November 2, 2026 — Update: Antarctica21 has taken delivery of its new hybrid-electric expedition ship Magellan Discoverer, which is now sailing to Punta Arenas, Chile, ahead of a christening on November 6. When we last reported, the ship was still in sea trials.
What’s new
- Delivery: Antarctica21 took over the ship and completed registration and provisioning on October 30, after final trials from the ASENAV shipyard in Valdivia, Chile.
- Christening: planned for November 6, the Day of the Antarctic in Chile.
- Maiden voyage: December 15, 2026, exploring Southern Chile and Antarctica.
- After that: the ship will run Antarctic expeditions alongside sister Magellan Explorer, built at the same yard.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Guests | 88 |
| Size | 5,900 tons |
| Ice class | Polar Class 6 |
| Builder | ASENAV, Valdivia, Chile (build took almost three years) |
The shipyard summed it up simply: “It is not just another ship.”
What it means for airline travelers
- Punta Arenas is the gateway for this ship, which means a long journey for most travelers, usually via Santiago. Build in at least one spare day, and more if you are flying standby on full holiday-season flights.
- The December 15 maiden voyage falls in peak Southern Hemisphere summer travel. Check loads well ahead.
- Expedition schedules depend on weather. Leave flexibility in your return flights.
- No travel-industry or interline rates were mentioned.
Sources
- Cruise Industry News — Magellan Discoverer En Route to Punta Arenas Ahead of Nov. 6 Christening
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