POLAR LATITUDES EXPEDITIONS WELCOMES DISCOVERER TO ITS POLAR FLEET

Pressemitteilung

Polar Latitudes Expeditions is proud to announce the addition of a new expedition vessel to its fleet: the newly renamed Discoverer, formerly known as Exploris One. The ship will join Polar Latitudes Expeditions’ Antarctic program beginning with the 2026/27 season, replacing Seaventure, which will transition to full operation under 66 Expeditions. Discoverer joins the Polar Latitudes Expeditions family, following a majority acquisition by its parent company. “By replacing a chartered with an owned vessel, we again underline our vision, having superior control of our expedition product and therefore also creating the best potential expedition experience for our customers,” says Anders Kristensen, Chief Commercial Officer of Polar Latitudes Expeditions.

In addition to operating under the Polar Latitudes Expeditions brand in Antarctica, Discoverer will also sail under the Heritage Expeditions banner in other global regions, further underscoring the ship’s versatility and expedition pedigree.
A vessel with a long polar pedigree Built at the Rauma yards in Finland and with a history in expedition cruising — sailing under names such as Silver Explorer and Prince Albert II before the most recent Exploris One — Discoverer combines classic expedition heritage with modern comforts. The 2023 refurbishment introduced significant upgrades to public spaces, technical systems, and guest accommodations. Polar Latitudes Expeditions plans further enhancements ahead of the 2026/27 Antarctic season, including additional modernization of onboard amenities and technology to align the vessel fully with the company’s signature small-ship expedition experience.

Upcoming Deployment and Fleet Changes
Beginning in Antarctic Season 2026/27, Discoverer will replace Seaventure in all its scheduled departures under Polar Latitudes Expeditions. Guests booked aboard Seaventure will be accommodated aboard Discoverer in the same cabin categories as originally reserved.
Seaventure has sailed under the Polar Latitudes brand since 2021. While the Discoverer shares many similarities with the old Seaventure, such as the decades of experience navigating the Polar regions and similar passenger capacity, guests will appreciate the recently modernized public areas on the Discoverer.

“We have had many successful seasons with Seaventure, and we wish nothing but the best for 66 Expeditions as they go forward with her,” says John McKeon, Founder of Polar Latitudes Expeditions, “That said, I couldn’t be more thrilled with the addition of Discoverer as the next step in our multi-year program of building the most comprehensive expedition cruise company in the industry. And of course, as always, I want to thank all the passengers and partners who continue to support and trust Polar Latitudes Expeditions by coming along with us on this exciting adventure. There is much more to come!” Polar Latitudes Expeditions will communicate directly with all affected guests and travel partners, and additional details regarding onboard enhancements and deployment plans will be shared in the coming weeks. With the addition of Discoverer to the Polar Latitudes Expeditions fleet, the company will expand ist Antarctic 2026/27 departure schedule. In December 2026, guests will find additional voyages on offer, including the company’s signature Crossing the Antarctic Circle itinerary. Come March 2027, Discoverer will push to new destinations, navigating through Chilean Fjords and bringing Chilean Patagonia into the company’s expedition portfolio for the first time.
With the addition of Discoverer, Polar Latitudes Expeditions reaffirms its commitment to delivering deeply immersive, responsibly operated Arctic and Antarctic expeditions, combining experienced leadership, small-ship access, and a longstanding dedication to the wildest and remotest areas in the world.

Text: PM Polar Latitudes Expeditions, Foto: Polar Latitudes Expeditions