Why we love Exploring on Explorer

Explorer isn’t just a ship, she is our home away from home. We believe going on an expedition doesn’t mean compromising on comfort. Therefore, we choose to travel on a luxury polar yacht, refined for small-ship cruises.

❄️ Built for the ice

As an A1 ice-class vessel, Explorer is built to withstand the pack ice with ease, making it the perfect piece to the puzzle. Combined with our flexible itineraries, she brings us deep into the ice north of Svalbard.

This capability allows us to shape our itinerary around nature itself. If the pack ice retreats further north than usual, we can follow it. If wildlife appears on the horizon, we’re free to adjust course. Additionally, Explorer has recently been renovated to reduce its impact on the environment.

🧭 Life Onboard

The open-plan lounge is the heart of the ship, where nearly 360° views connect you to the polar landscape outside. Sip on a cocktail or enjoy a warm beverage as you gaze upon nature’s mesmerizing display.
With only 12 guests, the atmosphere is intimate and warm. You’ll often find a nice snack from our chef and a coffee/tea station. During the evenings, our guides Rinie or Szymon will be reviewing the day’s sightings and present an educational lecture programme about wildlife, nature, research and other interesting topics.

♨️ Relaxing Spaces

Explorer’s sauna and outdoor jacuzzi sit right on the upper deck. It’s one of the features our guests fall in love with most, especially under the midnight sun. Heat up in the jacuzzi in the evening hours or enjoy the scenery through the big sauna window while relaxing.

Don’t forget to bring your slippers, you’ll find a bathrobe and towels in your cabin.

🛌 Private Cabins

Our cabins are designed to be your private retreat at sea, offering exceptional comfort along with thoughtful details such as a walk‑in shower, USB charging ports beside the bed, soft bathrobes, and a hair dryer.
The upper deck features two Single Cabins and two luxurious Executive Suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and double beds. The lower deck hosts two Superior Suites and three Deluxe Single Suites. All rooms have private bathrooms. In addition to our suites, we also offer several dedicated single cabins for solo travelers who want privacy and comfort without compromise.
                              Executive Suite                                                             Superior Suite                            

                              Single Deluxe                                                                 Single Cabin

🧑‍🏫 Expert Guides

We’re proud to sail again with Rinie van Meurs, who brings over 30 years of Svalbard experience and can often identify a polar bear on the ice before anyone else on the bridge. In 1989, Rinie accepted a job on board a small ship as a potato peeler for his first season in Spitsbergen (Svalbard). After this first experience, he was hooked on the high latitudes. Since ’89, he has logged over 350 voyages, of which at least 200 in Svalbard.

We are also excited to have Szymon Niezabitowski onboard with us as well! He is a passionate polar guide and photographer, always ready to help guests capture the perfect Arctic shot. In 2017 and the summer of 2018 Szymon fulfilled his biggest dream and became a circumpolar guide and spent almost half a year on Spitsbergen, where he could admire the true wildness of the Artic. This was the start of his carreer as an expedition guide on board ships in both the Arctic and Antarctica.
Together, they make an exceptional team, ensuring your Svalbard Expedition is insightful, safe, and filled with wildlife encounters.

With an open bridge policy, generous deck space, and comfortable cabins, you will feel at home right away when onboard Explorer! Svalbard is best seen onboard a small-ship where flexibility is possible and opportunistic wildlife encounters are not cut short due to scheduling constraints.

Join us for a trip onboard one of our favourite vessels! Once you step onboard you will see why there is no doubt that choose Explorer for our Svalbard Signature Expeditions!