Polar Latitudes Expeditions announced that it is adding the Discoverer, which was formerly known as the Exploris One, to its fleet.
According to a press release, the expedition ship will join the company’s Antarctica program starting with the 2026-27 season.
The vessel will replace the Seaventure, which will transition to full-time operations under the 66º Expeditions banner.
Polar Latitudes said that the Discoverer joins its lineup following a majority acquisition by its parent company.
“By replacing a chartered vessel 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,” said Anders Kristensen, chief commercial officer of Polar Latitudes Expeditions.
In addition to operating under the Polar Latitudes Expeditions brand in Antarctica, the Discoverer will also sail under the Heritage Expeditions brand in other regions.
Built at the Rauma yards in Finland, the 132-guest ship was described as having a history in expedition cruising, recently sailing as the Silver Explorer and the Prince Albert II before becoming the Exploris One.
Polar Latitudes added that the Discoverer combines “classic expedition heritage with modern comforts” and underwent a significant refurbishment in 2023.
The refit introduced significant upgrades to public spaces, technical systems and guest accommodations, the company continued.
Polar Latitudes Expeditions plans further enhancements ahead of the vessel’s debut in Antarctica, including modernization of onboard amenities and technology, aligning it with the brand’s signature small-ship expedition experience.
The Discoverer will replace the Seaventure in all its scheduled departures under Polar Latitudes Expeditions starting in 2026-27.
The company said that guests booked on sailings onboard the ship will be accommodated in the same cabin categories as originally reserved on the Discoverer.
Polar Latitudes noted that the Seaventure has sailed under its brand since 2021, adding that guests will appreciate the recently modernized public areas on the Discoverer.
“We have had many successful seasons with the Seaventure, and we wish nothing but the best for 66º Expeditions as they go forward with her,” said John McKeon, founder of Polar Latitudes Expeditions.
“That said, I couldn’t be more thrilled with the addition of the 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,” he added.
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 the Discoverer to the Polar Latitudes Expeditions fleet, the company will also expand its departure schedule for the 2026-27 season in Antarctica.
Additional voyages will be available in December 2026, including the company’s signature Crossing the Antarctic Circle itinerary.
In March 2027, the Discoverer will also offer a new expedition through Chilean Fjords and Patagonia, marking a first for the company.
