World Explorer – Luxury and Adventure in the Polar Regions
World Explorer is Quark Expeditions’ first all-suites, all-balcony vessel, combining the thrill of true polar exploration with the comforts of a luxury cruise ship. Designed to navigate the remote landscapes of Antarctica and the Arctic, this state-of-the-art expedition vessel provides a seamless balance of adventure, education, and indulgence. Whether kayaking past towering icebergs, observing polar wildlife up close, or enjoying a lecture from a world-renowned polar expert, every moment aboard World Explorer is designed for discovery.
Unlike traditional expedition ships, World Explorer offers a refined onboard experience without compromising on adventure. Purpose-built for polar exploration, she is equipped with a reinforced hull for navigating ice-covered waters, efficient Zodiac boarding for off-ship excursions, and a dynamic itinerary that maximises time in the heart of the polar wilderness. With a capacity of just 172 travellers, the ship ensures an intimate experience, where every guest enjoys unparalleled access to breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable encounters with wildlife.
World Explorer Accommodation
After a day of adventure in some of the most extreme environments on Earth, World Explorer welcomes travellers back to stylish and spacious all-suite accommodations. Every suite features its own private balcony, allowing for uninterrupted views of the stunning polar scenery—whether it’s ice-choked fjords, glacial formations, or a passing pod of whales.
Suites are designed for comfort, with plush bedding, a well-appointed sitting area, and spa-inspired bathrooms. Heated floors provide extra warmth after cold excursions, while ample storage space ensures expedition gear is always within easy reach. The ship’s modern design prioritises space and light, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular views of the ever-changing polar landscapes. Whether unwinding in the spacious Owner’s Suite or relaxing in a Veranda Suite, every guest enjoys a luxurious retreat that complements the adventure outside.
World Explorer Dining
Dining aboard World Explorer is an elegant yet casual affair, where gourmet cuisine meets panoramic polar views. The ship’s main restaurant offers a refined setting for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with expertly crafted menus that blend international flavours with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Dishes are inspired by the regions travelled, with a focus on sustainability and seasonality.
The ship’s bistro-style lounge provides a more relaxed dining option, perfect for a quick bite before a Zodiac excursion or a leisurely post-adventure meal. Freshly baked pastries, handcrafted sandwiches, and regional specialities are served throughout the day, ensuring that no traveller ever goes hungry. A curated selection of fine wines and craft cocktails further enhances the dining experience, making every meal a celebration of exploration.
The Observation Lounge is the social heart of the ship, offering a selection of premium teas, specialty coffees, and signature drinks. It’s the perfect space to connect with fellow travellers, discuss the day’s adventures with expedition guides, or simply gaze out at the dramatic landscapes of the polar regions.
Expedition, Exploration & Onboard Facilities
World Explorer is purpose-built for deep exploration, ensuring that every guest has the opportunity to experience the polar regions in the most immersive way possible. The ship’s expertly designed Zodiac boarding platform allows for fast and efficient embarkation, meaning more time ashore exploring remote glaciers, wildlife habitats, and historic landing sites.
During The Day
Expeditions aboard World Explorer are all about maximising time in the field. Whether it’s stepping onto the untouched shores of an Antarctic island, paddling through icy waters in a sea kayak, or cruising alongside towering icebergs in a Zodiac, every day is filled with adventure. The ship’s fleet of robust Zodiacs provides seamless access to remote areas, while expert expedition leaders ensure that each landing is safe, informative, and unforgettable.
For those seeking a more active approach, optional adventure activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, cross-country skiing (in select regions), and mountaineering excursions allow for deeper immersion in the polar wilderness. Each voyage is enriched by Quark’s world-class team of scientists, naturalists, and historians, who lead onboard lectures and interactive discussions, ensuring that travellers gain a deeper understanding of these fragile environments.
When Night Falls
Evenings aboard World Explorer provide the perfect opportunity to unwind and reflect on the day’s explorations. The Observation Lounge offers a warm, inviting space to relax with a glass of wine while watching for passing wildlife through floor-to-ceiling windows. The ship’s state-of-the-art theatre hosts engaging lectures, photography workshops, and expert-led discussions on polar history, wildlife conservation, and glaciology.
For ultimate relaxation, the ship’s wellness centre features a sauna and heated outdoor walking track—perfect for keeping warm in the brisk polar air. A well-equipped gym allows for light workouts, while the onboard spa offers a selection of massages and wellness treatments, ideal for unwinding after an active day on the ice. Stargazing on the outer decks offers another magical experience, with crystal-clear skies revealing a breathtaking display of the night sky, and, in the Arctic, the possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights.
Signature Destinations
World Explorer is designed to take travellers deep into the polar wilderness, ensuring immersive encounters with some of the most untouched landscapes on the planet.
In Antarctica, the ship ventures into the heart of the White Continent, offering landings on remote islands, ice-cloaked bays, and legendary sites such as the Lemaire Channel and Deception Island. Some itineraries venture even further, crossing the Antarctic Circle or visiting the remote Emperor Penguin colonies of Snow Hill Island.
In the Arctic, World Explorer sails through the ice-laden waters of Greenland, the Norwegian Arctic, and Canada’s High Arctic, offering opportunities to witness polar bears, walrus colonies, and vast seabird cliffs. Voyages through Svalbard provide some of the best wildlife encounters in the Arctic, while journeys through the Northwest Passage retrace the steps of legendary explorers in one of the world’s most elusive maritime routes.
Book Your World Explorer Expedition with Us
If you are interested in an expedition aboard World Explorer and would like more information, or if you would like a quotation for an upcoming voyage, call our Voyage Consultants on 0800 008 6677. Alternatively, please make an online enquiry for your preferred sailing.
