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9 Explorer Yachts Made to Cruise the World’s Most Remote Destinations

You don't need a 250-footer to reach the ends of the earth. serious explorer yachts now come in owner-operated 85-foot lengths., howard walker, howard walker's most recent stories.

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With last year seeing a record number of explorer-style yachts under construction, it’s clear a new generation of superyacht buyer is no longer content to jostle for moorings in crowded harbors of the Med or Caribbean. They want open space and adventure.

Expedition yachts have traditionally been converted freighters or supply vessels, like the 223-foot Ragnar or 250-foot Yersin. But this new generation of compact superyachts, many below 150 feet, is designed for  similar missions in smaller packages, thanks to utilitarian hull designs and expanded fuel capacities.

One in this group is designed to be self-sufficient for 30 days as it explores remote regions. Another has a top speed of 25 knots, giving it the ability to outrun storms. Several have enough rear deck space to land a helicopter.

Name-brand builders such as Holland’s Damen and Italy’s Sanlorenzo and Cantiere delle Marche have been joined by a number of specialist Turkish yards, like Bering and AvA, in offering capable, adventure-ready vessels with luxury interiors.

Here are nine of the finest. Most are new, but we’ve included several recent launches, and even a decade-old classic, to show just how far this field has come.

Damen SeaXplorer 58 ‘Pink Shadow’

Nothing screams “explorer yacht” louder than the 190-foot SeaXplorer 58 Pink Shadow from Damen Yachting. This oceangoing beast was just launched from the Dutch brand’s yard in Antalya, Turkey. The heavily customized Pink Shadow (it’s painted green) has a towering, ice-crushing, vertical bow and a distinctive open forward gallery. The boat is designed to explore the most remote corners of the globe. The vessel can be completely self-sufficient for up to a month, with the ability to cruise at 11.5 knots for over 5,000 nautical miles. Need to fly in more supplies? There’s a basketball-court-sized helipad at the stern. The yacht’s huge in-hull garages can also be filled with a fleet of toys, including two multipurpose tenders, motorcycles, ATVs, and a 4×4 SUV, plus a custom 37-foot racing sailboat.

Lynx Crossover 27 ‘Avontuur’

Paint numbers on the bow and you might mistake this new 88-foot explorer from Lynx Yachts for a military vessel. There’s even space on the open aft deck for a Navy SEAL–style RIB. But the Crossover 27 is all about adventure (“Avontuur” is the Dutch word for exactly that.) Designed by Holland’s Bernd Weel with a hull shape by Diana Yacht Design, the Lynx comes with a pair of 850-horse Caterpillars that can power it to a top speed of 14 knots. At 10 knots, it has a range of over 3,000 nautical miles. This first example was commissioned for an adventure-loving Californian who had the 750-square-foot aft deck designed to carry both an Air Nautique G23 wakeboard boat and 16-foot RIB. The garage on the deck below can transport Jet Skis, paddleboards, and scuba gear.

One of the baseline requirements for legitimate explorer yachts is that they be safe and stable in rough seas. Which is why the 85-foot explorer is so impressive. With no fewer than three stabilizer systems, the Arksen can stay upright even if slammed side-on by some Perfect Storm– sized rogue wave. The all-aluminum hull is even designed to recover from a 180-degree knockdown. The Arksen’s semi-displacement hull and glass-filled superstructure come from U.K.-based Humphries Yacht Design. Twin, heavy-duty 330 hp Cummins diesels give the boat a top speed of 14 knots. At nine knots, it has an astonishing range of 7,000 nautical miles.

Sanlorenzo 500EXP ‘Para Bellum’

The 154-foot 500EXP , the newest and biggest addition to the yard’s luxury explorer yacht range, has space for a helicopter on its stern. It also features an ice-crushing full-displacement steel hull and towering bow that gives it serious expedition cred. But the 500EXP is designed to cruise to the most remote corners of the planet in comfort. The vessel has a range of more than 4,500 nautical miles at 11 knots with the twin 970-horse Cat C32s powerplants. Below decks, the generous 31-foot beam delivers copious amounts of space for 10 guests in five cabins. The latest version of the yacht, the gray-hulled Para Bellum , can now be chartered from $300,000 a week. Helicopter not included.

Alpha Yachts Alfresco 125 ‘Piccolo’

Turkey’s Alpha Custom Yachts go-anywhere 125-foot Piccolo focuses on big spaces to enjoy the great outdoors. The flybridge itself sprawls across 1,180 square feet, with features such as a plunge pool up front and uncluttered entertaining spaces at the rear. The sleek, clean lines are from Britain’s H2 Yacht Design, with the semi-displacement fiberglass hull from naval architects Laurent Giles. And unlike most explorer yachts, the boat is fast. Twin Caterpillar C32s can punch her to a top speed of 17.5 knots, though throttle back to 10 and it will cover over 2,300 nautical miles. The first in the Alfresco 125 series, Piccolo, was launched in 2020. It is now on the market for $12.5 million.

Bering B145 ‘Heeus’

The flagship of Turkey’s Bering Yachts is the 145-foot Heeus . It has a range of over 4,600 miles, which means it can run from San Francisco to Hawaii, and back, on a single tank of fuel at 12 knots. In addition to its twin main Caterpillar engines, the B145 can also be powered by electric motors and batteries. The hybrid system is designed to ease the yacht silently into more eco-sensitive anchorages and run overnight without generators. The outside decks are huge—the sundeck alone spans almost 1,000 square feet. The boat is available for weekly charter this summer for around €230,000 ($250,000).

AvA Yachts Kando 110 Explorer ‘Infinity-Nine’

AvA’s Kando110 Explorer series hit the headlines last November after it emerged that the Turkish yard’s newest launch had been purchased by former San Antonio Spurs’ basketball star Tony Parker. He called the boat Infinity Nine . The 110-foot, steel-and-aluminum world-girder was designed to crisscross the Atlantic, courtesy of its 6,500 mile range and fuel-sipping 650 hp Volvo D16 diesels. Distinguished by a four-deck layout, towering topsides, and expansive hull-side glass, the Kando110 has six staterooms, including a 290-square-foot full-beam master.

CdM Flexplorer 130 ‘Aurelia’

Superyacht cranes have never been this cool. The towering A-frame heavy-lifter on the rear deck of CdM 130 Flexplorer Aurelia can lift and launch the yacht’s hefty 28-foot tender over the stern without breaking a sweat—in fact, it can hoist up to 3.5 tonnes. But even more impressive is that, when stowed, the crane disappears completely into recesses in the yacht’s teak deck. Sergio Cutolo’s Hydro Tec studio did the yacht design. The Flexplorer series lives up to its name: Yachts can be built from 127 to 154 feet. Power-wise, Aurelia , the first of the series, has twin Caterpillar C32s to give a 14-knot top speed. At 10 knots, it has a 5,000-nautical-mile range.

Canados Oceanic 143 Fast Expedition

Traditional explorer yachts tend to chug across oceans at single-digit speeds. But there are times when you need to outrun a storm or punch against a fast-flowing tide. That’s the beauty of Italian builder Canados’s new Oceanic 143 tri-deck: speed. Powered by three 2,400hp Caterpillar C32 12-cylinder turbo diesels, the boat can reach a top speed of 25 knots. With a fuel capacity of 8,320 gallons, if you ease back to an eight-knot cruise speed, range extends to over 6,000 miles. Much of this comes down to the yacht’s innovative “Dis-planing” hull (see image above). Canados gave it the unusual name because the design is a rare combination of “displacement” and “planing”—topped off by a wave-slicing, straked-bow design.

