Ocean Explorer

Sails from Ushuaia, Argentina · Fly into USH

Editorial score

3.0/ 5

6 of 6 metrics scored

Page updated October 2026

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Ocean Explorer in the Arctic. · Photo: Quark Expeditions / Jarryd Salem

About Ocean Explorer

Ocean Explorer is a Quark Expeditions cruise ship, in service since 2021. She carries 138 guests with a crew of 105. She sails Antarctica, Northern Europe itineraries. We rate her 3.0 out of 5.

Ocean Explorer is a 138-guest expedition ship completed in 2021 at the Haimen shipyard in Jiangsu, China, and chartered by Quark from her owner, SunStone, from the 2024–25 Antarctic season to replace Ocean Adventurer. The 104-meter ship has an Ulstein X-Bow, an inverted bow designed for a smoother ride, ice class 1A and Polar Class 6, 105 staff and crew and 15 Zodiacs. Almost all cabins have verandas; public spaces include a two-level library at the bow, a lounge on Deck 8, a sauna with large windows, a gym and two outdoor hot tubs. She sails Quark's Antarctic program from Ushuaia and its Arctic voyages in the northern summer.

Ship facts

Guests: 138; Crew 105 · 1:1.3
Entered service: 2021; Joined Quark Expeditions January 2024
Length: 104 m; Shorter than 87% of 575 ships

Ratings

How she ranks

Cabins: 4/5
Dining: 3/5
Entertainment: 2/5
Service: 4/5
Pools & decks: 2/5
Value: 3/5

Editorial scores, 1 to 5 per metric; the overall is their average, not an average of reader reviews.

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Official deck plans

Deck plans on quarkexpeditions.com

Photos

1 photo

Ocean Explorer in the Arctic.Quark Expeditions / Jarryd Salem

Where she sails

Home port: Ushuaia, Argentina.

Flying in for your cruise?

Ocean Explorer sails from Ushuaia, Argentina. The airport is Ushuaia - Malvinas Argentinas International (USH), with 1 lounge to wait in before you board.

W Lounge UshuaiaUSH Main Terminal2.0 ★

The lounge at Ushuaia - Malvinas Argentinas International on Lounge Frog Every ship sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina

Quick answers

Which cruise line operates Ocean Explorer?

Ocean Explorer is operated by Quark Expeditions.

How big is Ocean Explorer?

Ocean Explorer measures 104 metres in length.

How many passengers does Ocean Explorer carry?

Ocean Explorer carries 138 guests at double occupancy, with a crew of 105 (about 1.3 guests per crew member).

When did Ocean Explorer enter service?

Ocean Explorer entered service in 2021.

Where does Ocean Explorer sail?

Ocean Explorer sails Antarctica and Northern Europe itineraries. Her home port is Ushuaia, Argentina.

Which airport should I fly into for Ocean Explorer?

Ocean Explorer sails from Ushuaia, Argentina. Fly into Ushuaia - Malvinas Argentinas International (USH), which has 1 airport lounge listed on Lounge Frog.

Where can I find the deck plans for Ocean Explorer?

Quark Expeditions publishes the deck plans for Ocean Explorer; this page links to Deck plans.

How is Ocean Explorer rated?

Cruises Frog rates Ocean Explorer 3.0 out of 5 overall, the average of 6 editorial scores. She scores best on cabins (4/5) and lowest on pools & decks (2/5).

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