Ship

World Explorer

4.7/5 From 117 Reviews

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Ship overview:

One of the new generation of ice strengthened ships poised to shake up the existing polar fleet, World Explorer sets the bar high with sleek design, fast average cruising speed, generously appointed balcony cabins and a unique glass-domed observation lounge.

Prices per person

From $9,756

Prices based on two people sharing
Ship Capacity

172 passengers

Year built

Constructed in 2019

Expedition staff to guest ratio

1:7

Optional activities

Camping, kayaking, paddling & stand-up paddleboarding

Swoop Video Review: World Explorer

Why we like this ship

  • A sleek and spacious purpose-built expedition ship with 172 passengers
  • Generously sized suites with floor to ceiling glass
  • Impressive observation lounge with huge windows spanning 270°, ideal for soaking up the Antarctic vistas
  • Daily off ship excursions complemented by onboard health & wellness facilities, including an unusual 360° walking track
  • Active adventurers will appreciate the optional activities including kayaking, camping & stand-up paddleboarding (additional cost)

We think it's worth noting

  • The main lecture theatre doesn't have windows, which can make it a bit claustrophobic for those feeling a little seasick
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What our customers think of World Explorer

World Explorer trips scored 4.7/5 from 117 reviews

I loved the World Explorer. It exceeded my expectations as far as the accommodations and the food. The crew worked HARD to make sure we were happy and well taken care of. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2024

Lisa Jordan - USA

Cabin, staff and food were great! It did live up to expectations. For us, it was just the right size. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2024

Travis Thomas - USA

The ship was in great condition. I’d definitely recommend it! Read the full review

Travelled: December 2024

Catherine Meade - Canada

Ship was beautiful. We couldn’t believe the size of the bathroom. Most cruise ship bathrooms would fit in just the shower area of World Explorer. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2024

Linda Coats - USA

Ship was great overall! Just the right size and had activities we all could enjoy. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2024

Cynthia Coats - USA

We had a FANTASTIC time with memories to last a lifetime. Ship was much nicer than I thought it would be. Everyone was fantastic. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2024

Frederick Coats - USA

Food was presented beautifully, was fresh and delicious. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2024

Thomas Matthew Gore - USA

Cabin fantastic, amenities provided superb, housekeeping fantastic. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2024

Deepti Gheewala - USA

Great ship. Fantastic accommodations. All I had interactions with were knowledgeable and friendly. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2024

Lisa Wendell - USA

Cabin and onboard service and meals were outstanding. Highly recommended. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2024

Peter Abery - Australia

This is the first time on a cruise ship & it lived up to my expectations. Our cabin was very comfortable & a decent size. It was also great having a balcony so we could sit outside (wrapped up) & watch the icebergs & wildlife go by. The food was superb plenty of variety & the standard was amazing as well as the service from the waiters. I would have no hesitation in choosing this ship again. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2024

Linda Burgess - UK

Cabin was fantastic, the amenities were fantastic. We had an issue with our A/C and the staff were at our cabin within a minute of hanging up with reception to fix it. Housekeeping did an amazing job making sure we had everything we needed, from coffee and water refills to clean beds after coming back from a zodiac cruise. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2024

Julia Hajdukovic - USA

Nice ship, great team. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2024

Jayden Wadd - Australia

Love this boat, felt more luxurious than the Queen Mary II. Large windows, large bathroom with marble, ample closet space, very well conceived. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2024

Catherine Pierce - USA

The ship was bigger and nicer than I expected. The food was excellent and the service fantastic. And the crew made the passengers feel at home. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Tim Crosson - USA

Excellent, excellent. The expedition team were first rate. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Stewart Stein - Chile

Perfect ship for what we were looking for (i.e. good mix of comfort & expedition character). Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Julian Peise - Germany

The ship is decent and interiors are new and clean. The team is marvellous, so passionate and professional with what they are doing. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Helen Chan - Hong Kong

BEAUTIFUL ship. I am forever spoiled with expectations of ships like this. Amazing design and easy to navigate. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Dianne Salcedo - USA

The expedition team were extremely hospitable, knowledgeable, and welcoming. By the end of the trip they all felt like gurus to me and will have a long-lasting impact on me. Truly inspiring humans. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Dianne Salcedo - USA

There were many places to spend time and have your own space. It was a comfortable ship. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2023

Stephanie Curtis - USA

The boat was great! The service staff were wonderful and polite. All facilities were nice and well maintained. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2022

Waverly Garnand - USA

The team was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. The tour guides were excellent and definitely worked to keep us safe while letting us see as much as possible. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2022

Waverly Garnand - USA

Review:

Voyages aboard the World Explorer

Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.

Antarctic Explorer Refined

With a wide range of departure dates and a great choice of optional adventure activities to choose from, this itinerary offers flexibility and variety. Spend 4 full days exploring Antarctica with your experienced team of naturalist guides from the comfort…

  • 11 Days
  • $9,756
Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands In Style

Voyage south in Shackleton’s footsteps, exploring the Southern Ocean's highlights as part of this expansive 20-day adventure. A well-balanced itinerary gives plenty of time in each jaw-dropping location. Explore from the comfort of your sleek purpose-built expedition ship, accompanied by…

  • 20 Days
  • $26,716
Antarctic Fly & Cruise Safari

If you’re keen to fly to Antarctica instead of sailing, this 8-day trip is ideal, with a choice of dates in December and January. Travel on outstanding modern expedition ships with a maximum of 140 passengers. Active adventurers can enjoy…

  • 8 Days
  • $16,145
Express South Georgia & Antarctica Wildlife Safari

The most time-efficient trip for combining the top highlights of the Southern Ocean: the dramatic Antarctic Peninsula and the wildlife mecca of South Georgia. Travelling on a comfortable, ice-strengthened expedition ship you'll experience everything from king penguin rookeries to vast…

  • 18 Days
  • $20,396
Fly & Sail Antarctica in Style

If you’re undecided between sailing or flying to Antarctica, why not choose both with this combination trip? A two hour flight south provides fast access to the White Continent, then after four incredible days of exploring, you’ll sail back across…

  • 10 Days
  • $14,246
Sail & Fly Antarctica in Style

By sailing south across the Drake Passage then flying north in just two hours, this itinerary blends the adventure of arriving in Antarctica by ship with the speed of a quick exit. The risk of weather-related flight delays is removed…

  • 10 Days
  • $14,275
Swoop Says background image

After sailing on countless vessels in my 20-year maritime career, World Explorer exceeded my expectations. I was impressed by the spacious lounge and cabins, excellent restaurant food and highly experienced expedition team. If you're looking for a state-of-the-art ship, this is the perfect choice.

Otto Lock Antarctica Specialist

Onboard Communications & Facilities

Facilities include:

  • Plugs: European 220V two-round-pinned sockets
  • Towels, toiletries and hair dryers
  • Individual temperature controls
  • TV and safe: In cabin
  • Laundry service (additional cost)

Swoop. Your adventure story.

Market-leading expertise

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Harness our 400,000 hours of Antarctic experience. There’s no question we can’t answer.

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Ends Of The Earth SVG

We care deeply about protecting Antarctica, that’s why 1% of our revenue goes to conservation.

A full concierge service

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Access our exclusive pre-travel webinars — one of the many ways we make sure you’re Antarctica’s best-prepared travellers.

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