Read More On:

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• Expedition Yachts

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Top 10 largest explorer yachts in the world

Helipads. Dive centres. Ice-breaking hulls. Submersibles. What makes an explorer yacht? True to their name, explorer yachts are well equipped to take on adventurous journeys to the most far-flung places in the world. Equipped with a long-range and vast storage capacity for food, fuel and water to enable weeks at sea, expedition yachts are increasingly popular with owners wanting to leave behind the popular Mediterranean and Caribbean cruising grounds for more challenging adventures. We round up the top 10 largest explorer yachts in the world, starting with a new entry from German shipyard Lürssen...

Solaris | 139.7m

One of the most memorable launches of 2021, the 139.7 metre super explorer yacht Solaris travelled to the top of this coveted list of expedition yachts when she hit the water last year. The highly secretive project is built by Lloyd Werft , which also delivered the 115m explorer Luna in 2010, the fourth largest explorer yacht in the world. Spread across an impressive eight decks, Solaris was designed by Australian designer Marc Newson and hit the water for the first time at the German yard in February 2021. While nothing has been made public about the project, images of the superyacht show a large helipad, sun deck and spacious beach club aft.

• Builder: Lloyd Werft
• Country of build: Germany
• Delivery year: 2021
• Length Overall: 139.7 m
• Gross Tonnage 11247 t

More about this yacht

More stories, octopus | 126.18m.

Originally built yacht for the late Paul Allen, one of the founders of Microsoft, Octopus  is one of the most famous explorer yachts in the world. The yacht has the capacity for two helicopters at the same time, with landing pads on the aft deck and foredeck. The helipad on the aft deck also has a hangar to store the helicopter away in big seas.

Octopus also has an internal dock, which is perfect for storing the toys that every explorer yacht should have. When the dock is filled with water a 20 metre submarine and a tender of similar size are able to float in and out of their chocks. Once they are secure the water is pumped out before the yacht gets underway.

Paul Allen and the crew of Octopus used the yacht as part of an eight year search for a sunken ship. In 2015, they discovered the long-lost wreck of Japanese ship Musashi , which sunk during the Second World War.

• Builder: Lurssen
• Delivery year: 2003
• Length Overall: 126.2 m
• Beam: 21.01 m
• Gross Tonnage 9932 t

Yachts for charter

Ulysses | 116.15m.

After four years in construction, Ulysses first hit the water in summer 2018. The explorer yacht is almost 10 metres longer than her predecessor, the 107 metre Andromeda (formerly Ulysses ), which was commissioned by the same owner, New Zealand's richest man Graeme Hart. Kleven finished the yacht's technical build in Norway in December 2016, after which Ulysses was sent to Bremerhaven for interior and external completion under the project management of Dörries Maritime.

Ulysses is equipped with a heli-hangar on the top deck, a Bell 429 helicopter, and a fleet of high-speed and day-cruising tenders including a 21 metre Princess 68 stowed inside the well deck. Inside, her huge 18 metre beam is able to accommodate up to 66 guests.

• Builder: Kleven
• Country of build: Norway
• Delivery year: 2018
• Length Overall: 116.15 m
• Gross Tonnage 6862 t

Luna | 115m

Delivered in 2010, Luna  was built for Roman Abramovich as an upgraded replacement for his former exploration yacht Le Grand Bleu .

The yacht was later sold to Roman Abramovich's close friend, Farkhad Akhmedov in April 2014. The new owner sent her to the yard in Germany for an extensive 14-month refit costing €50 million and including around 130 jobs. Sporting exterior design by Frank Neubelt, Luna is famous for a low aft deck that sacrificed interior volume in favour of more space for sunbathing. The swimming pool takes centre stage and made headlines for being the largest ever seen on a superyacht at the time of delivery. Elsewhere, the yacht features two tender garages, a gym and an expansive beach club wrapping around a spa, with a steam bath, plunge pool and sauna. Two helipads sit on the upper deck while the entire lower deck is dedicated to the crew. Luna is ice-classed and built to the highest possible standards, allowing her to travel to the far reaches of the world's oceans.

• Delivery year: 2010
• Length Overall: 115 m
• Gross Tonnage 5655 t

Le Grand Bleu | 112.8m

Le Grand Bleu was built for US telecommunications tycoon John McCaw who subsequently sold the yacht to the Russian businessman Roman Abramovich who had Le Grand Bleu refitted to his own specifications. The main addition was the 4.8 metre swim platform. Le Grand Bleu is now reportedly owned by Ambramovich's friend and business associate Eugene Shvidler.

The yacht has many features that make her ideal for exploration, including a large tender garage with storage for two sports boats as well as a landing craft capable of carrying a 4x4 Land Rover for excursions ashore. Le Grand Bleu even has a 22 metre sailing yacht and a 21 metre Sunseeker motor yacht stored on the aft deck. The yacht is operated by a massive crew of 65 staff.

• Builder: Bremer Vulkan
• Delivery year: 2000
• Length Overall: 112.8 m
• Beam: 17.68 m
• Gross Tonnage 5496 t

Andromeda | 107.40m

First commissioned by New Zealand businessman Graeme Hart as Ulysses , Andromeda is now reportedly owned by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg . A capable explorer yacht ready for any conditions, Andromeda was built at Kleven Verft, a Norwegian company known for building offshore commercial vessels.  Specially designed to have a long-range,  Andromeda  is capable of carrying 36 guests to the furthest corners of the world’s oceans and is equipped with an extensive inventory of toys and tenders, including six motorbikes, two ATVs, a helicopter, a twin-hulled 50-knot support boat, a Sealegs amphibious RIB and full-on landing craft. Guests each get very generous quarters, spread across three decks, with the choicest digs being the two VIPs on the boat deck, each with its own private superyacht balcony .

• Delivery year: 2016
• Length Overall: 107.4 m
• Gross Tonnage 5937 t

Tranquility | 91.5m

The 91.5m explorer yacht Tranquility was the first yacht built to PYC standard when it was first delivered in 2014 by Dutch yard Oceanco originally called Equanimity. Since then, the yacht has enjoyed a colourful reputation, after being seized by Indonesian authorities at the request of the US Department of Justice in 2018 . The yacht hit the headlines again in 2019 as the renamed Tranquility when it played host to Kylie Jenner, who celebrated her 22nd birthday on board . However, one thing has remained constant. Tranquility has remained among the top 10 largest explorer yachts in the world since being it was first delivered in 2014. Spanning five decks, Tranquility is packed with premium superyacht features, including a foredeck helipad, spa and wellness area and 20 metre swimming pool. The tender garage houses two 10.5 metre Hodgson tenders – one sport and one limousine that can carry up to 12 guests and two crew each. Tranquility is well equipped for adventure with a range of water toys including Jet Skis, Wave Runners, SeaBobs and an electric surfboard.

• Builder: Oceanco
• Country of build: Netherlands
• Delivery year: 2014
• Length Overall: 91.5 m
• Beam: 14.6 m
• Gross Tonnage 2999 t

Voyager | 91.4m

The 91.4 metre explorer yacht Voyager is not only one of the largest explorer yachts in the world, but one of the most adventurous . The yacht travelled more than 27,000 nautical miles in 2020, exploring a selection of far-flung locations such as South Africa, Madagascar and Antarctica. The explorer entered this list in 2019, when it completed a three-year conversion from a supply ship into an explorer yacht. The yacht was first built by Swiftships in 1997 as Candy Trader with an initial length of 63 metres. It was later renamed HOS Trader in 2003 and used as an offshore supply ship. Now, the yacht features five decks and a crew of 70. Other features include multiple galleys, pantries and media rooms and a standout deep dive centre – one of the primary purposes of the yacht.

