New Zealand-based expedition cruise operator Heritage Expeditionshas acquired the former Silver Explorer, a polar-capable vessel previously operated by Silversea Cruises, and plans to add it to its fleet in May 2027 under the name Heritage Discoverer.
The ice-strengthened vessel was built in 1989 at the Rauma shipyard in Finland and for years sailed to polar regions and remote destinations. After leaving the Silversea fleet, the ship sailed as the Exploris One for the French expedition operator Exploris before being sold following the company's liquidation in early 2026.
The Heritage Discoverer will join Heritage Expeditions' fleet of small ships alongside the Heritage Adventurer and Heritage Explorer, thus expanding the New Zealand company's capacity in the polar cruise segment and remote destinations.
The ship is approximately 108 meters long and has a capacity for around 130 passengers. It has undergone several improvements and upgrades in recent years.
According to the company, the ship will operate expedition trips in the Arctic and Antarctic, and some of its first departures have already been chartered.
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