World Explorer Expedition Cruise Ship

Launched in 2019, World Explorer is a small ship with a modern design and maximum adventure in small groups.

Introducing World Explorer

One of our favourite ships and highly rated by our guests, World Explorer, is perfect for adventurous Antarctica travellers, with 172 guests and 140 on fly and cruise expeditions.

The 1B Ice-strengthened hull is built for polar exploration. 18 Zodiacs accommodate all guests on zodiac excursions and shore landings.

We get great feedback about the expedition guides and the experience on World Explorer. The ship has one of the best guide-to-guest ratios, so you'll be fully immersed in the polar regions through activities like kayaking and camping, shore landings and lectures.

World Explorer Highlights

1

Premium Expedition

World Explorer combines polar exploration with comfort: on-deck hot tubs and a large observation lounge.
2

Small Ship

We love small groups, and at 172 guests, the World Explorer is one of the smallest ships in the polar regions. This means more time to enjoy the exploration and outdoor activities off the ship.
3

Large Fleet Of Zodiacs

Four embarkation points, a ready room, and 18 Zodiacs mean getting off the ship for an off-ship expedition is quick and requires minimal waiting. All guests can go off ship simultaneously for a better overall experience.
4

Polar Guide Team

A great guide team is critical to a successful expedition. World Explorer has one of the most experienced polar guide teams, with over 20 years of expedition experience. The high guide-to-guest ratio means a richer experience for our travellers.
5

Balcony Cabins

World Explorer has spacious, modern cabins with private balconies and large windows. From your private space, you can take in the gorgeous views.
6

Adventurous Activity Options

Customise your expedition with World Explorer's many activity options, including kayaking, camping in Antarctica, stand-up paddleboarding, and more.
7

Modern Sustainable Ship with Small Group Size

World Explorer is built to the highest environmental standards: hybrid. Its hybrid-electric engines, latest technology, and waste-to-energy conversion system make it a modern, eco-friendly exploration vehicle.

World Explorer Key Features

Exterior

Quark Expeditions World Explorer Deck

Wraparound Deck

Deck 8 has a wraparound deck for 360-degree views of the Polar Regions and heated seats.
Outdoor Track world explorer

Outdoor Track

Get active on the Outdoor Track on Deck 8. Take in the Polar views while you exercise.
World Explorer pool

Invigorating Outdoor Pool and Hot Tubs

Deck 7 has a large heated outdoor pool and two hot tubs. You can dip or relax in the warm water while enjoying the polar views.

Four Zodiac Embarkation Points

4 Zodiac embarkation points on the starboard, port and stern for quick and safe loading and unloading.

Interior

World Explorer Observation lounge

Observation Lounge

Take in the Polar views from the glass-domed Observation Lounge on Deck 7 - a comfortable space with unobstructed views of the polar landscapes.
World Explorer Explorer lounge

Explorer Lounge

Deck 4 is a large, open space that is the heart of the ship. Enjoy free coffee and tea while you take in the views.
Library World Explorer

Library

The Observation Lounge on Deck 7 has extensive field guides, picture books and reference materials. Self-serve.
World Explorer Theatre

Lecture Theatre

Deck 4's theatre-style auditorium is open to all passengers and is the main room for presentations and video sessions.
World Explorer Ready room

Ready Room

Mudroom on Deck 3 for easy preparation and disembarkation for Zodiacs and shore landings. Near the Zodiac embarkation points for a smooth experience.
World Explorer sauna

Sauna

After a day of exploring, use the sauna on Deck 7 with an adjacent change room and shower.
World Explorer gym

Fitness Center

Fitness Centre on Deck 7 with state-of-the-art equipment. Take in the Polar views while you exercise.
World Explorer spa

L'Occitane Spa

On Deck 7, L'Occitane treatments: massages, facials and hand and foot treatments.
World Explorer boutique

Polar Boutique

Essentials, souvenirs, and expedition gear. Mementos and quality gear like base layers, waterproof pants, gloves, and more will help you explore the Polar Regions.
World Explorer Bridge

Bridge

Guests are welcome to visit the World Explorer bridge.

Dining Options on World Explorer

World Explorer restaurant

Restaurant

On deck 4 is the ship's restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

World Explorer Cabins

Triple

Located on Deck 6, and approximately 242 sq. ft. (22.5 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 55 sq. ft. (5 sq. m) walk-out balcony. A separate combo sitting area/bedroom with a sofa bed and additional closet is around the corner, and a refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.

Size (sqf) 242

Occupancy: 1-3

Beds: 1 double or 2 single beds plus a sofa-bed

Class: Standard

Location: Deck 6

Veranda Suite

Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 215 sq. ft. (20 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 55 sq. ft. (5 sq. m) walk-out balcony. A sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.

Size (sqf): 215

Occupancy: 1-2

Bed Config: 1 double or 2 single beds

Class: Standard

Location: Deck 5 , Deck 6

Infinity Suite

Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 270 sq. ft. (25 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a floor-to-ceiling glass French balcony. A sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.

Size (sqf): 270

Occupancy: 1-2

Bed Config: 1 double or 2 single beds

Class: Standard

Location: Deck 5 , Deck 6

Superior Suite

Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 278 sq. ft. (26 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 110 sq. ft. (10 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with sofa, walk-in closet, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.

Size (sqf): 278

Occupancy: 1-2

Bed Config: 1 double or 2 single beds

Class: Premium

Location: Deck 5 , Deck 6

Deluxe Suite

Located on Deck 5, and approximately 334 sq. ft. (31 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 110 sq. ft. (10 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with sofa, double closets, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.

Size (sqf): 334

Occupancy: 1-2

Bed Config: 1 double or 2 single beds

Class: Premium

Location: Deck 5

Owner's Suite

Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 355 sq. ft. (33 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 110 sq. ft. (10 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower, dual vanity, and bathtub is also featured in each cabin.

Size (sqf): 355

Occupancy: 1-2

Bed Config: 1 double or 2 single beds

Class: Premium

Location: Deck 5 , Deck 6

World Explorer Deck Plan

World Explorer Deck Plan Deck 3

Ship Specifications

Guests
172 (140 on Antarctic Express programs)
Staff and Crew
130
Propulsion
2 x Rolls Royce 9,000 kw hybrid diesel/electric
Draft
4.7 meters
Length
126 metres
Registration
Portugal
Ice Class
1B
Speed
16 knots

World Explorer Cruises

photographing ice in Antarctica
Ushuaia - Ushuaia
Feb 26 - Mar 08 2026
10 Nights

Price from per person

£6,674
Gentoo penguins on ice in Antarctica
Ushuaia - Ushuaia
Mar 7 - Mar 17 2026
10 Nights

Price from per person

£6,674
photographing ice in Antarctica
Ushuaia - Ushuaia
Feb 09 - Feb 19 2025
10 Nights

Price from per person

£8,550
Gentoo penguins on ice in Antarctica
Ushuaia - Ushuaia
Feb 18 - Feb 28 2025
10 Nights

Price from per person

£7,581
Crabeater seal resting on ice in Antarctica
Ushuaia - Ushuaia
Jan 5 - Jan 15 2026
10 Nights

Price from per person

£8,974
leopard seal on an iceberg in Antarctica
Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas
Dec 15 - Dec 22 2025
7 Nights

Price from per person

£9,639

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