• Builder: Swiftships
• Country of build: United States of America
• Delivery year: 1997
• Length Overall: 91.4 m
• Gross Tonnage 1194 t

Ice | 90.1m

One of the most iconic yachts in the world , Ice  was sold to Suleiman Kerimov following delivery and is more than just imposing and stylish. Ice is also environmentally friendly, extremely quiet and free from vibration thanks to two Azipod units powered by up to eight Deutz generating sets. This provides household power and doesn't sacrifice performance, with the yacht still capable of reaching 18.6 knots.

One of the world's largest explorer yachts, Ice has an arsenal of toys and sailing dinghies as well as a helipad for the Eurocopter EC135 helicopter. A range of 6,000 nautical miles means she can travel anywhere in the world.

• Delivery year: 2005
• Length Overall: 90.1 m
• Gross Tonnage 3268 t

Olivia O | 88.5m

Like many explorers on this list, the 88m Olivia O was built by a yard better known for its commercial vessels. The yacht was delivered by Ulstein Verft in 2020 and designed by legendary superyacht designer Espen Øino . Characterised by a striking reverse bow and explorer profile, Olivia O is believed to be the first time Ulstein’s trademarked X-Bow has appeared on a yacht. The feature pierces smaller waves and reduces pitching and roll in high seas. With a reported gross tonnage of just under 5000GT, Olivia O has plenty of room down below, including accommodation spread over five decks for a total of 20 guests in eight cabins, including Pullman beds. Olivia O also carries a full-time crew of 30. The interior, which was designed by Droulers , is “orientally themed”, specifically around Japan. Other features include a gym, cinema room, large swimming pool and helipad.

• Builder: Ulstein Verft
• Delivery year: 2020
• Length Overall: 88.5 m
• Beam: 16.3 m
• Gross Tonnage 4989 t

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Top 10 Explorer Yachts in the World

Exploring the seven seas on an explorer yacht is one of the most life-affirming experiences out there.

By Ellie Brade

Over the past decade, the popularity of luxury explorer yachts has soared. And with good reason — is there a better way to see the world than from the deck of your own superyacht? Exploring the seven seas while authentically connecting with their natural beauty, is undoubtedly one of the most desirable and life-affirming experiences out there. Here, Ellie Brade presents 10 of the finest explorer yachts currently available for the intrepid travelers among you.

[See more: What are Explorer Yachts?]

Builder : McConaghy Year of build : 2012 LOA : 139.7 ft Number of guests: 9 Crew : 6

There is no mistaking Adastra (pictured above) thanks to her distinctive futuristic design and trimaran hull. Adastra has more than demonstrated her explorer credentials and has traveled the world, turning heads wherever she goes. Highly fuel efficient, she has a very small eco footprint, and her stable hull ensures a comfortable ride. With a trans-Pacific range of 10,000 nm she can cross the Atlantic twice before needing to refuel. An impressively shallow draft of just four feet allows her access to cruising grounds that other explorer yachts cannot visit, meaning very few places are off limits. Her 52-ft beam provides generously proportioned spaces, including the main saloon and a shaded outdoor deck. A light-filled, modern interior ensures an inviting base to conduct adventures from and accommodations include a full-beam master cabin. Adastra’s garage door folds out to create a platform for diving, and she carries plenty of toys and tenders for getting out and enjoying the water.

[See more: Step Inside the Adastra Trimaran Yacht]

Itinerary: Raja Ampat, Indonesia

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A light-filled, modern interior ensures an inviting base to conduct adventures

Originally built for use in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, Adastra is at home in Indonesia’s warm waters. The archipelago of Raja Ampat — meaning Four Kings — straddles the Equator and has over 1,500 islands and islets, which surround the four main islands of Waigeo, Salawati, Batanta and Misool. Very few explorer yachts visit here due to strict regulations, and the area is largely uninhabited, meaning you will often feel as if you have the ocean all to yourself. Crystal-clear waters, endless beaches, and a variety of dive sites and reefs are all waiting to be sampled. Adastra’s draft works to her advantage here, allowing the yacht to move easily between even the shallowest of anchorages.

Start your cruise with a visit to the paradisiacal rain forest-covered island of Kri before cruising towards Gam Island, which offers incredible diving — step straight into the water from Adastra’s dive platform. Move on to Wayag Island, where you can take kayaks into the Wayag lagoon, which is mesmerizingly blue. If you’re feeling energetic, hike inland and upwards to enjoy long views across the water. Cruise through Dampier Strait and spot hundreds of manta rays before visiting Pulau Gam to try and spot the rarely sighted red bird of paradise. Diving fans won’t want to miss traveling south and visiting Misool, which is renowned for its myriad of underwater sites. Venture into the Gua Sacral ancestral caves, which were once an indigenous burial site. Kayaking through Misool’s Blue Water Mangroves, which are peppered with reefs, will have you in awe of the natural beauty.

For sale $10m. Contact Ian Sherwood, sales broker, [email protected] , +44 207 766 4300, burgessyachts.com

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A helicopter takes off from the Octopus landing pad

Builder: Lürssen Year of build: 2003 LOA: 414 ft Number of guests: 26 Crew: 63

One of the world’s most traveled yachts, Octopus is a groundbreaking expedition vessel that set the tone for the many explorer yachts that have followed in her impressive wake. With eight decks and at a gargantuan 414 ft, it’s no surprise that Octopus is packed with feature after feature, from a full basketball court to the entertainment-focused bridge deck. Her glass-bottomed underwater observation lounge means you can watch fish and sea creatures in their natural habitat. Huge storage capacity lets her carry no less than seven tenders, two helicopters, a submersible for eight guests and two crewmembers that’s capable of diving for up to eight hours, and even a large SUV for onshore adventures. Octopus has undertaken some truly special adventures, including recovering the ship’s bell from the wreck of the HMS Hood, cruising the coast of Antarctica and discovering the wreck of the WWII battleship IJN Musashi off the Philippines. Now, her legacy can continue with a new owner, as she’s currently for sale.

[See more: The Most Expensive Yachts for Charter]

Itinerary: Patagonia

At a gargantuan 414 ft, it’s no surprise that Octopus is packed with features

The sun sets over the horizon on one of Octopus’s many decks

Often a gateway to Antarctica, Patagonia possesses an unspoilt beauty. Ripe for adventure, it offers an incredible mix of landscapes with glaciers, hot springs, mountains, remote islands, beaches and a wide variety of wildlife. Begin your journey at Puerto Montt, which ushers you into the company of the Patagonian Fjords and Andes Mountains. Make for the Corcovado Volcano and take in the awe-inspiring National Park. Explore by tender, or even take in the landscape from above in one of Octopus’s helicopters.

The waters boast a diverse ecosystem, and you are sure to spot whales as you cruise — there are many whale research programs around these waters, and the explorer yacht’s glass-bottomed lounge provides an unrivaled view into the kingdom of these giants of the sea. Make your way to the Piti Palena Fjord, located in the delta of the Palena River — this is an excellent spot for fishing. Continue onwards to the Guaitecas Archipelago, which has eight main islands and waters famed for being home to yet more whales and dolphins. North of the archipelago is one of the world’s largest nursing and feeding grounds for blue whales — a sight not to be missed.

For sale €235m (approx. $285m). Contact Matt Emerson, senior partner-director, Americas, [email protected], +1 212 223 0410, burgessyachts.com

[See also: The Best Luxury Yacht Builders in the World]

The Beast delivers adventure with a side of luxurious living / ©Aaron March

Builder: Profab Engineering Year of build: 2019 LOA: 128.7 ft Number of guests: 12 Crew : 9

With the  yacht’s camouflage exterior, The Beast’s owner describes her as “a little different.” What an understatement! Built to explore, and incredibly stable (no need for sickness pills on this one), this catamaran explorer-style yacht can tackle just about any cruising ground except Antarctica and has a long range of 5,000 nm. Thanks to her 39.4-ft beam, she has an incredible 4,000 sq ft of living space, elegantly fitted out with a modern interior. The Beast is packed with all the equipment needed for enjoying remote itineraries, not the least of which is a 42-ft custom composite fishing boat adorably dubbed The Baby Beast . An industrial-style, 49-ft aft deck is packed with water equipment that includes a custom amphibious tender for driving straight from water to land. A favorite spot is the upper deck with its teppanyaki grill and bar.

