5 star expeditions at sea

The Hanse Explorer is a newly built, five-star expedition motor-yacht available for exclusive use by up to 12 guests. Providing the perfect platform for special-interest groups or for an event or celebration to remember, the vessel offers five-star accommodation and cuisine, whilst at the same time giving guests a true expedition style voyage.

The start and end ports are fixed while the route and expedition landings depend on weather, ice, wildlife and the interests of the guests on board.

With an ice-strengthened hull and a shallow draft, the Hanse Explorer is a spacious 850 tonne, 48-metre expedition vessel designed for exploration of the more remote corners of the world, from the icy polar regions of Antarctica and the Arctic to the warmer waters of South America and the Caribbean.

Available for exclusive use on select departure dates, the 12-passenger vessel is ideal for families, special interest clubs and associations, or small groups of friends looking to focus on a specific destination or activity, such as wildlife watching or cultural sights. Alternatively, there are departures where individuals can book cabins on the vessel yet still have the feeling they are sailing on their own private luxury yacht!

The Hanse Explorer’s sailing schedule includes some fascinating destinations:
December - February: Antarctica, the Falklands and South Georgia
March – May: coastal Brazil and the Amazon
June: the Caribbean
July: North America
August – September: Arctic Canada & Greenland
October - November: east coast of America, the Caribbean and South America, and down to Antarctica

The Hanse Explorer
Built in 2006 in Germany by the owner of a large, successful cargo shipping company, the Hanse Explorer will carry a full complement of experienced crew whilst offering on board training to a small group of officers, engineers and hotel staff. All six interior-designed guest cabins are luxuriously and tastefully fitted and come complete with powerful rain shower systems in the en-suite bathrooms.

The cabins are also equipped with the latest technology including satellite phone and a large flat screen - ideal for photographers to work on their digital photographs. A sauna and fitness room – with the most fabulous ocean views – will help guests to unwind and relax after their day of adventure. An outside dining area provides the most incredible backdrops whilst eating superb cuisine – weather permitting! Operating an ‘open ship’ policy – guests are welcome everywhere from the bridge to the galley - the atmosphere onboard the vessel is relaxed and informal.

The vessel carries two zodiacs used for landings and cruising around small bays and islands, as well as amongst the magnificent icebergs of Antarctica and the Arctic.

For individuals prices start from £1999 per person sharing a twin cabin for a 9-night voyage, embarking in Rio de Janeiro on 13 December 2007 and disembarking in Buenos Aires on 22 December 2007. To have exclusive use of the vessel, the 12-guests would be paying around £2900 per person sharing a twin cabin for a 9-night Amazon voyage in May 2008.

The vessel is operated and managed by Oceanstar, Germany.

Visit Oceanstar.de for more information.