Magellan Discoverer
- capacity
- 76
- year built
- 2026
- crew members
- 67
- length
- 308 feet
- beam
- 56 feet
- draft
- 14 feet
- cruising speed
- 13 knots
- ice class
- PC6
Magellan Discoverer is an elegant and stylish sister ship to the esteemed Magellan Explorer, built for the popular air cruise model. She is equipped with the latest technology for safety and sustainability, and like her sister, Magellan Discoverer flaunts a similar boutique, yacht-like aesthetic. For Antarctic air cruises, Magellan Discoverer will welcome up to 76 guests in 40 cabins across three passenger decks. Magellan Discoverer is under construction at the same ASENAV shipyard in Valdivia, Chile, with anticipated launch for the 2026-2027 Antarctica season.
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Choose the strong and agile Magellan Discoverer for a stylish base for adventures, combining excellence in expedition and boutique hospitality. The Magellan Discoverer offers a unique wet and dry science lab for hands-on exploration. Magellan Discoverer’s dedication to keeping it small fits perfectly with AdventureSmith Explorations’ philosophy of small, sustainable cruises. Limiting capacity to only 76 guests allows for ample space on board for ultimate comfort and off-board passenger expedition experience. This limited passenger count also allows for all travelers arriving to embark on a single flight to Antarctica, translating into less waiting. For these, and many other reasons, the Magellan Discoverer is among our top choices for passengers seeking Antarctica luxury cruises.
Operations Aboard Magellan Discoverer
The ship features a hybrid-electric propulsion system with powerful MAN main engines and innovative Azipods® provided by ABB, paired with a Corvus battery-based Energy Storage System. This ensures a smoother and quieter journey, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Antarctica fully.
Sustainability Aboard Magellan Discoverer
The Magellan Discoverer is equipped with state-of-the-art efficient engines and meets stringent Tier III emission standards, the most rigorous standard in the industry. To minimize fuel consumption, a waste heat recovery system recycles the heat produced by the ship’s engines and repurposes it to power the ship’s heating system and to warm the water used on board. All waste is compacted and stored to be safely disposed.
Common Areas Aboard Magellan Discoverer
The modern environment provides a comfortable, stylish and efficient feel at every turn in the ship. The public spaces include a large forward-facing Observation Lounge that hosts briefings and educational presentations, accessible bow, and an outdoor observation deck, each providing expansive views and close contact with the natural environment.
The dining room accommodates all guests and expedition staff in a single sitting. Also on board is a meeting room with an interactive science lab, gift shop, protected outdoor barbecue area, library stocked with Antarctica literature and books in multiple languages, gym with panoramic windows and sauna. The ship offers local intranet with international news, daily programs and a medical clinic. Wireless internet is included and available throughout the ship, and wireless receivers offer simultaneous translation for guests who do not speak English.
Dining Aboard Magellan Discoverer
The main dining room serves buffet breakfasts and lunches, and table service dinner. When weather permits, outdoor BBQs are enjoyed on the deck. Premium Chilean wines are served with lunch and dinner. Snacks and drinks are shared during welcome and farewell celebrations. Express lunches and 24-hour coffee, tea and water are also available. In addition to the cuisine, the bar offers a selection of Chilean domestic drinks, along with international favorites.
Activities Aboard Magellan Discoverer
Zodiac cruises start in the specific Zodiac embarkation area equipped with hangers, lockers and sitting facilities to prepare for exploration. Then guests are routed to the two mid-ship gangways for quick and safe Zodiac operations with 10 Zodiacs for exploration and shore excursions. The Magellan Discoverer also offers a variety of polar activities, including kayaking, hiking and snowshoeing, at additional cost.
For the ultimate adventure, the ship introduces a unique wet science lab and an expansive top deck that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. After a day of exploration, guests can relax and rejuvenate in the sauna with panoramic windows.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Magellan Discoverer
The Magellan Discoverer features a range of luxurious accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. With 3 cabin decks and 5 cabin categories, there’s something for everyone. Choose from 8 Grand Veranda Suites, 2 Family Suites, 2 Triple Deluxe Veranda Cabins, 22 Deluxe Veranda Cabins, or 6 Single Deluxe Veranda Cabins. Each cabin offers a comfortable and spacious layout, with a choice of either a king-size bed or two twin beds, a cozy sitting area, and a private balcony for enjoying the breathtaking views.
