Ship

Ocean Explorer

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Ship overview:

Ship Capacity

138 passengers

Year built

Constructed in 2021

Expedition staff to guest ratio

1:6

Optional activities

Kayaking & paddling

Prices per person

From $9,761

Prices based on two people sharing

Specially engineered for polar expeditions, this refined 138-passenger ship combines innovative design with state-of-the-art technology. Clean, modern interiors are complemented by thoughtful features, while the onboard team of expert naturalists enhances your off-ship excursions. 

Swoop says

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There’s a serene stillness to the Ocean Explorer – guests say you sometimes don’t realise you’re on the move until you catch sight of an iceberg sliding past. The heated bathroom floors are a small detail that makes a big difference after a snowy outing.

Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Arctic

Why we like Ocean Explorer

  • The energy-efficient X-Bow design slices through waves, minimising noise, vibration and pitching to enhance your comfort at sea
  • Carrying just 138 guests, the ship offers an intimate, friendly atmosphere yet still features expansive social spaces both indoors and outdoors 
  • With an excellent PC6 ice-class rating, this vessel is fully equipped to navigate demanding Arctic conditions with ease
  • A standout expedition team-to-guest ratio of 1:6 means more personal attention and deeper insights throughout your journey
  • After a day of adventure, warm up in one of two outdoor Jacuzzis or enjoy the heat of the onboard sauna
  • Nearly all cabins – 95% – come with private balconies, meaning you’re never far from a stunning Arctic view
  • Soaring double-height windows bathe the ship’s lounge and library in natural light 

Voyages aboard Ocean Explorer

Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.

Svalbard Wildlife In-Depth

Travelling at the height of summer, this trip is the longest of any Svalbard cruise and offers the best possible conditions for thrilling wildlife encounters. Your circumnavigation of Spitsbergen includes huge glaciers, epic bird cliffs and ice-choked channels. Plus, there's…

  • 15 Days
  • $14,081
Into the Polar Bear’s Realm

This popular introduction to Svalbard is keenly priced and, with numerous early season departures, guarantees plenty of ice. Sail onboard one of the newest ships in polar waters and spot bears from the plentiful deck space. Optional kayaking and hiking…

  • 11 Days
  • $9,761
Greenland, Baffin & Northwest Passage In-Depth

This comprehensive westbound voyage stands out for its compelling combination of West Greenland, the east coast of Baffin Island and the historic Northwest Passage. Jaw-dropping scenery, towering icebergs, thrilling wildlife encounters, Inuit community visits and fascinating history pervade this epic…

  • 17 Days
  • $20,521
Untamed East Greenland

Exploring East Greenland’s wild, dramatic coastline on board a small, custom-built polar ship, this is expedition cruising at its very best. Hike the autumnal tundra in search of musk oxen during the day, with a strong chance to see the…

  • 11 Days
  • $13,995
​Ultima Thule: Northwest Passage & West Greenland

Spending time exploring Canada’s historic Northwest Passage and West Greenland, we like this voyage’s balance and variety as much as exploring little visited spots such as Thule, one of the northernmost towns in the world, and Smith Sound. Big ice,…

  • 17 Days
  • $20,521
Greenland to Newfoundland Explorer

We love this voyage for its breathtaking variety – landscape, wildlife, habitat and culture – as you journey south from the icy home of the Inuit, through the boreal forest belt, to finish in Newfoundland, with its Viking and Celtic…

  • 14 Days
  • $12,921
Into the Far North of West Greenland

This 16-day voyage is one of only a few that ventures as far as 78° North. Perfect for explorers, this journey navigates the remote Smith Sound and journeys to the rarely visited community of Upernavik. Follow in the footsteps of…

  • 16 Days
  • $19,281
Highlights of West Greenland

Combining all of the jewels in West Greenland’s crown in a single trip, we know firsthand that this epic voyage is a real cracker. Explore the iconic sites of Ilulissat, Eqip Sermia and Uummannaq, alongside the remoteness of Eternity and…

  • 11 Days
  • $13,136

Customer reviews of voyages on Ocean Explorer

The room size and balcony were really nice. The entire expedition team (and the crew) was wonderful. The coffee station in the library was my first stop every morning, then up to the observation deck.

Travelled: July 2026

Tom Dyer - USA

The polar bears were incredibly stunning, the guides were nice, the food and staff were incredibly accommodating, and we were out on adventures SO MUCH. It was so incredible.

Travelled: July 2026

Rachel Schoppen - USA

Incredible expedition teams great food and friendly staff.

Travelled: July 2026

Barry Huey Jr - USA

Great service from beginning to end. You kept us informed every step of the way.

Travelled: September 2025

Veryan Gibson - UK

My engagements with Swoop so far for the last two trips (both Kate Higgs & Hannah Green) were very pleasant. Kate and Hannah have been very helpful with our questions.

Travelled: July 2025

Kuang Chuan Tan - Singapore

From start to finish, all went smoothly. This was my first trip and preparation was very helpful.

Travelled: June 2025

Joo Kim Bullock - UK

The expedition team were great and knowledgeable.

Travelled: June 2025

Narendranath TV Ramana - Malaysia

Onboard Communications & Facilities

  • WiFi: The ship offers a complimentary low data WiFi service for basic internet browsing and voice applications. Each guest can log on using one device at a time
  • Plugs: European 220V sockets with two round pins 
  • USB-A sockets: Available for charging small electronic devices
  • Laundry service: Available at an additional cost

Find Your Arctic Ship

Making the correct choice of ship is key. With firsthand experience of all of the ships we offer, let Swoop help guide you to exactly the right one.

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