Expedition cruise line Antarctica21 has christened its new, custom-built expedition ship Magellan Explorer, a vessel built in her home country of Chile and to the latest Polar Class 6 ice-class specifications.
Maricarmen Elias, the wife of the Antarctic cruise specialist’s President, officially named the ship during a ceremony on 8 November in Puntas Arenas, in front of more than 200 people that were involved in the vessel’s development and construction.
Following the christening, Magellan Explorer embarked on an overnight cruise for family and friends of Antarctica21, providing an opportunity to test the ship’s capabilities and guest operations, from boarding procedures to hospitality, dining and Zodiac operation.
The ship has been designed for Antarctica21’s Fly & Sail Expeditions, and features 21 Zodiac vessels, retractable stabilisers, bow and stern thrusters, state-of-the-art navigation equipment. To reduce its environment footprint, Magellan Explorer is decked out with an “energy-recovery system” that recycles the heat produced by the engines to warm the ship itself and its water supply.
Its inaugural season features more than 20 sailings including 14 seven-day ‘Classic‘ voyages and one 14-day ‘Polar Circle‘ sailing.
Onboard, Magellan Explorer offers seven cabin categories (including four dedicated single cabins) all with balconies except for a handful of Portholes. Other options include seven Grand Suites and three Penthouse Suites.
Capable of accommodating 100 passengers, the ship will limit capacity in Antarctica to 73 guests, a similar number to what Antarctica21 features on its BAE-146 aircraft that it operates to the White Continent.
More at antarctica21.com/ships-aircraft/mv-magellan-explorer/
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