Ocean Diamond

Former names: Le Diamant, Song of Flower, Explorer Starship, Femhil, Begonia

Ocean Diamond current position

Ocean Diamond current location is at West Mediterranean (coordinates 36.12583 N / -5.35433 W) cruising en route to Gibraltar. The AIS position was reported 6 minutes ago.

All Itineraries Current Position

Specifications of Ocean Diamond

Year of build1974  /  Age: 50
Flag state Bahamas
BuilderKMV (Kristiansand Mekaniske Verksted) Kristiansand, Norway
Classice-strengthened expedition ship
Speed16 kn / 30 km/h / 18 mph
Length (LOA)124 m / 407 ft
Beam (width)16 m / 52 ft
Gross Tonnage8282 gt
Passengers113 - 251
Crew106
Passengers-to-space ratio37
Decks6
Cabins113
Decks with cabins5
Last Refurbishment2019
Former namesLe Diamant, Song of Flower, Explorer Starship, Femhil, Begonia
OwnerSunStone Ships Inc
OperatorQuark Expeditions, Albatros Travel, Iceland ProCruises

Ocean Diamond Itineraries

DateItineraryDeparture PortPrice from
2024 Feb 18 12 days, round-trip 13 Night Crossing the Antarctic Circle Southern Expedition Cruise and Land Tour Ushuaia $12916
2024 Mar 01 9 days, round-trip 10 Night Antarctic Explorer Discovering the 7th Continent Cruise and Land Tour Ushuaia $9615

Ocean Diamond Review

Review of Ocean Diamond

MV Ocean Diamond cruise ship is owned by the Copenhagen-based Albatros Travel company, that specializes in polar expedition cruises and tours. Quark Expeditions (USA-based polar cruise travel company) operates the vessel under a charter. The list of other Albatros Travel-owned ships also includes Ocean AdventurerOcean AtlanticOcean EndeavourSea Endurance.

This expedition vessel accommodates a maximum of 189 passengers and features an ice-strengthened hull and two stabilizers, making it ideal for polar travel vacations.

MV Ocean Diamond cruise ship (Quark Expeditions)

The vessel (IMO number 7325629) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311063900) and registered in Nassau. It was previously France-flagged (MMSI 578101000) and registered in Wallis and Futuna.

History - construction and ownership

The superyacht's previous owner (Compagnie du Ponant) sold it in late-2011 to investors. In November 2012, it was contracted by Quark Expeditions for charter operations under the name "Ocean Diamond". The polar travel company Quark Expeditions (1991-founded) specializes in expedition cruises to Antarctica and the Arctic via icebreaking vessels (passenger ships with ice-strengthened hulls). Quark Expeditions became part of TUI Travel (UK) in 2007 and since 2016 is owned by Travelopia Group Holdings Ltd (UK).

MV Ocean Diamond cruise ship (Quark Expeditions)

Shipboard facilities

Being one of the most eco-friendly and fastest cruise ships in Antarctica, Ocean Diamond is also one of the most comfortable ones. The 101 elegantly furnished cabins and suites all feature exterior views. There are also expansive common spaces, a spacious restaurant and club lounge.

The boat offers a wealth of adventure options, plus onboard interactions with photography instructors (dedicated photography enrichment program), yoga classes, aromatherapy treatments and massage therapy (wellness program). Zodiac cruising and landings, snowshoeing and hiking tours ashore are included in cruise fares, while kayaking is optional. After a day of exploration, guests can relax and browse DVDs or books in the well-stocked polar library.

 

The vessel's draft is only 16 ft (4,9 m) allowing access to remote islands and unique coastal destinations. The ship is powered by two WICHMANN marine diesel engines (total power output 7375 HP). The hull is ice class 1D. The ship has all 2 lifeboats, which are fully enclosed. Ship-to-shore communications are via Inmarsat Capsat Fleet 77 (satellite phone and Internet).