Itinerary: New Zealand

The Beast’s sunlit bridge / ©Aaron March

Often described as ‘the whole world in one country’ New Zealand packs a punch as a destination, delivering 9,300 miles of coastline, snow, rain forest, white-sand beaches and a rich local culture. As a relatively young country, New Zealand is a blend of cosmopolitan cities and wild, remote beauty that begs to be explored by superyacht.

Join The Beast in Auckland and soak up the skyline as you head for Great Barrier Island, where you can visit the Glenfern Sanctuary and learn about the country’s native birdlife. The island is a Dark Sky Sanctuary with incredible stars — learn about the significance of the stars to the local culture as you gaze up at the Milky Way and Magellanic Clouds.

Head for the Poor Knights Islands, an incredible marine reserve, where you can make the most of The Beast’s diving setup, using The Baby Beast as a base for daily adventures. Continue north to the Bay of Islands, home to a cornucopia of marine life and more than 100 different islands; come ashore and explore the island of your choice on board The Beast’ s amphibious tender. Northland has great spiritual importance, so take the opportunity to learn about the local culture and experience an authentic cultural performance.

Cruise onwards towards Cape Reinga, the very tip of New Zealand where the Maori people believe that souls depart this life for the next, and watch the meeting of the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea, which is an unusual and powerful sight. On the west coast, Ninety Mile Beach is a seemingly endless stretch of golden sand dunes. Away from the marine reserves, make sure to take advantage of The Beast’ s extensive fishing gear Below and right The Beast ; her sunlit bridge and land some fresh seafood to cook on her teppanyaki grill for lunch. Make your way back down the east coast, calling in at Auckland’s Waiheke Island on the way to enjoy a long vineyard lunch before reluctantly returning to civilization.

Charter from $185,000 per week. Contact Fleur Tomlinson, charter director, [email protected] , +64 930 201 78, 37, southyachts.com

[See also: How Much Does it Actually Cost to Charter a Yacht?]

Ragnar has been designed to look like an explorer yacht

Builder: Royal Niestern Sander Year of build: 2012 (rebuilt 2020) LOA: 223.8 ft Number of guests: 12 Crew: 17

There is nowhere on earth that Ragnar can’t take you, from glistening ice to remote desert islands. Named for the Norse King of the Vikings, Ragnar is a powerful and luxurious explorer yacht, with full ice-breaking functionality and an impressive 6,000 nm range. Ragnar is able to tackle all conditions, so make the most of your surroundings by taking your pick from her abundant toy and tender collection, with something to suit every type of cruising ground. These include an Airbus EC145 helicopter for heliskiing, a three-passenger submarine, snowmobiles, quad bikes, a 30-ft Marelli ice condition tender and more. Expansive onboard spaces include a top deck hot tub and pool, an observation deck, fully equipped gym and tranquil spa center for soaking away the day’s activities.

[See more: Explorer Yachts with Their Own Land-roving Vehicles]

Itinerary: The Philippines

Enjoy sunsets in far-flung locations

High-stakes hammocks aboard Ragnar

The heli-landing zone on Ragnar

Although well-equipped for colder climates, Ragnar has plenty of warm destinations in her cruising plans, and 2022 will see her visit the Philippines, which is fast gaining popularity as a desirable charter location. Why? With more than 7,000 islands it is an ideal spot for exploring by yacht. Beautiful beaches and clear waters are a given, but each different island group — Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao — has its own character.

Board the yacht in bustling capital city Manila before heading for quieter cruising grounds. As you cruise towards Palawan, the largest province in the Philippines with over 1,700 islands, stop off at the hidden gem island of Busuanga and climb the 700 steps to the top of Mount Tapyas, which delivers incredible views across the region. Busuanga offers unparalleled cruising and plenty to do on land and on the water; hike through rain forests and dive the crystal waters, which are home to several wrecks. Nearby Coron has sacred freshwater lakes that are carefully maintained by the indigenous population — take a swim beneath impressive limestone cliffs that overlook the lakes.

A must-do is a visit to Palawan’s underground river, as is a stop at Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site where you’ll be able to sample what is arguably the country’s best diving. Make your way back to Manila, island-hopping as you go, and relax on board as you admire the landscape.

Charter from $525,000 per week. Contact James Clark, head of retail charter, [email protected] , +44 207 766 4300, burgessyachts.com

Planet Nine

A helicopter takes off from Planet Nine / ©Studio_M

Builder: Admiral Year of build: 2018 LOA: 240 ft Number of guests: 12 (plus 4 staff) Crew: 20

A world-class explorer yacht, Planet Nine has a guest-centric design with edgy naval-inspired styling. She is ice-classed, allowing her to tackle polar waters, and has an MD-600N Explorer helicopter, hangar and commercial landing pad for arriving and departing in style. Abundant spaces across her five decks, which are all connected by elevator, include social areas such as the cinema room, Jacuzzi, numerous dining spaces, beach club, sea terrace and an entire owner’s deck for ultimate privacy. Three Rupert Marine RIBs are tailored for use in extreme conditions — so you can explore secluded coves or glide past ice floes while spotting local wildlife. Back on board, the observatory delivers stunning 180° views.

Itinerary: Saudi Arabia

Ample lounge space for lounging inside / ©Studio_M

Al fresco dining aboard Planet Nine / ©Studio_M

As the spiritual home and birthplace of Islam, Saudi Arabia is rich with history and cultural significance, and has long been a center for pilgrims. Follow in their footsteps on your own journey of discovery. Explore the exquisitely blue waters of the Red Sea, seek endless sand dunes, and immerse yourself in the bustling towns and markets. Fans of diving will delight in all the Red Sea has to offer and can make the most of Planet Nine’s extensive dive gear.

Tabuk, just 62 miles off the border with Jordan, is the start of the Saudi coast and bears Egyptian and Ottoman influences — check out some of the area’s wild beauty spots and walk in the footsteps of the prophet Moses, who lived east of the city for many years. Cruise south towards the town of Al Wajh, which has over 60 miles of untouched beaches on either side. Continuing down the coast, Umluj (called the ‘Maldives of Saudi Arabia’) has 104 islands to its north. Jump on board one of Planet Nine’s RIBs and pick out your own private island. An hour inland of Umluj takes you to Harrat Lunayyir, a black lava field filled with cones and craters.

Visit Yanbu, an ancient spice trading post that was once home to TE Lawrence. A huge desert sits north of the town and gives way to the stunning ocean — a helicopter ride over the dunes will provide an unbeatable view before you touch down back on board for an aperitif as the sun sets. Round off your charter with a visit to historic Jeddah, the gateway to Mecca and crossroad of traders and pilgrims. Marvel at the beautiful architecture, visit the local souk (maamoul, anyone?) and revel in the city’s blend of old and new.

