Boutique Antarctic expeditions operator, Antarctica21 has confirmed that construction is underway on its latest vessel, Magellan Discoverer, set to join the fleet for the 2026/27 Antarctic season. Magellan Explorer comes as a response to the increasing demand for their unique fly and cruise Antarctic expeditions, a model of travel that the Chilean company pioneered in 2003.
The new ship indicates Antarctica21’s commitment to excellence in small ship, boutique-style expeditions and marks a significant additional step in its efforts to serve the high-end segment of the Antarctic travel market.
Magellan Discoverer will be a sister ship to Magellan Explorer which launched in late 2019. According to Antarctica21, the next vessel is a “promise of innovative design and environmental stewardship”.
“While mirroring its sibling in elegance and style, Magellan Discoverer charts its own course with remarkable enhancements.”
Subscribe to LATTE Cruise’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury cruise space.Like Magellan Explorer, Magellan Discoverer meets the stringent PC6 ice class specifications and flaunts a similar boutique, yacht-like aesthetic.
Custom-built for Antarctic fly-and-sail operations, which allows guests to fly to Antarctica, skipping over Drake Passage to join their ship directly at the White Continent.
For Antarctic air-cruises, Magellan Discoverer will welcome up to 76 guests in 40 cabins across three passenger decks. The vessel will comply with the stringent Tier III emission standard and champions environmental responsibility with its hybrid diesel-electric propulsion and heat recovery systems.
Jaime Vásquez, President of Antarctica21, emphasises, “This ship is born out of our unwavering commitment to meeting the rising expectations of our guests. Equipped with the latest technology, Magellan Discoverer strengthens our dedication to sustainability while offering seamless comfort for our travellers. With its modern elegance and advanced technical features, it supports our ongoing effort to provide unparalleled experiences in the spectacular Antarctic region.”
The ship features 12 Suites, including two Family Suites for four guests each and two Triple Deluxe Veranda Suites, 22 Deluxe Veranda Cabins, and six Single Deluxe Veranda Cabins. Every cabin offers king-size beds, comfortable sitting areas, and private balconies. The ship introduces a wet science lab to support Antarctic research programs and a wraparound walking deck, providing 360-degree views of the Antarctic landscapes. There will also be a sauna on board.
Claudio Bobadilla, Fleet Director at Antarctica21 says that in collaboration with shipbuilder ASENAV, there will be several design enhancements for the new ship “reflecting our learnings from building Magellan Explorer”
“Our goal is to exceed the high standards expected by our guests. Magellan Discoverer will set a new standard of excellence in the Antarctic tourism industry, and be a point of pride for our team.”
Magellan Discoverer sails will feature a cutting-edge hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and active stabilisers, boasting two powerful MAN main engines, ABB’s innovative Azipod® propulsion units and Energy Storage System with Battery Bank from Corvus. This advanced setup promises a smoother, quieter journey through the icy wonders.
The announcement of Magellan Discoverer follows the recent opening of the company’s Explorers House private lounge in Punta Arenas, the only Antarctic pre-departure lounge in the industry and an Antarctica21 exclusive.
