Photo: Exploris Expeditions & Cruises
Exploris One is both old and new. It was built back in the ‘80s and then operated as a Silversea Cruises ship in recent times under the name of Silver Explorer. Following a refit that was completed in 2023, the rugged expedition ship is not only as good as new but also embarking on a new journey under different ownership.
Bigger is not always better, and certainly not in the case of touristic expeditions to remote areas, including the polar regions. Smaller, more compact ships are able to access areas that are unreachable for larger vessels while also making disembarkations easier and faster, which allows for a more diverse, flexible itinerary.
The so-called "boutique cruising" continues to be one of the main trends in the global industry, with more and more operators either adding small ships to their fleet or switching to this type of experience altogether. Exploris Expeditions & Cruises is one of the newcomers in the market, which was launched toward the end of 2022, but benefits from the experience of one of Ponant's founders, Philippe Videau. Ponant is one of the most famous cruising brands, and this new brand also targets mainly the French-speaking market.
Exploris One is the brand's first cruise ship in operation, which embarked on its maiden voyage at the end of December 2023. The Paris-based cruise company is focused entirely on small-ship voyages, which is why this old vessel was the perfect choice. Built at the end of the 1980s, the Silver Explorer became the first ice-class ship in the Silversea Cruises fleet while also being the oldest one.
Although it didn't stay with Silversea Cruises for too long, the Silver Explorer left its mark by becoming the brand's first ship to transit the Northeast Passage successfully. By 2022, the new French cruise operator purchased the Silver Explorer as its first ship.
During its refit time at a shipyard in Chile, the vessel was restyled in a fresh color scheme and was equipped with additional systems, including a new satellite antenna. In the end, the renamed Exploris One was officially a 140-guest vessel with 60 cabins and 12 suites, a premium spa and fitness area, multiple jacuzzis, and spacious outdoor areas.
Sporting an ice-reinforced hull, this French cruise ship is ready to travel to the polar regions safely and in full comfort. It also includes 12 Zodiacs so that all the onboard guests can disembark together multiple times per day to explore remote regions (during polar expeditions, the brand's ships are limited to 120 passengers).
Exploris One is 108 meters long (354 feet), and it sports one of the most generous accommodation capacities for its size range. It operates with a large crew of more than 100 people and cruises at an average speed of 12,5 knots (23.5 kph).
Exploris Expeditions & Cruises is currently developing two new ships that promise to combine an intimate, luxurious onboard experience with the highest eco-friendly standards.
The so-called "boutique cruising" continues to be one of the main trends in the global industry, with more and more operators either adding small ships to their fleet or switching to this type of experience altogether. Exploris Expeditions & Cruises is one of the newcomers in the market, which was launched toward the end of 2022, but benefits from the experience of one of Ponant's founders, Philippe Videau. Ponant is one of the most famous cruising brands, and this new brand also targets mainly the French-speaking market.
Exploris One is the brand's first cruise ship in operation, which embarked on its maiden voyage at the end of December 2023. The Paris-based cruise company is focused entirely on small-ship voyages, which is why this old vessel was the perfect choice. Built at the end of the 1980s, the Silver Explorer became the first ice-class ship in the Silversea Cruises fleet while also being the oldest one.
Although it didn't stay with Silversea Cruises for too long, the Silver Explorer left its mark by becoming the brand's first ship to transit the Northeast Passage successfully. By 2022, the new French cruise operator purchased the Silver Explorer as its first ship.
During its refit time at a shipyard in Chile, the vessel was restyled in a fresh color scheme and was equipped with additional systems, including a new satellite antenna. In the end, the renamed Exploris One was officially a 140-guest vessel with 60 cabins and 12 suites, a premium spa and fitness area, multiple jacuzzis, and spacious outdoor areas.
Sporting an ice-reinforced hull, this French cruise ship is ready to travel to the polar regions safely and in full comfort. It also includes 12 Zodiacs so that all the onboard guests can disembark together multiple times per day to explore remote regions (during polar expeditions, the brand's ships are limited to 120 passengers).
Exploris One is 108 meters long (354 feet), and it sports one of the most generous accommodation capacities for its size range. It operates with a large crew of more than 100 people and cruises at an average speed of 12,5 knots (23.5 kph).
Exploris Expeditions & Cruises is currently developing two new ships that promise to combine an intimate, luxurious onboard experience with the highest eco-friendly standards.
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