The Exploris One recently completed 35 years of service. Currently sailing for the France-based Exploris Expeditions & Cruises, the expedition vessel was originally launched in June 1989.

With a rich history, the 132-guest ship has sailed for various brands over the years, including Silversea Expeditions, which operated it from 2008 to 2023.

Originally named Delfin Clipper, the Exploris One was built for Delfin Cruises at the Rauma-Repola shipyard in Finland.

After a successful inaugural season in the Baltic Sea, the 6,130-ton vessel was chartered to Sally Line, a subsidiary of EffJohn International, in 1990.

Due to financial problems faced by Delfin Cruises, the Delfin Clipper was eventually taken back by theshipyard before sailing for multiple cruise brands over a ten-year period.

In 2000, the ship was acquired by Society Expeditions and joined the company’s fleet as the World Discoverer.

It was later renamed World Adventurer and continued to operate for the brand until it was acquired by Silversea Cruises in 2008.

As Silversea’s first-ever expedition ship, the vessel underwent a major refurbishment at the Fincantieri shipyard and debuted as the Prince Albert II.

Later renamed Silver Explorer, the ship continued to offer cruises to polar and remote areas for the upscale brand before being handed over to Exploris Expeditions & Cruises in late 2023.

Now sporting a new livery that features red and white,  the ship is serving the French-speaking market with itineraries in Antarctica, South America, the Atlantic, Northern Europe and the Arctic.

In 2024, the Exploris One is also set to offer itineraries across the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Caribbean and the Amazon.

According to Exploris, the vessel was designed for “the most demanding waters of the world, particularly those of the polar regions.”

Flying the French flag, the Exploris One is said to offer a reinforced ice hull, as well as an “exceptional level of comfort.”