The Ocean Explorer recently completed five years of service, having been delivered to SunStone Ships on July 14, 2021.

Built at the China Merchants Heavy Industry shipyard in Hainan, the expedition ship debuted as the second in SunStone’s Infinity-class series.

At the time of the delivery, the company said that the 140-passenger vessel was designed with cutting-edge technologies aimed not only at improving efficiency but also the guests’ experience.

Relevant features include an X-bow, dynamic positioning capabilities and zero speed stabilizers, as well as a Polar Code 6 hull.

The 8,000-ton vessel was also designed to comply with the Safe Return to Port regulations, offering guests an extra layer of safety.

Originally chartered to Vantage Deluxe World Travel, the Ocean Explorer left its building yard soon after being delivered, with no guests onboard.

The vessel sailed to Manila in the Philippines to pick up crew before making a technical call in Valletta, Malta.

From there, the ship sailed to the port of Poole, in the United Kingdom, where it kicked off its maiden season in late August.

Offering expedition itineraries in both the Arctic and Antarctica, the Ocean Explorer continued to sail for Vantage through 2023.

With the company ceasing operations, the ship was initially chartered to Aurora Expeditions before finding a new full-time operator with Quark Expeditions.

Replacing the 1976-built Ocean Adventurer, the ship entered service for the company in October 2024, welcoming Quark’s guests in Antarctica.

Joining the Ultramarine, the vessel is now sailing for the brand on a year-round basis, offering expedition cruising in both polar regions.

Highlights of the schedule for 2026 include expeditions to the Northwest Passage, as well as exploration itineraries that combine visits to the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica.

In addition to the Ocean Explorer, SunStone’s Infinity class features six other ships, including the Douglas Mawson. Now in service for Aurora Expeditions, the vessel is the newest in the series and debuted in late 2025.