Charter from €650,000 (approx. $791,000) per week, for sale €85m (approx. $103m). Contact Charlie Carveles, sales and charter broker, [email protected] , +377 933 054 44, edmiston.com

Latitude was built in 1973 and refitted in 2020

Builder: Hitzler Schiffswerft Year of build: 1973 (refitted 2020) LOA: 179.4 ft Number of guests: 12 Crew: 16

In beautiful condition following a mammoth two-year refit completed in June 2020, Latitude will suit outdoor enthusiasts. An expansive lineup of water toys and vast deck spaces — bigger even than yachts twice her size — will keep you outside and busy all day long. This is truly an explorer yacht for connecting with nature and discovering new and remote destinations away from the stresses of everyday life. For those looking to wind down and disconnect, she has a strong focus on wellness and relaxation with a two-tier yoga deck, private masseuse/yoga instructor and a fully equipped open-air gym. Fishing fans will particularly enjoy Latitude — her explorer qualities and hardy design can take you to remote fishing grounds where you can take your pick from her comprehensive lineup of all the latest fishing gear.

Itinerary: French Polynesia

Latitude has a strong focus on wellness and relaxation

Set in the heart of the South Pacific, French Polynesia is a picture-perfect destination that combines a friendly welcome with incredible diving, idyllic beaches and unspoilt beauty. Plus, there’s a string of islands for yacht-hopping. With Latitude planning to spend two years in the region, the explorer yacht and her crew will know all the best secret spots. Join the yacht in Moorea, which pairs volcanic mountains with sandy beaches.

Dive off the coast, where you’ll be in the company of Tahitian stingrays — this will be just the first encounter with impressive sea life during your time on Latitude . Cruise onwards to Huahine, which presents a beautiful backdrop for a morning yoga session. Come ashore and meet the locals, who will be only too happy to tell you stories of French Polynesia’s history.

Next you’ll visit Taha’a, a white-sand island dotted with thatched villas. There is colorful coral off the island’s shores — dive and explore before heading ashore by tender for a picnic and a walk in the lush jungle. Raiatea is well worth a visit; it is regarded as a central point in French Polynesia and is believed to be the source of many ancient migrations to countries such as New Zealand and Hawaii. Finish your visit in Bora Bora, an extinct volcano set amidst an achingly serene lagoon.

Bora Bora is known as one of the world’s most beautiful islands, and with good reason. The vibrant shoreline contrasts with the blue waters, which are teeming with fish, and vibrant hibiscus flowers carpet the side of Mount Otemanu. Make the most of Latitude’s water toys and spend the day in the warm water before a final wind down back on board.

Charter from $161,000 per week. Contact James Clark, head of retail charter, [email protected] , +44 207 766 4300, burgessyachts.com

Yersin is 95% recyclable

Builder: Piriou Year of build: 2015 LOA: 251.4 ft Number of guests: 18 Crew: 24

One of the world’s most sustainable and green yachts, Yersin ensures guilt-free cruising with an incredibly low cruising footprint — she is even 95% recyclable. This spectacular explorer yacht was built with science and discovery at the forefront of her design. She offers an unmatched opportunity to cruise the world and learn about its oceans firsthand. Able to travel from the Poles to the Equator, Yersin is a true explorer. There has been no compromise on comfort, and her many features include a gym, hammam, spa, cinema, dining spaces, an owner’s suite and eight guest staterooms. Thanks to her history as a luxury research vessel, her setup also includes classrooms (hello, homeschooling), laboratories, a hospital, media room and multifunction tenders. This is a unique yacht that is fully equipped to visit the most remote destinations.

[See more: Yersin: The Eco Superyacht for Sustainable Explorers]

Itinerary: Arctic Circle

The elegant interiors aboard Yersin

Impressive green credentials make Yersin the perfect vessel for exploring the pristine wilderness of the Arctic Circle. A charter aboard this luxurious yet intrepid explorer yacht showcases the region, from epic icebergs and polar bear sightings, to fjord landscapes and fine dining beneath the shimmering Northern Lights. With Greenland acting as your gateway to the Arctic Circle, step on board Yersin in the quaint settlement of Nuuk before raising anchor and cruising towards the vast Jakobshavn Glacier in Ilulissat. One of the highlights of Greenland is the ice itself, with its pure, imposing beauty, and the town of Ilulissat, meaning ‘iceberg,’ is the obvious spot for enjoying this natural wonder.

Travel further to the impressive Eqi Glacier. From here, take Yersin’s tender to enjoy a ringside seat to witness ice calving, where new icebergs are formed as fragments of the glaciers fall into the sea. Having hiked through icy landscapes, sampled the extreme sports of glacier skiing and ice diving, or immersed yourself in the rural communities of this unique region, it’s time to depart Greenland. Watch Uummannaq Mountain recede into the distance as you take the passage to Canada’s Baffin Island. It is full of marine life, so look out for whales and seals as you cruise — they swim undisturbed by the near-silent Yersin. The coastline of Baffin Island is an excellent place to spot the most iconic creature of the Arctic region, the polar bear.

Cruise up the fjords and observe these majestic animals from the comfort of the vessel’s deck or, for a closer encounter, take a private wildlife tour with a local expert. Enjoy a lunch of fish caught fresh by the crew, and after a day in the crisp polar air, warm up by enjoying a sauna in the opulent spa.

For sale from €72m (approx. $87.6m, VAT paid). Contact David Legrand, [email protected] , +377 931 004 50, and Antoine X. Larricq, [email protected] , +377 931 004 50, fraseryachts.com

Bold’s striking profile from the air / ©Guillaume Plisson

Builder: Silveryachts Year of build: 2019 LOA: 279.8 ft Number of guests: 16 Crew: 20

Designed by fabled aesthetic powerhouse Espen Øino, Bold has a naval-inspired design and is the biggest yacht built by Silveryachts to date. Described by her builders as “a fast, world explorer vessel with a genuine, fully-fledged superyacht finish,” Bold is the world’s fastest explorer yacht with an extraordinary top speed of 23 knots. Her low draft, unparalleled in other yachts of her size and length, also affords access to shallow waters. Accommodation is for 16 guests and includes the master suite with a private salon. Social spaces inside and out include large entertaining decks and a huge open plan ‘loft style’ main salon, with floor-to-ceiling windows that lead directly out to a large wintergarden. An outdoor cinema on the sundeck calls for family movie nights under the stars. Ready for adventure, Bold has a large inventory of water equipment including three different Rupert tenders. A heli-hangar and heli-landing deck allow the use of helicopters if desired.

Itinerary: The Whitsundays, Australia

Bold is set to return home to Australia this year for the first time since her launch — she is the largest Australian-built yacht in the world, and she will be available for charter all around her country of origin. Venturing around Australia’s expansive coastlines requires a yacht with serious muscle, and Bold more than fits the bill. Begin your cruise by heading to Hook Island where you can snorkel before traveling to Blue Pearl Bay for more world-class snorkeling off the back of Bold’s tender. Nearby Langford Island, home to reefs and coral, is another inviting dive spot. Spend some time relaxing on the island’s sandy beach before departing for Chance Bay, where you can hike along the Ngaro Sea Trail towards Whitehaven.

Cruise south to Lindeman Island, which has some beautiful national park walking tracks. Escape even further towards the seclusion of the southern anchorages off Thomas and Shaw islands. Here, you can take your pick from Bold’s toy garage and explore the anchorage. The explorer yacht will then make its way back towards Whitehaven Beach, which some claim is Australia’s finest. Take a walk inland through the rain forest and drink in the views across Hill Inlet before being collected by tender and whisked back to your floating home.

A visit to the Whitsundays wouldn’t be complete without a glimpse of the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system — a helicopter ride will guarantee the best views.

