Heritage Discoverer Sets 2026 Antarctic Preview Cruise

Heritage Expeditions will send Heritage Discoverer on a 21-day preview cruise to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula in late 2026, giving the vessel an early program under its new name before the line releases its 2027-28 maiden season. The Ultimate South Georgia, Falklands and Antarctic Peninsula Cruise is scheduled to sail roundtrip from Ushuaia from Nov. 19 to Dec. 9, 2026.

The ship was formerly known as Exploris One and Silver Explorer, and Heritage said earlier this year it would be renamed Heritage Discoverer. The 108-metre, seven-deck expedition vessel has been listed with upgrades in 2023 and 2026 and is being added to a fleet that includes Heritage Adventurer and Heritage Explorer.

Aaron Russ, Heritage Expeditions’ commercial director and expedition leader, said Heritage Discoverer was “purpose-built for authentic adventures like this,” adding that he could think of “no better first voyage” than exploring the region’s history, wildlife and polar landscapes.

Route includes the Falklands, South Georgia and early-season Antarctica

The itinerary begins with two days around East and West Falkland Islands, where Heritage cites potential sightings of penguins, albatrosses, southern sea lions, South American fur seals and southern elephant seals. The ship is then scheduled to spend four days in South Georgia, including a call at Grytviken for guests to visit the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

The Antarctic Peninsula portion of the voyage is planned for five days during the early season, with more than 20 hours of daylight each day. Heritage said the timing aligns with the start of wildlife breeding season, while potential landing and visit sites include Cuverville Island, Paradise Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Cierva Cove, Whalers Bay, Brown Bluff and Elephant Island.

Heritage builds out its expedition fleet

The Christchurch, New Zealand, family company, founded by the Russ family in 1985, already operates expedition voyages in Antarctica, the Ross Sea and the Subantarctic Islands, along with remote programs in destinations including Japan, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and the South Pacific. Heritage Adventurer carries about 140 guests. Heritage Explorer carries about 18.

Bookings made by June 30, 2026, qualify for a 40 percent discount for returning Heritage Expeditions guests or a 30 percent discount for first-time travelers with the company. The announcement did not include a starting fare or a release date for the full 2027-28 Heritage Discoverer season.