Oceanic Discoverer

The Oceanic Discoverer was launched in 2005 and can indulgently accommodate our 65 passengers. Her small size is perfect for regional exploration. She carries Zodiacs, a glass-bottom boat, and a powerful aluminum excursion boat that can carry all passengers-providing a selection of means by which we can go ashore. A spacious lounge, equipped with two large plasma TV screens, is perfect for our lectures and visual presentations. All cabins feature an ocean view and have a large wardrobe, desk, luggage storage, individual temperature controls, and en suite facilities. Her well-appointed public spaces include a large sundeck, hot tub, library with e-mail station, boutique, dive shop, and two cocktail bars. The dining room serves all passengers in one sitting and often features the finest fresh seafood of the region and a comprehensive selection of Australian and New Zealand wines.

Download the Ship Fact sheet here.

Tonnage: 1,838
Length: 206 feet
Speed: 14 knots
Ship Registry: Australia

Accounts Onboard

Upon embarkation, a shipboard account is automatically opened for your convenience. The "chit" system is used for all onboard purchases, including bar charges, gift shop purchases, laundry, medical services, communication, etc. You will sign a chit for each purchase, and the amount will be debited to your shipboard account, which is presented for settlement at the end of the voyage.

The Australian dollar is the currency used on board. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diner's Club are accepted for payment of shipboard accounts. Traveler's checks in U.S. dollars are not accepted on board.

Air Conditioning

Each cabin has individual controls for air conditioning.

Baggage

Baggage is restricted only per the airlines' regulations (See Baggage Allowance section under General Information). We do recommend that you travel with soft luggage, as this is less bulky to store and storage space aboard the ship is limited. Please ensure that your baggage is clearly labeled with your name and home address and attach yellow Zegrahm Expeditions luggage tags, which will be provided with your final documents packet, to each piece of luggage. Our staff will use these tags for easy identification of group passengers and baggage.

Bar

There are two fully-stocked bars located in the lounge and dining area with an excellent selection of Australian & New Zealand wines, beers, and spirits. Bar hours are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight.

Bridge Visits

There is an open-bridge policy on board. However, the bridge will be closed to visitors during maneuvers in port, when anchoring, during periods of inclement weather, and at the captain's discretion.

Cabins and Service

Cabins are serviced daily by your cabin attendant. If you require additional housekeeping service, please advise the reception desk.

All cabins feature an ocean view, two twin beds or queen-size bed, en suite bathroom, sitting area, large wardrobe, desk, and luggage storage.

Contact Information

The ship has facilities available for incoming/outgoing e-mail, telephone, and fax. You will be charged for all personal communication to/from the ship.

To use the ship's communication facilities (telephone, fax, and e-mail), passengers must register with the purser who will set up a communications account. All charges for communications will be debited to your shipboard account.

Specific contact information will be included in your final packet of trip documents sent approximately one month prior to your departure.

Daily Programs

The daily program is distributed to all cabins and posted in common areas every evening on board. The program announces the cruising schedule, lectures, and shore excursions. Weather conditions may, of course, alter the day's intended program.

Dietary Needs

Special dietary foods can be provided, but we must be notified in writing on the Personal Information Form. The galley is equipped to prepare or serve most special dietary foods except kosher cuisine.

Dining and Meals

The dining room is located on the Main Deck. Seating is open at 4- or 6-seat tables. Breakfast is generally served buffet-style with a menu that includes breakfast meats, single egg preparation, grilled vegetables, and a selection of baked goods and cereals. Lunch is also served buffet-style and generally offers bread, cold cuts, antipasto, one hot meat dish, three cold salads, and fruit. Dinner alternates between buffet and table service with two options for starter, two options for main course, and a single desert option. BBQs are served on the Sun Deck and sometimes beach BBQs are offered. Meal times may vary according to the day's activities and will be advised in the daily program. Standard hours are 7:00 - 8:30 a.m. for breakfast, 12:30 p.m. for lunch, and 7:30 p.m. for dinner.

Electricity

The electricity on board runs at 220/250 volts, and outlets take Australian-style 3-pin plugs.

Elevator

There is no elevator on board.

Exercise Facilities

Due to the active nature of the expeditions, no gym or pool facilities are available on board.

Gift Shop

A small gift shop is located in the purser's office on the Main Deck, carrying polo shirts, hats and caps, towels and postcards, and a limited selection of toiletries and sundries.

