The Ocean Explorer, a SunStone Maritime Group ship, will sail for Quark Expeditions in the 2024-25 Antarctic season.
The 2021-delivered Infinity class ship had sailed for Vantage Deluxe Travel on charter until Vantage folded last summer. Aurora Expeditions then began sailing the Explorer, also on charter.
The ship is classified as a Polar Class 6 icebreaker that can carry 138 passengers. It is a sister ship of the Greg Mortimer, which is in operation for Aurora Expeditions.
The Explorer last September ran aground in Greenland while in operation for Aurora Expeditions in September.
Quark plans to sail the Explorer to Antarctica for the 2024-25 season before sailing it north for the Arctic 2025 season. The Explorer will then return to Antarctica for the 2025-26 season. Bookings are open.