The expedition cruise ship Exploris One has reportedly been sold at a court-ordered auction in France, marking a surprising turn for a vessel with a long history in polar and exploration cruising.
The auction took place in Nantes on January 30, 2026, with the ship fetching a final bid of $4.9 million. The price was notably lower than the court’s initial starting figure of $7.3 million, highlighting the challenging market conditions surrounding distressed cruise assets.
While the buyer’s identity has not been officially revealed, French maritime publication Le Marin reported that the winning bidder is an existing company with plans to return the vessel to expedition service. That detail has sparked cautious optimism among industry observers who hope the ship may soon sail again.
A Vessel Built for Remote and Polar Exploration
Originally constructed in the late 1980s, Exploris One was purpose-built for voyages to remote regions and polar destinations. With a capacity of just 132 guests, the ship was designed to offer intimate expedition experiences rather than mass-market cruising.
The 6,132-ton vessel was last operated by France-based Exploris Expeditions & Cruises, a brand that entered the market with high ambitions but ceased operations in November 2025. The ship had been laid up since September of that year, following the company’s financial collapse.
Before its most recent role, Exploris One enjoyed a long and varied career. Many travelers may remember her best from her time sailing with Silversea, where she operated as both Silver Explorer and Prince Albert II for more than a decade.
From Industry Veteran to Fresh Start
Over its 37-year lifespan, the ship has sailed under several operators, including Society Expeditions, Sally Line, Delfin Risteilyt and Baltic Link. Each chapter added to its reputation as a capable and reliable expedition vessel.
The auction was conducted online via the French auction platform Interencheres and included additional costs, such as a 14 percent court premium and mandatory legal fees. Interested buyers were also allowed to inspect the ship in person, as it remains docked in Caen, in northern France.
Before being auctioned, Exploris One had been scheduled for a statutory drydock in Las Palmas, a step that would likely be required before any future return to service.
Although its sale price raised eyebrows, the reported plans to bring the ship back into expedition cruising suggest that Exploris One may not be nearing the end of her story. Instead, she could be preparing for yet another chapter, this time under new ownership and renewed purpose.
The vessel’s future had already been uncertain in recent months, with earlier reports indicating that the ship was heading toward an auction following the company’s financial collapse.
