The modern expedition cruise ship Exploris One is heading to auction, offering cruise operators and investors a rare opportunity to acquire a recently built vessel purpose-designed for high-end exploration cruising.
Auction Details
According to court documents, Exploris One will be sold via a judicial auction, a process typically overseen by maritime courts when vessels are placed for sale following financial or operational restructuring.
While the exact auction date, venue, and minimum bid have not yet been publicly disclosed, the sale is expected to proceed once procedural approvals are finalized. The ship will be sold as-is, with interested parties required to register and submit deposits in line with standard court-auction requirements.
Industry sources note that such auctions often attract:
- Boutique expedition cruise brands
- Private equity–backed hospitality groups
- Start-ups seeking a shortcut into the expedition market
- Charter operators and private owners
Ship Overview and Specifications
Delivered in 2019, Exploris One was built specifically for expedition cruising rather than converted from an older vessel, an important distinction in today’s market.
Key highlights include:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 2019 |
| Passenger Capacity | ~120 guests |
| Crew | ~60 |
| Gross Tonnage | Approx. 6,000 GT |
| Ice Class | Polar-capable (expedition-rated) |
| Flag | Portugal |
| Design Focus | Science-led expedition cruising |
| Features | Lecture theatre, science labs, observation decks |
| Environmental Systems | Advanced waste and emissions controls |
The ship was designed to operate in polar regions, remote islands, and environmentally sensitive destinations, with onboard facilities tailored for enrichment programming rather than mass-market entertainment.
Why the Ship Is Being Auctioned
Despite its modern build and strong design credentials, Exploris One faced operational and financial challenges in the years following the pandemic. Rising fuel costs, expedition staffing expenses, and slower-than-expected ramp-up in niche expedition demand contributed to the decision to place the vessel under court-supervised sale.
The auction does not reflect technical issues with the ship itself, which remains relatively young compared to many expedition vessels currently in service.
Market Impact
With expedition cruising continuing to rebound, particularly in Antarctica, the Arctic, and remote coastal regions, Exploris One enters the market at a time when secondhand tonnage is scarce and newbuild timelines stretch several years.
For a buyer, the auction represents:
- Faster market entry versus a newbuild
- Lower capital outlay compared to ordering a new ship
- Flexibility to rebrand, charter, or redeploy immediately
What Happens Next
Further details on the auction process, including inspection opportunities and bidding procedures, are expected to be released ahead of the sale. Until then, Exploris One remains laid up, awaiting its next chapter under new ownership.
