M/S Explorer

Commissioned by Lars-Eric Lindblad, the Explorer was purpose-built as an expeditionary vessel, designed to literally go where no passenger ship has gone before. She sailed out of builder’s yard in Finland on December 14, 1969, bound for some of the most exotic destinations on earth. The Explorer’s design includes a shallow draft and easy-launching zodiacs, allowing passengers access to places that other ships can only dream of. The Explorer is as comfortable plowing through the arctic ice as navigating the tropical waters of the Amazon. Affectionately called “the Little Red Ship,” by its group of dedicated followers, the M/V Explorer is a historic vessel, and has set many firsts in the adventure travel field.

In 1984, the Explorer became the first passenger ship to cross the Northwest Passage – a trip it repeated in 1988. In 1989, off Anvers Island, Antarctica, the crew helped rescue people from a sinking Argentinean supply vessel that had hit a rock ledge. In 1997, she became the first passenger ship to circumnavigate James Clark Ross Island, Antarctica. In 1998, she was first to sail 80 miles above Iquitos, Peru to the point where the Maranon and Ucayali rivers meet to become the Amazon.

Spacious public areas, including fore and aft observation decks, forward lounge and bar, a window-lined dining room, exercise room and a well-stocked library, complement the comfortable accommodations. Our travelling style is casual, with open dining room seating and no formal dress requirements. Woolly sweaters, rubber boots and a sense of adventure are the only necessities! Our open-bridge policy offers a superb view for birding or wildlife sighting and a chance to interact with the crew.

Our vessel is equipped with a fleet of sturdy Zodiacs - the key to expeditionary travel - allowing us to visit isolated communities, archeological sites or float by impressive bird colonies or icebergs. The areas we travel to are remote and often lack substantial docking facilities; therefore, the majority of shore landings are undertaken using Zodiacs. Zodiac embarkations involve descending gangway stairs with double handrails and stepping into the Zodiac from a small platform at water level (assistance is provided throughout).

Come join us on the Explorer and become a part of the Little Red Ship’s colourful history.

Ship Specifications
Registry: Monrovia, Liberia
Built: 1969, Nystad, Finland
Refurbished: 2004
Length: 75m (246ft)
Breadth: 14.02m
Max Draft: 4.48m
Cruising speed: 11knots
Gross tonnage: 2398 grt
Range: 5,300 nautical miles
Crew: 53 officers, crew, staff
Capacity: 104 passengers
Auxiliary Craft: 4 motor lifeboats, capacity 196 persons; 4 life rafts, capacity 66 each
Communication: Telex, telephone, fax, email, GMDSS, satellites A, C & M

Deck Plans

Cat 1 - Triple Cabin: Lower deck (Explorer), private facilities, one upper two lower berths, porthole window

Cat 2 - Double, Lower deck forward, private facilities, one lower and one upper berths, porthole window

Cat 3 - Double, Lower deck midship, private facilities, two lower berths, porthole window

Cat 4 - Double, Main deck (Yacht) forward, private facilities, one lower and one upper berths, porthole window

Cat 5 - Double, Main deck midship, private facilities, two lower berths, porthole window

Cat 6 - Double, Boat deck midship, private facilities, two lower berths, writing desk, picture window

Cat 7 - Superior Double, Salon deck, private facilities, two lower berths, picture window

Cat 8 - Suites, Salon deck, double bed, midship, separate private bathroom, desk, TV/VCR, lounge seating area, two picture windows

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