Pioneering New Zealand small-ship expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions is proud to announce the arrival of a new iconic exploration ship, and an expansion of its expedition cruise offering, with Heritage Discoverer – formerly Silver Explorer – joining its fleet of purpose-built expedition vessels. Her arrival allows Heritage Expeditions to resume their renowned, authentic high Arctic and Antarctic Peninsula adventures, and to offer new opportunities to explore European, African, and South American shores.
Heritage Discoverer will sail with a maximum of 130 expeditioners and an Expedition Team of 15, with maiden voyage itineraries releasing shortly and commencing in May 2027.
Pioneering small-ship expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions is proud to announce the arrival of a new iconic exploration ship, and an expansion of its expedition cruise offering, with Heritage Discoverer joining its fleet of purpose-built expedition vessels.
Formerly known as Silver Explorer, Heritage Discoverer will begin sailing alongside the family-owned and operated cruise company’s flagship Heritage Adventurer and expedition yacht Heritage Explorer from May 2027.
Purpose-built for authentic expedition cruising and adventure, at the same Finnish shipyard as sister vessel Heritage Adventurer, Heritage Expeditions owners and Directors Aaron and Nathan Russ said Heritage Discoverer’s pioneering prowess and lineage perfectly mirrors Heritage Expeditions own legacy of adventure.
“Heritage Discoverer combines decades of exploration, on expeditions from the Northwest Passage to navigating remote tropical waters, islands and atolls, and south to Antarctica, with a 1A ice class rating and wrapped in luxurious, spacious surrounds,” said Aaron.
The new addition to Heritage Expeditions fleet will see the New Zealand-based family-owned and operated company also exploring new adventures.
“Heritage Discoverer allows Heritage Expeditions to resume our renowned, authentic high Arctic and Antarctic Peninsula adventures and the return of our unique, expedition-style of travel to these regions,” said Nathan.
“Her arrival also heralds new opportunities to explore European, African and South American shores announcing an exciting, truly global offering for Heritage Expeditions,” he said.
Heritage Expeditions new seven-deck, 108-metre-long expedition ship was recently refurbished and upgraded in 2023 and 2026. She features 70 ocean-view accommodation options including 12 luxurious and spacious suites from 37m2 to 67m2 with private balconies, Dining Room, Outside Grill, Presentation Lounge, Bar & Lounge, Observation Lounge, Fitness Centre, two outdoor Jacuzzis, Gift Shop, Panoramic Bridge featuring Heritage Expeditions signature Open Bridge Policy, and a fully equipped Medical Centre.
Heritage Discoverer will sail with a maximum of 130 expeditioners and an Expedition Team of 15, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximise their expedition experience.
Maiden voyage itineraries will be released shortly and commence in May 2027, with a selection of Arctic and Antarctic departures already chartered to Polar Latitudes Expeditions.
