Antarctica21’s newbuild Magellan Discoverer is nearing completion at ASENAV in Valdivia, Chile. Arrival in Punta Arenas is planned for 25 October 2026.
Previously, the Chilean polar cruise operator said the vessel had been expected for delivery on 30 September. That date had not been publicly confirmed at the time of reporting. A naming ceremony is planned for November. Revenue operations in Antarctica begin in December.
Magellan Discoverer is a sister ship to the 2019-built Magellan Explorer. It is 94 metres long overall. It carries up to 88 passengers on Antarctic fly-cruises or 96 on conventional voyages, with 67 crew and expedition staff.
PC6 polar classification applies to the ship. It has a reported open-water cruising speed of 14 knots. Its propulsion combines two 1,800 kW diesel engines with batteries, an ABB DC electrical grid and Azipod units.
Antarctica21 said that configuration is intended to improve energy efficiency, reduce underwater noise and allow limited battery-powered operation. The vessel also has heat-recovery equipment, Tier III emissions controls, wet and dry science laboratories and cabins with private balconies.
The first hybrid-electric polar expedition cruise ship built in the Americas is how the operator described the ship. It has not released independently verified fuel-consumption or per-passenger emissions data.
The new ship will expand capacity for the company’s fly-cruise programme between Punta Arenas and King George Island, which avoids the Drake Passage crossing. Co-founder Jaime Vásquez said the 2026–2027 season would include 46 voyages and 300 nights in polar waters. The published schedule lists 36 air-cruises and 8 sea voyages, or 44 departures.