Gratuities

All gratuities for onboard staff and crew are included in the cost of the expedition.

Hair Dryer

Each cabin is equipped with a hair dryer.

Hair Salon

The ship does not offer hair cutting or hair styling services.

Laundry

Basic laundry service is available on board. Please allow 48 hours turn-around time. Dry cleaning service is not available. Prices will be posted on board, and charges will be debited to your shipboard account, payable at the end of the voyage.

Lectures

Our onboard staff will present a series of informative lectures during the voyage. We plan to provide a lecture series that will cover all features of our expedition and the surrounding environment. These presentations are an integral part of this expedition and are designed to lend greater depth and understanding to your travel experience.

Library

There is small library on board with reference materials on natural history and novels as well as games.

Medical Services and Special Needs

Facilities may not be available for the physically challenged traveler. If you have special needs, please contact our office directly.

Passengers requiring special medications should bring sufficient quantities to last the duration of the expedition. If you are under regular treatment for any ailment or disease, you should bring a summarized medical history as well. It is essential that persons with any medical problems and related dietary restrictions inform us well before departure so we may brief the ship's staff accordingly.

If you use a hearing aid that might be turned off at night or would otherwise require special assistance in case of an emergency, please advise the reception desk at the time of boarding.

Safety at Sea

Safety at sea is of utmost importance aboard this ship. All officers are trained in emergency procedures, and regular drills are held to instruct the crew in their emergency duties. By international law, passengers must participate in a lifeboat drill within 24 hours of sailing. Upon embarkation, all passengers will be requested to locate their life jacket in their cabin and note their lifeboat and muster station. This mandatory lifeboat drill will be scheduled as soon as is convenient for the expedition leader and captain.

Life preservers are mandatory on Zodiac excursions. All passengers must have their life preserver secured properly before leaving the ship to board the Zodiac.

While the ship is your temporary home, it is also a mobile one, and it is essential that you take certain safety precautions. Here are some basic rules:

Always turn on lights before moving about in a dark cabin.

Walk, never run, aboard the ship, and be extra careful when walking on wet or icy decks.

Wear shoes with slip-resistant soles, especially when walking on deck.

Avoid large, open areas during rough weather, especially outside decks and the bridge. Do not move about unnecessarily.

During particularly rough weather hold on to handrails in stairways, be very careful in the bathroom, never hold a door by its frame in case the ship's movement causes the door to close on your hand, and secure all baggage in your cabin and any loose items in your bathroom or on shelves, bureaus, or desks.

Ship Statistics

Built: 2005

Gross Tonnage: 1,838

Length: 206 feet

Beam: 43 feet

Draft: 10 feet

Number of Guests: 65

Crew Members: 22

Crew Nationality: Australian & New Zealand

Ship's Registry: Australia

Shipboard Amenities

Shipboard facilities include a large lecture lounge, sun deck with spa pool, library, gift shop, and computer station.

Smoking Policy

Smoking is permitted outside on deck in designated areas only. There is a no-smoking policy throughout the interior of the ship. When smoking on outside decks, please do not throw cigarettes over the side of the ship.

Tagboard

There is no tagboard on board, but you will be asked to sign in and out for landings ashore.

Valuables

Please try and leave any nonessential valuables at home. Zegrahm Expeditions is not responsible for the loss or theft of any jewelry, cash, etc.

Water

The ship's water supply provides potable water, but passengers are asked to practice conservation at all times.

Zodiacs and Xplorer Landing Craft

The ship carries two Zodiacs that will be used for landings in suitable areas. Their flat-bottom design permits these craft to land directly onto beaches. You can expect, nonetheless, to wade through shallow surf to reach the shore during wet landings. Zodiacs cruise at an approximate speed of four knots and in windy weather can make for rather splashy rides. We therefore recommend wearing wet-weather gear for Zodiac transfers, and life preservers are absolutely mandatory. Please see the section Proper Use of Zodiacs for further information about procedures during Zodiac landings.

The ship also carries a tender called the Xplorer, which can accommodate all passengers and will also be used for shore excursions. The Xplorer provides the opportunity for dry landings in suitable areas. You will be given a briefing on board on the safe use of these boats.

5/27/2008 : Australia's Kimberley
6/6/2008 : Australia's Kimberley