Charter from €985,000 per week (approx. $1.2m). Contact Romina Rastelli, EU charter manager, [email protected] , +377 931 029 29, hillrobinson.com

Legend is packed with every tender and toy you can possibly imagine / ©Chistopher Scholey

Builder: Icon Yachts Year of build: 1974 (refitted 2015) LOA: 254 ft Number of guests: 22 Crew: 28

Legend is packed with every tender and toy you can possibly imagine. Carrying submersibles, dive gear, snowmobiles, tenders, diving apparatus and more, she has something to suit every climate. Legend has extensively traveled the world, visiting Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland, Northern Europe and the Baltics, moving effortlessly from sun to ice. Transformed from a Soviet icebreaker in a no-expenses-spared refit, Legend offers high luxury on board with unique features such as a waterfall-fed 16-seater Jacuzzi, 14-person cinema, Balinese spa, modern gym, piano and whisky bars. Her sheer size and impressive internal volume mean that even the longest trips at sea won’t feel claustrophobic — there’s plenty of space to both gather and retreat. For serious expeditions, there is accommodation flexibility on board for up to 10 extra expedition staff. A commercial helideck and two helicopters mean it is easy to join the explorer yacht even in remote anchorages.

Itinerary: Antarctica

Legend’s main deck comes complete with Jacuzzi / ©Quinn Bisset

Journey on board Legend to Antarctica, where you’ll become one of the lucky few to have ventured 66-degrees south. Make the most of your mobile nature and get out on the water, whether kayaking through icy waters or gliding across the snow on Legend’s snowmobiles. As a Class 1 icebreaker, she can venture into pack ice sheets.

Join Legend at her anchorage off King George Island in nearby Maxwell Bay. Sail into the Bransfield Strait, passing penguins and icebergs as you go. On your first morning, a mandatory International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) briefing will outline the environmental responsibilities of visitors to Antarctica. Head for mainland Antarctica via the Gerlache Strait, spotting humpback whales along the way. The next morning, travel through the Neumayer Channel and watch calving Weddell, leopard and crabeater seals — an unforgettable sight. Legend’s crew will launch the Zodiac tender so you can cruise through brash ice for up-close encounters with local wildlife. Visit Andvord Bay to spot humpback whales and killer whale pods. Hop into the Zodiac again to visit Cuverville Island and its huge colony of Gentoo penguins. Later, drop anchor at Foyn Harbor and kayak around the wreck of the Governoren — keep an eye out for fur seals.

Cruise to Deception Island, where you can sail into the crater of a live volcano. Atmospheric whale factory ruins and the old bones of Whalers Bay hark back to the area’s past as a whaling center. Enjoy a hike up ‘The Nipple’ with views across steaming lava fields, then round off your charter with a visit to the chinstrap penguin colony on Baily Head, spotting plenty of other wildlife as you go. Disembark at Frei Station and visit the Russian Orthodox Trinity Church, where you can reflect in peace on this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Charter from €490,000 (approx. $597,000) per week. Contact [email protected] , y.co

La Datcha can let charter guests “set out on the journey of a lifetime to places others can’t reach”

Builder: Damen Year of build: 2020 LOA: 252 ft Number of guests: 12 Crew: 25

One of the newest explorer yachts to hit the water, La Datcha, was designed to fulfill the owner’s brief for a yacht that could let charter guests “set out on the journey of a lifetime to places others can’t reach.” The resulting yacht delivers luxury in spades and is the ultimate crossover between comfort and performance. From her head-turning profile, care of Azure Yacht Design, to countless tenders and toys including two helicopters, snow scooters and a submersible, it is near impossible to narrow down her best features. La Datcha’s six decks boast a modern interior, and when hanging out on board you’ll have plenty of options — head to the luxury spa to unwind or relax after a day of exploring in the observation lounge. Two master cabins make her ideal for two families to share her unforgettable experiences. Able to operate autonomously at sea for up to 40 days, the world is her oyster.

Itinerary: Kamchatka, Russia

La Datcha’s striking profile from above

Dramatically dubbed Russia’s ‘Land of Ice and Fire,’ the Kamchatka Peninsula lies in eastern Russia and stretches over 740 miles. With glaciers, geysers, snow and over 300 volcanoes, Kamchatka’s landscape is like nowhere else on earth. There is plenty of wildlife to spot, including the Kamchatka brown bear. Start your charter in the peninsula’s capital city, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, which is surrounded by three snow-capped volcanoes. Settle in on board, then fly to a nearby mountain top to ski a run or two. Cruise the fjords to reach Vilyuchinskaya Bay and fish abundant waters, whale watch or heli-ski. Enjoy incredible views from the top of the Vilyuchinsky Volcano before heading south towards Russkaya Bay. Take a helicopter flight over the Mutnovsky and Goreliy volcanoes; the brave can ski into the crater of the Mutnovsky volcano, which is home to a hidden glacier.

Back on board, your crew will take you by tender to spot Steller sea lions and sea otters. Cruise north to Cape Shipunsky and Bechevinskaya Bay, once a top-secret submarine base, and enjoy heli-skiing en route. Visit the ‘Valley of Geysers’ in the heart of Kamachatka — this spectacular Unesco World Heritage Site is home to a number of volcanoes including Karymsky, one of the most active in the world. Next, visit Klyuchevskaya Sopka and Morzhovaya Bay, home to yet more spectacular volcanoes. Round off your visit by heli-skiing on Zhupanovsky Volcano before relaxing at the Nalychevo Nature Park. Here, you can bathe in wild springs and hot thermal pools with a chilled glass of champagne in hand.

Charter from€740,000 (approx. $900,500) per week. Contact Stefano Feltrin, managing director, [email protected] , +39 349 858 2600, ladatcha.com

[See more: Luxury Yacht Itineraries to Suit Any Occasion]

Ellie Brade

Latest in luxury, the explorer.

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• Quark Expeditions

World Explorer

Cruise line Quark Expeditions

• Ushuaia (Argentina)

World Explorer current position

World Explorer current location is at South America East Coast (coordinates -35.06808 S / -44.02483 W) cruising at speed of 15.1 kn (28 km/h | 17 mph) en route to AR USH > CV RAI. The AIS position was reported 14 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of World Explorer

World Explorer current cruise is 9 days, round-trip 10 Night Antarctic Explorer Discovering the 7th Continent Cruise and Land Tour . Prices start from USD 11396 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 06 Nov, 2024 and ends on 15 Nov, 2024 .

Specifications of World Explorer

•   Itineraries
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World Explorer Itineraries

World explorer review, review of world explorer.

The 2019-built MS World Explorer cruise ship was specifically designed for operations in the polar regions (Arctic and Antarctica). The vessel is owned by Mystic Invest (via the subsidiary Mystic Cruises ) and operated under charter by Nicko Cruises (subsidiary) and Quark Expeditions (Travelopia-owned polar cruise company founded in 1991). The shipbuilder is WestSEA (naval shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal).

The ship World Explorer is the first vessel in a planned 10-ship fleet of Mystic Cruises, that includes the sisterships World Explorer (2019), World Voyager (2020), World Navigator (2021), World Traveller (2022), World Seeker (2022), World Adventurer (2023), World Discoverer (2023).

The vessel (IMO number 9835719) is currently Portugal- flagged (MMSI 255806193) and registered in Madeira/Funchal .

Ship history and ownership

The vessel is owned by the Portugal-based company Mystic Cruises and seasonally chartered by Quark Expeditions (for polar cruises) and also by the European river cruise operator Nicko Cruises (for the rest of the season). The polar travel company Quark Expeditions (1991-founded) specializes in expedition cruises to Antarctica and the Arctic via icebreaking vessels (passenger ships with ice-strengthened hulls). Quark Expeditions became part of TUI Travel (UK) in 2007 and since 2016 is owned by Travelopia Group Holdings Ltd (UK).

Mystic Cruises is a new brand owned by the Portuguese entrepreneur Mario Ferreira - president of Mystic Invest SGPS (group of companies) and best known as CEO of the Portuguese river cruise company Douro Azul, operating on Douro River roundtrips from Oporto . Mario Ferreira is also famous for being Portugal's first space tourist (traveling on Virgin Galactic's Spaceship One / owned by Richard Branson).

