The 1989-built Exploris One is awaiting a potential new owner as it sits laid up in France following the liquidation of Exploris Cruises.

A skeleton crew is aboard the ship, consisting of a captain, two officers, three seamen, a chief engineer, two engineers, two motormen and one cook, according to a source. Their job is to maintain the ship to the best of their abilities until a buyer takes over.

Meanwhile, a French court managing the liquidation of the company has been tasked with selling the 132-guest vessel.

Bids were said to be due in late November and Cruise Industry News understands multiple bidders included at least one existing expedition cruise operator, a number of investors looking to charter the ship out and scrap brokers.

Multiple potential bidders, who asked not to be quoted, expressed frustration with the process.

One of the challenges revolves around the timing. The ship’s new owner will take delivery of the vessel immediately and will then have to pay lay up costs, including crew, fuel, food, port fees and more.

Cruises under a new owner could happen as soon as spring, meaning the new buyer will be funding at least four months of costs and a potential refurbsihment before any real revenue comes in.