Fodor’s Travel. November 2023.
Ship Overview
Cruise Style Expedition
Ship Size Small
Prince Range $$$$
Sails To Antarctica
Sails From Punta Arenas, Chile
Duration 8 days
With two icebreakers and four small expedition ships, Quark Expeditions, specializing in cruising to the polar regions, has the largest fleet of polar-class vessels in the industry The Ocean Adventurer sails to the Arctic region in the summer months (May-October), and to the Antarctic during winter (November-March). Designed as a true expedition ship, this former Soviet passenger ship was converted to an intimate 128-passenger vessel in 1998, and refurbished in 2017 with new auxiliary equipment and marine diesel engines, increased capacity, redesigned public areas and upgraded cabins.
While the ship itself has no frills and limited amenities, because of its smaller draft it can access world’s most remote places that other ships may not be able to get to. The flexible daily schedule allows the ship to change course quickly and also allows passengers to disembark near islands and coastal areas where they can witness breaching whales, penguin colonies, and icy fjords. Some sailings on Ocean Adventurer include a Fly-Cruise option, which involves flying over the rough seas of the Drake Passage in less than two hours and boarding the ship from King George Island in Antarctica. Otherwise, the 11-20 days long sailings begin in ports in Chile and Argentina, and consume at least two days each way crossing the narrow passage.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
The onboard staff includes some of the industry’s most knowledgeable expedition leaders who specialize in Polar regions
The agenda most days includes twice daily Zodiac exertions
All-inclusive of pre/ post hotel stay, charter flights, onboard meals, and activities
Less luxurious than other Quark Expedition ships
No spa or amenities to pamper on board
None of the cabins have balconies
WHAT TO EXPECT ON BOARD
Staterooms & Cabins
The Ocean Adventurer has modestly decorated 65 staterooms spanning five decks, each with outside views from large panoramic windows or portholes, and in suite facilities. There are three owner’s suites on Bridge Deck that have a double bed, sitting area and shower. Only one cabin (403) has a bathtub. All bathrooms are small, but well equipped with hairdryers, bathrobes, fresh towels and toiletries. There are also 215-267 square-foot Suites, and smaller size Deluxe cabins with two berths. The Superior cabins have two different configurations to choose from – two parallel beds or L-shaped corner beds. The Main Deck also offers triple cabins with two lower berths and an upper berth, as well as a private bath and porthole window. The twin porthole cabins and twin window cabins are small, about half the size of the suites, and are the most economical accommodations. Portholes on the lower decks may be closed during sea days for safety.
With blue carpets, rustic wood furniture, and berth-size beds, the cabins are designed for true adventurers – to be comfortable to sleep and shower, not spacious to linger on. Still, you will likely appreciate facilities such as daily housekeeping, and a cabin attendant who brings extra pillows and towels. Laundry and ironing service is available onboard for an additional cost.
Solo travelers can avail a Request-Share program if they don’t want to pay a single supplement for a cabin. In the case there are no matches (based on gender), the supplement fee will be waived.
The cabins are accessible only by staircases, as there are no elevators on the ship. There are also high steps on many doorways leading to the outer decks.
Food & Drink
The Ocean Adventurer has one casual dining room located on the upper deck where guests can enjoy buffet style breakfast and lunch, while dinners are plated. The menus feature a variety of international dishes, including authentic Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Italian and Mexican cuisines. Dinner is à la carte and the menu changes every evening, incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables, sustainably caught seafood, and more. You are encouraged to mingle around during meals, and sit with other diners as no reservation or seating arrangements are prebooked. A selection of beers and wines from around the world are included with dinner.
The ship crew organizes grand welcome and farewell receptions, with food, drinks, a dessert display and introductions to the staff.
Entertainment
Editor Rating
Being a small adventure ship, there is no dedicated entertainment space. The main lounge doubles as a lecture hall, where staff naturalists and historians educate the cruisers about the landscapes, land and marine wildlife, and historical sights, aided by a few televisions screen displays.
You can gather with other guests at the small wooden rustic bar with booths — Clipper Club for drinks and board games, and find books on marine biology, ecology and geology at the Polar Library. There is also a dedicate computer station where you can edit photos through your journey and share them with new friends. Access to WiFi is available sporadically based on the satellite signals, also at an additional cost.
Spa & Fitness
Editor Rating
There are no spa or wellness offerings on the Ocean Adventurer, but you will have plenty of opportunities to get workouts on daily expeditions that involve hiking, walking, snowshoeing, and Zodiac cruising. For an additional fee, you can rent kayaks for the entire during of the trip, and get an additional dose of adrenaline paddling next to humpback whales and towering glaciers.
There is a small cabin in the lower deck that is used as a gym, but it has only a few outdated equipment and limited hours of operation.
If you want to relax during your chilly Polar journey, you can hop into the heated jacuzzi tubs located outdoors.
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