The shipowner Mystic Invest is a Portuguese family-owned financial holding that fully owns several brands specializing in travel and tourism business (cruises, tours, hotels) and real estate. The list of brands (subsidiaries) owned by the parent company Mystic Invest includes DouroAzul (Portugal), Mystic Cruises (Portugal), Nicko Cruises (Germany), Priority Dolphin (shipbuilding), Mystic Tua (Portugal), Mystic Adventure (tour agency in Barca d'Alva ), World of Discoveries (theme park in Porto Portugal), Helitours (Porto and Douro Valley), BlueBus (Porto), hotels and resorts (Hotel do Cais, Monumental Palace Hotel, Douro Marina Hotel, Wine Lodge Hotel), Caminho das Estrelas (suborbital and Zero-G flights), Mystic Real Estate.

Decks and Cabins

World Explorer staterooms (98 total) are all in Suite categories and with step-out balconies, providing max passenger capacity 200 (max 140 on polar cruises). The boat has 8 decks , of which 6 are passenger-accessible and 3 with cabins.

Each of the staterooms offers as standard (complimentary / price-inclusive) amenities

• en-suite bathroom (shower, WC, washbasin, hairdryer, plush bathrobes and slippers, premium bath products)
• separate bedroom (Queen-size double bed convertible to 2 twins / single beds, bedside cabinets, bedside USB charging ports, wall-mounted lamps)
• mirrored vanity table / writing desk with armchair, lounge area (2-seater sofabed, coffee table with chairs), Horizon and Veranda cabins additionally have a plush loveseat
• smart HDTV (infotainment system, Internet, on-demand movies, Bluetooth connectivity), large wardrobe, electronic safe box (in the closet), minibar (fully-stocked refrigerator)
• individual air-conditioning, LED lighting
• daily turndown service
• Still and sparkling bottled water is provided complimentary and replenished twice daily.

Towels (excluding those on the rack) and bedsheets are changed every 3rd day (depending on cruise itinerary length). Shipboard laundry and ironing services are available at extra cost. Laundry bags are provided in the cabins and collected each morning.

Each cabin is equipped with orange-colored lifejackets, which are used in cases of emergencies and during lifeboat drills. Ship's electrical supply is 220 V (50 Hz). The electrical outlets (found in all cabins and throughout the ship) are standard European 2-pin plugs. A total of 5 USB ports (per cabin) are for digital devices (cameras, smartphones, tablets, etc). Each cabin is also fitted with a total of 5 power outlets (110V / 220V).

Most cabins (~90%) are with private step-out balconies, excepting only the aft-located (decks 5-6) "French Balcony" cabins, which are with a sliding window (upper panel) opening to a railing (Juliet balcony). Cabin balconies are furnished with 1 low table and 2 deckchairs. Superior, Deluxe and Owner suites additionally have 2 lounge chairs on their balconies.

MS World Explorer has 7 cabin categories ranging in sizes from 185 ft2 (17 m2, Adventure Stateroom) to 355 ft (33 m2, Owner Suite). French Balcony cabins (Infinity Stateroom, 270 ft2 / 25 m2) are with floor-ceiling glass wall with a slide opening window (upper panel). Balcony cabins (Veranda Stateroom, 215 ft2 / 20 m2) are with a step-out balcony. Triple cabins (Junior Suites) are in 2 different types - with either outdoor or French Balcony. The all 12 Adventure-type (Porthole) cabins are located midship on Deck 3 and each with a large non-opening window.

All top-tier suites are 2-Room (1-Bedroom) and with larger balconies (sized 110 ft2 / 10 m2) furnished with 2 sun loungers, 2 teak deckchairs and 1 low table. Each suite has 2 closets and 2 large HDTVs (wall-mounted in the bedroom / living room).

Cabin bathrooms are with spa showers (rain shower head, handheld showerhead, 4 adjustable body jets), L'Occitane bath products (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, handwash, hand lotion). Owner Suites and Deluxe Suites bathrooms are with double basin vanity (his-and-hers sinks) and separate WC. Owner Suites bathrooms are with bathtub.

Shipboard facilities and activities

The ship offers plenty of public areas, including Observation Lounge (glass-domed, with surrounding outdoor terrace), Explorer Lounge (multi-purpose and full-bar venue with floor-ceiling windows and comfortable seating), Library (reading lounge), Lecture Theatre (24-hour open Auditorium serving cruise company's enrichment program with daily scheduled activities, including port talks, discussions, media presentations), aft-located Dining Room Restaurant (with floor-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace for al fresco dining / weather permitting).

Explorer Lounge doubles as multi-purpose room hosting special events (anniversaries, birthdays, group and private meetings, etc). Fresh-baked cookies and pastries are offered in the afternoons. Hot and cold snacks are available during the evening cocktail hour (activities permitting) and special occasion events. Lounge's Bar is staffed by a professional bartender serving a selection of liquors, spirits, premium beers, wines and champagnes (by the glass). Complimentary beverages include soft drinks, juices, water, coffee, tea.

Polar Library is well stocked with books and popular board games. The Library is open 24 hours. Its collection includes books in various languages and themed on wildlife, history, marine biology, geology, ecology, also field guides, picture- and reference books.

Polar Boutique is the gift shop selling travel essentials and souvenirs, as well as a selection of expedition gear (clothing, waterproof pants, gloves, hats). Shop's opening hours are based on the daily scheduled cruise activities.

In the Lobby area is the Reception (Guest Services Desk) served by dedicated staff that assists passengers with information, purchasing PIN cards (Internet/email access, phone cards), arranging wake-up calls. The Reception also doubles as Cashier's Office for setting shipboard accounts and making payments of these accounts towards the end of the cruise. Also on Lobby Deck are the ship's two entrance areas (portside and starboard) used for passenger embarkation/disembarkation in ports of call where pier/quay/wharf is available for docking.

Wellness facilities include an outdoor jogging track (on top-deck), small gym, Sauna Room, Spa (room for massages, showers, changing / locker rooms), Hairdresser. On Sun Deck is the outdoor heated swimming pool surrounded by a sunbathing area with loungers. The pool has a kids (shallow) area separated from the deeper saltwater plunge pool. The ship doesn't provide lifeguards on duty. On top-deck (aft) is a Helideck - helipad used in cases of emergencies.

As complimentary shoreside activities are offered camping, seakayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac boat tours.

Itineraries

When chartered by Nicko Cruises, the ship operates on cruises in Europe (Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Coastal, Baltic Sea, Norwegian Fjords), also to Iceland and Greenland.

• The inaugural Nicko cruise was a 7-day itinerary (May 2-9, 2019) from Oporto Portugal to Palma (Majorca Island, Spain) . prior to May 2019, the ship offered 2 repositioning voyages between Europe and South America, but they were available for booking also by other operators and travel agencies.
• In the Western Mediterranean (southern Europe), for Nicko the ship had scheduled all 4 itineraries, then was relocated to Northern Europe for 2 Norwegian Fjords cruises (13-day itineraries).
• In July 2019 followed two 12-day "Baltic Capitals" roundtrips from Kiel Germany , followed by one 8-day Iceland cruise from Kiel and two 14-day Kiel roundtrips to Iceland and Greenland. For September were scheduled two roundtrips from Hamburg Germany (7-day, and 5-day), followed by a 13-day relocation itinerary Hamburg-Oporto and the Europe-South Amerca Transatlantic repositioning crossing (October 4) from Lisbon Portugal to Rio de Janeiro Brazil .