In addition to the lifeboats, MS Ocean Diamond carries a tender on davits (a crane-like device used for raising, and lowering the boats) located across the stern. The cruise ship also serves the "Expert in Residence" program, letting polar researchers, scientists, historians and other experts to undertake field work out of the ship. Passengers are allowed to assist. All landings include expedition jackets and rubber boots on loan.

Itineraries

Ocean Diamond cruises in Antarctica (Antarctic Peninsula region). itineraries also visit the wildlife paradise of South Georgia Island and the remote Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). Antarctica departures are out of Ushuaia (Argentina) and fly-cruise deals are offered from Buenos Aires.

In the summer, the ship operates on European itineraries (cruises in Iceland) with roundtrip departures from Reykjavik. These seasonal ship charters are since 2015 and by the local tour brand Iceland ProCruises (run by the Iceland ProTravel agency). In 2018 was introduced a new 7-day cruise itinerary program targeting the USA-Canada market. Most itineraries are 9-days and longer and visit port destinations in Iceland and Greenland.

Quark cruise deals

Quark Expeditions cruise deals are inclusive of:

  • 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay, group transfers (airport-hotel on the day prior departure, and hotel-ship on embarkation day)
  • onboard accommodation (daily housekeeping service)
  • all onboard meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners) - know that the ship's galley/kitchen can't prepare kosher meals
  • all Zodiac landings (daily, weather permitting) and Zodiac transfers and cruising (daily)
  • media presentations by Expedition Team members and special guest lecturers
  • waterproof expedition boots (onshore landings)
  • complimentary Quark Expeditions logoed parka
  • lifejackets and immersion suits
  • complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa (24 / 7)
  • hairdryer and bathrobe (in all cabins)
  • pre-departure materials (including maps)
  • all service taxes and port fees
  • all onboard luggage handling
  • emergency evacuation (medevac) insurance to a max benefit USD 100,000 pp
  • Fly-cruise deals are inclusive of complimentary house wines (by the glass), beers and spirits on the ship, also of all gratuities (staff and crew) and all domestic flights (prior to embarkation).
  • Shipboard laundry and Ironing services are available at additional cost.
  • Ship-to-shore communications are via Inmarsat Capsat Fleet 77 (satellite phone and Internet) and cost extra.

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Ocean Diamond ship related cruise news

Ocean Diamond Wiki

In February 2018, the company Iceland ProCruises announced its ship charter contract with the Ocean Diamond vessel to be extended through 2022. Iceland ProCruises charters MS Ocean Diamond since 2014, and its bookings have a steady annual increase of ~20%.

Season 2018 started with 3 Around Iceland (full island circumnavigation) itineraries fully booked by February 20. Due to growing demand, the cruise line extended season 2018 by 1 month (starting in April instead of May). Iceland ProCruises also have plans to time-charter a second vessel, to be operated on a reverse to Ocean Dimond cruise route around Iceland (themed "Iceland Circumnavigation").

In July 2018, together with Ocean Diamond, Iceland ProCruises also chartered MS Ocean Endeavour.

Following the Coronavirus crisis, in 2021 the company chartered Ocean Diamond for the summer (July through September 2021).

For 2022, along with Ocean Diamond, Iceland ProCruises also chartered MS Seaventure (fka MS Bremen) for voyages to Greenland.

In 2021, Quark Expeditions has planned two "Antarctic eclipse voyages" during which our Moon will completely block the Sun to produce the solar corona phenomenon. The Earth's total solar eclipses happen approx every 400 years.

  • The Antarctic solar eclipse will occur on December 4, 2021, in Weddell Sea. Quark's "Antarctic Solar Eclipse 2021" voyages are offered on 2 ships - World Explorer (17-day itinerary, November 26 - December 12) and Ocean Diamond (20-day itinerary, November 25 - December 14). Prices start from USD 17,000 pp.
  • Both cruises will feature as special guests Fred Espenak (US astrophysicist), Babak Amin Tafreshi (National Geographic photographer) and David Baron (author of the book "American Eclipse" themed on the solar eclipse that occurred on July 29, 1878).