Magellan Discoverer Has Completed Sea Trials
The 5,900-ton polar vessel successfully finished testing in the South Atlantic ahead of its December debut.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Cruises
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The Magellan Discoverer recently completed its final sea trials in the South Atlantic to test navigational and safety systems. Designed for expedition cruising, the ship is set to be delivered to Antarctica21 later this year.
Why it matters
The vessel is purpose-built for polar navigation, featuring a PC6 ice-class hull and advanced battery technology to facilitate operations in remote regions like Antarctica. It will expand the operator's capacity for small-ship expedition travel in the coming season.
The Magellan Discoverer weighs 5,900 tons and maintains a passenger capacity of 100 people. It is equipped with a PC6 ice-class hull and a Corvus battery package.
The players
Antarctica21
An expedition cruise company that specializes in small-ship tours to the Antarctic region.
ASENAV
A shipbuilding company based in Valdivia, Chile, responsible for the construction of the vessel.
The details
Representatives conducted thorough testing of the ship's technical, safety, and navigation systems to prepare for its polar itinerary. Guests will reach the ship via flights from Chile to King George Island before embarking on their expedition.
Timeline
The ship was ordered by Antarctica21 in early 2024.
The Magellan Explorer originally entered service in 2023.
Delivery to Antarctica21 is expected later this year.
The vessel will welcome its first guests in December.
The Magellan Explorer is slated for the 2026-27 season.
Roadmap
The introduction of the Magellan Discoverer reflects a broader shift toward specialized, small-capacity vessels in the premium expedition cruise market. This expansion positions Antarctica21 to compete more effectively with other niche cruise lines operating in increasingly sensitive polar environments.
Travelers planning a polar expedition can expect increased availability for small-ship Antarctic voyages beginning in December. Those looking to book should account for the mandatory flight logistics between Chile and King George Island.
The takeaway
The addition of this vessel signals continued growth in the high-end adventure tourism sector. Prospective cruisers should monitor upcoming operator schedules to secure space on early 2027 departures.
Further reading
For more information on the current state of expedition travel, see our Cruises section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cruise Industry News.
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