When chartered by Quark Expeditions , the ship World Explorer cruises on polar itineraries (to ports and destinations in the Arctic and Antarctica ).

In 2021, Quark Expeditions has planned two "Antarctic eclipse voyages" during which our Moon will completely block the Sun to produce the solar corona phenomenon. The Earth's total solar eclipses happen approx every 400 years. The Antarctic solar eclipse will occur on December 4, 2021, in Weddell Sea.

• Quark Expeditions "Antarctic Solar Eclipse 2021" voyages are offered on 2 ships - World Explorer (17-day itinerary, November 26 - December 12) and  Ocean Diamond (20-day itinerary, November 25 - December 14). Prices start from USD 17,000 pp.
• Both cruises will feature as special guests Fred Espenak (US astrophysicist), Babak Amin Tafreshi (National Geographic photographer) and David Baron (author of the book "American Eclipse" themed on the solar eclipse that occurred on July 29, 1878).

Quark cruise deals

Quark Expeditions cruise deals are inclusive of:

• 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay, group transfers (airport-hotel on the day prior departure, and hotel-ship on embarkation day)
• onboard accommodation (daily housekeeping service)
• all onboard meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners) - know that the ship's galley/kitchen can't prepare kosher meals
• all Zodiac landings (daily, weather permitting) and Zodiac transfers and cruising (daily)
• media presentations by Expedition Team members and special guest lecturers
• waterproof expedition boots (onshore landings)
• complimentary Quark Expeditions logoed parka
• lifejackets and immersion suits
• complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa (24 / 7)
• hairdryer and bathrobe (in all cabins)
• pre-departure materials (including maps)
• all service taxes and port fees
• all onboard luggage handling
• emergency evacuation (medevac) insurance to a max benefit USD 100,000 pp

Fly-cruise deals are inclusive of complimentary house wines (by the glass), beers and spirits on the ship, also of all gratuities (staff and crew) and all domestic flights (prior to embarkation). Ship-to-shore communications are via Inmarsat Capsat Fleet 77 (satellite phone and Internet) and cost extra.

World Explorer - user reviews and comments

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Other Quark Expeditions cruise ships

• Ocean Adventurer
• Ocean Diamond
• Ocean Explorer
• Ocean Odyssey
• Quark Ultramarine

World Explorer Wiki

All Mystic Invest newbuilds as investments were backed by ICBC Leasing - part of ICBC Ltd (Chinese multinational bank, ranked world's largest by assets, deposits, loans, customers and employees). The shipbuilding financing was supported by Portuguese banks (during construction) and ICBCL Leasing funding (following delivery) through sale and charter-back of the vessel, with an obligation to repurchase it on maturity. Mystic Invest intends to build a 10-ship fleet of the same design.

In August 2017 were completed design's tank tests. The testing water tank and ship model were conducted by the Wageningen-based MARIN (Maritime Research Institute Netherlands). On September 8, 2017, was the vessel's steel-cutting ceremony held at WestSEA shipyard ( Viana do Castelo, Portugal ). The ship (hull number C010) is the first in a series of polar expedition cruise vessels constructed for Mystic Cruises, with planned seasonal charter operations by Quark Expeditions .

In 2018 (February 20 through March 1), Nicko Tours scheduled a total of 10 roadshows in Germany to promote the company's new "ocean cruising" business. Each of the shows started with a casual get-together and buffet with finger food, followed by the presentation of the vessel and its Nicko cruise itineraries. Then travel agents enjoyed full meals and gourmet desserts.

Vessel's launch (float-out from drydock) was on October 28, 2018. The christening ceremony was on April 6, 2019, held at West Sea's Viana Shipyard. Ship's Captains are Aleks Zakalashnyuk (Russian), Filipe Sousa (Portuguese) and Terje Willassen (Norwegian).

Ship's godmother is Carla Bruni Sarkozy - 1967-born (as Tedeschi) Italian-French singer and supermodel, who in 2008 married France's President Nicolas Sarkozy. The naming ceremony featured a Methuselah of Henri Blin Champagne (traditionally crashed against the hull) and several performances by the godmother, some in duet with Pedro Abrunhosa (1960-born Portuguese singer and songwriter).

World Explorer ship technology

Ship design was developed by Leadship Ltd ( Piraeus Greece -based company) owned by Italian naval Architects Giuseppe Tringali and Mirco Zoia. It features an ice-strengthened hull (ice class 1B), top-notch automation and control system, modern propulsion (based on electrical pods / azimuthing thrusters), dynamic positioning system (using GPS data to accurately maintain ship's position without anchoring), advanced water treatment system, hybrid powerplant (diesel-electric) with efficient marine engines (two Rolls-Royce engines running on ULSD / ultra-low-sulfur diesel).

The Rolls-Royce powerplant costs GBP 7 million (EUR 7,75 million / USD 8,9 million) and includes two main engines (Bergen C25-33L8P) and one auxiliary dual-fuel genset (Bergen C25-33L6P). The engines are connected to ship's electric power system (Rolls-Royce SAVe CUBE) allowing them to operate efficiently at variable speeds. Rolls-Royce Promas propulsion is an integrated propeller-rudder system to optimize hydrodynamic efficiency. Promas includes two controllable pitch propellers integrated with two flap rudders, steering gears and tunnel thrusters.

Vessel's draft is only 15 ft (4,7 m) allowing access to remote islands and unique coastal destinations. The ship has all 2 lifeboats (full-capacity) which are fully enclosed. Ship-to-shore communications are via Inmarsat Capsat Fleet 77 (satellite phone and Internet). Landings (passenger transportation) and coastal exploration voyages are served by ship's own fleet of ten Zodiacs (motorized boats stored aft on Deck 7) and 2 loading stations.

World Explorer's shipbuilder WestSEA is owned by Martifer Group via the subsidiary Martifer SGPS. This is a family-owned holding company founded in 1990 (by the brothers Carlos and Jorge Martins), headquartered in Oliveira de Frades (Portugal) and Euronext Lisbon (stock exchange) listed since 2007. Martifer Group has over 3000 employees and specializes in metal construction and (since 2004) in renewable energy (wind and solar energy equipment production). Martifer Group is one of Europe's largest metal construction companies, with subsidiaries in Spain, Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Brazil and Angola.

After a drydock retrofitting project (planned for early-2020), World Explorer will become the world's first-ever cruise ship fitted with hydrojet propulsion (technology initially developed for military vessels). The ship will be upgraded with two SPJ Pump Jets by SCHOTTEL (model SPJ 82) allowing silent navigation at 5 knots speed (9 kph). This is a propulsion system upgrade (alternative propulsion units) as the hydrojets are used only in destinations with specific marine life. Both hydrojets pump water to propel the ship and similarly to the in-hull mounted Azipods (underwater azimuthing thrusters) can rotate 360 degrees. They also allow dynamic positioning (via GPS) to stabilize / fix the vessel without using propellers or anchors. Hydrojet propulsion units were installed on the sisterships World Voyager (2020) and World Navigator (2021) during their construction.

Inaugural itineraries 2019

For summer 2019, the ship was chartered by the German river cruisetour company Nicko Cruises (subsidiary of Mystic Cruises), offering two 14-day voyages to Antarctica. Next are listed vessel's inaugural itineraries as call ports and times (arrival/departure).

16-day Maiden Voyage (South America)

18-day Transatlantic repositioning cruise (South America to Europe)

7-day repositioning (Oporto to Mallorca)

9-day inaugural Mediterranean cruise (prices from USD 3770 pp)

12-day repositioning (Mediterranean to Baltic cruise) - prices from USD 4200 pp

12-day inaugural Norwegian Fjords cruise (prices from USD 4400 pp)

13-day inaugural Iceland cruise (prices from USD 5000 pp)