Heritage Expeditions acquires former Silver Explorer
NZ-based expedition cruise operator Heritage Expeditions has acquired the former Silver Explorer, a polar-capable vessel previously operated by Silversea Cruises, and plans to introduce it into service in May 2027 under the name Heritage Discoverer.
The ice-strengthened ship was built in 1989 at Rauma Shipyard in Finland and was long used on polar and remote-region voyages.
After leaving the Silversea fleet, Silver Explorer sailed as Exploris One for French expedition operator Exploris before being sold following the company’s liquidation in early 2026.
Heritage Discoverer will join Heritage Expeditions’ small-ship fleet alongside Heritage Adventurer and Heritage Explorer, expanding the New Zealand-based company’s capacity for polar and remote destination cruising.
Heritage Expeditions acquires former Silver Explorer
