World Explorer




- A purpose-built mid-sized expedition ship with lots of space. The ship features a wraparound deck with heated seating, an outdoor running track and large interior spaces.
- A heated outdoor pool and hot tubs are perfect places to relax and soak in the polar scenery.
- World Explorer features a large glass-domed observation lounge with panoramic views.
Why Choose World Explorer
Built around the expedition experience, World Explorer combines comfort and real polar exploration. Launched in 2019, it features state-of-the-art sustainability technology and hybrid electric engines that reduce their impact on polar waters. It features a 1B ice-class hull and a cruising speed of 16 knots.
World Explorer is a standout choice for travellers looking for a spacious small to mid-sized expedition ship that can accommodate 172 guests (reduced to 140 on Antarctica fly and cruise expeditions). The ship has 130 staff and crew and provides excellent service.
The interiors are spacious for a ship of this size, and there is plenty of space for relaxing. All cabins feature balconies or Juliette balconies to ensure you fully appreciate the ocean views at every stage of your journey.
Dining on World Explorer
World Explorer has one main restaurant with an open seating arrangement serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, and guests can choose their own hearty food. In the afternoon, freshly baked pastries and snacks are available.
Evening dinners are made to order by the ship’s chefs, with a rotating menu of cuisine. We have found the food on World Explorer to be excellent time and time again. Dietary requirements can be catered to, and food is available 24/7.
The ship has a well-stocked bar with a selection of premium beers, wines, and spirits.
Cabins On World Explorer
World Explorer features 86 cabins, all with ocean views across six decks, including the infinity suite on Decks 5 and 6, the superior suite on Decks 5 and 6, and the veranda suite on Decks 5 and 6. These suites offer luxurious features such as private walk-out balconies, French balconies, spacious layouts, separate sitting areas, and state-of-the-art infotainment systems.
Cabins feature private walk-out or Juliet balconies, a private bathroom with shower, an Infotainment system, a walk-in closet, and a sofa bed in select cabins.
World Explorer has seven different cabin options to choose from:
Infinity Suite – Double or twin beds located on Decks 5 and 6 featuring a French balcony.
Veranda Suite – Double or twin beds located on Decks 5 and 6, featuring a walk-out balcony.
Superior Suite – Double or twin beds located on Decks 5 and 6, featuring a walk-out balcony and separate seating area.
Deluxe Suite – Double or twin beds on Deck 5, featuring a walk-out balcony and separate seating area.
Owner’s Suite – Double or twin beds located on Deck 5, featuring a walk-out balcony, separate seating area, and bathtub.
Triple – 1 double or two single beds plus a sofa bed located on deck 6.
Onboard Experience
World Explorer is a premium ship and offers many of the creature comforts found on larger luxury expedition cruise ships. This spacious ship provides plenty of room for relaxation, and with just 170 guests, it feels uncrowded. With its glass-domed ceiling and panoramic views, the observation lounge is the perfect place to enjoy a drink and take in the scenery. Relax in the explorer lounge or sitting room.
World Explorer has excellent amenities, including a decent-sized heated outdoor pool, on-deck jacuzzis, and a deeper saltwater plunge pool. There is also a sauna, perfect for warming up after a day of exploring. Many exercise opportunities exist, including an outdoor running track and fitness centre. The ship features the L’Occitane Spa, which offers different massages and treatments.
World Explorer features a large lecture theatre that accommodates all guests. This theatre acts as the base for briefings from the expedition leader and guide team. Onboard guest speakers and naturalists give lectures here during the sea days and in the evenings. A Polar boutique also sells gear, essentials, and souvenirs.
Activities & Excursions
World Explorer has a world-class team of polar guides. The expedition includes Zodiac cruises and shore landings. If the weather conditions are good, a polar plunge will also occur.
World Explorer also offers additional activities at an extra cost, including sea kayaking, paddling excursions, and stand-up paddleboarding.
World Explorer also offers unique Antarctica fly-cruises where you fly the Drake Passage and board the ship on King George Island in Antarctica.
The team at Polar Escapes has extensive experience with World Explorer, so if you have any questions or need advice, please get in touch with us.
What this ship offers
Fitness Centre / Gym
Hot Tubs
Latest Sustainability Technology
Lecture Theatre
Library
Open Bridge
Outdoor Pool
Outdoor Track
Polar Boutique
Restaurant
Activities
Hiking
Lectures
Paddling Excursion
Polar Plunge
Sea Kayaking
Zodiac Cruises
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What Polar Escapes Says About World Explorer
World Explorer is one of our favourite ships in Antarctica. With just 140 guests on Antarctica fly and cruises, it always delivers big on expeditions. It’s one of the few ships to feature a heated outdoor pool, and the guide team is one of the best.
Cabins
Deck Plan







World Explorer Ship Guide
Stats About World Explorer
World Explorer FAQ
How many passengers are on World Explorer?
World Explorer takes a maximum of 172 guests per voyage in the polar regions. The number is reduced to 140 for Antarctica fly and cruise expeditions.
How many Zodiacs does World Explorer have?
World Explorer is equipped with 18 Zodiacs, which can accommodate all the guests on the ship at once. The ship features 2 Zodiac loading bays for speedy boarding.
What is the ice rating of World Explorer?
World Explorer has a 1B ice-strengthened hull and is purpose-built for navigating the polar regions.
Which are the best cabins on World Explorer?
All cabins on World Explorer feature ocean views and are spacious in size.
The Veranda suits are highly recommended over the Infinity Suite located on deck 5 and 6, as they have their own walk-out balconies. If you are looking to splurge, the Owner's Suite is the best cabin on World Explorer and also the most expensive.
Are there any cabins for solo travellers on World Explorer?
There are no solo cabins on World Explorer. Solo travellers have the option to share a cabin with another solo traveller of the same gender or to pay a supplement for the sole use of a cabin.
What are the cabin plugs on World Explorer?
World Explorer uses the European-style 220V two-round pin plug sockets. If you travel from North America or the UK, you must bring an adapter.
How do I book World Explorer?
As an official partner of Quark expeditions you can book your cruise on World Explorer through Polar Escapes. Please remember we always guarantee the best price and include 100% financial protection free of charge.