
All drinks included
Room service (extra charge)
Dietary Options
Gluten-FreeVegan
Expedition & Polar Inclusions
All daily Zodiac cruises, shore landings & guided hikes included
Veteran polar expedition leaders, marine biologists, glaciologists & historians
Complimentary polar expedition parka to keep + waterproof muck boot loan
All onboard meals, lectures, citizen-science briefings & port fees included
Wellness & Relaxation
Fitness Center
Gym included
Pools
0
Hot Tubs
2
Medical Center
✓
Where Ocean Explorer sails
Ports on this ship's regular rotation — click any for a feel of it before you pack.
GoCruiseTravel.com Ship Data
2
Sailings tracked
138
guests
GoCruiseTravel.com tracks 2 upcoming sailings on Ocean Explorer (Quark Expeditions). Built 2021, 138 guests, 8,228 GT. Amenities: 2 hot tubs, self-laundry, accessible cabins, medical center. Browse Quark Expeditions sailings on GoCruiseTravel.com.
Accessible Travel
Traveling with accessibility needs? Ocean Explorer has 4 accessible cabins.
Elevators: 3
Ask anything about Ocean Explorer
Policies at a Glance
PetsNot Allowed
Balcony SmokingNot Allowed
Smoking & Cigar LoungesSmall designated outdoor aft deck area only; strictly no smoking in cabins, balconies, or on Zodiacs/shore.
Dress CodeCasual
Formal NightsNo
The Details
Can I do laundry onboard?
Yes — self-service laundry available
What voltage are the cabins?
110V & 220V
Is there a dress code?
Casual
Are there formal nights?
No formal nights required
Can I smoke on the balcony?
No — balcony smoking not allowed
USB in Cabins
✓
Upcoming Voyages on Ocean Explorer
NOV 28, 2026
Round-trip
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
10N · 7 ports
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
Round-trip Ushuaia
From
$7,295
per person
Estimated starting fare — verify with cruise line
FEB 5, 2027
Round-trip
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
10N · 7 ports
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
Round-trip Ushuaia
From
$7,495
per person
Estimated starting fare — verify with cruise line
Quick answers
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Ocean Explorer built?
Ocean Explorer was built in 2021.
Which cruise line operates Ocean Explorer?
Ocean Explorer is operated by Quark Expeditions.
How many cruises are available on Ocean Explorer?
2 active sailings on Ocean Explorer are currently bookable.
Is there self-service laundry on Ocean Explorer?
Yes, Ocean Explorer features self-service passenger laundromats onboard.
Which restaurants are included on Ocean Explorer?
On Ocean Explorer, all onboard restaurants—including Main Expedition Dining Room, Al Fresco Deck Grill / Bistro Lounge—are included in the cruise fare at no extra charge.
Who sails this line
Kids onboard
Uncommon — adult-leaning atmosphere
Fleet Mates · Quark Expeditions
Other vessels currently sailing in the Quark Expeditions fleet.
Ultramarine Class
Ultramarine
Ultramarine Class · 199 guests · 2020
World Explorer Class
World Explorer
World Explorer Class · 176 guests · 2019
Classic Expedition
Ocean Adventurer
Classic Expedition · 128 guests · 1976