Heritage Discoverer

Heritage Discoverer is a trailblazing expedition vessel, purpose-built to navigate the world’s most demanding waters. She was built in 1989 at Finland’s Rauma shipyard and formerly sailed as Silver Explorer. Her decades of exploration range from the Northwest Passage to remote tropical islands and atolls, and down to Antarctica, and she holds a 1A ice-class rating.

Following renovations in 2018, 2023 and 2026, Heritage Discoverer blends adventure with exceptional comfort and personalised service. 

• Length: 108 m 
• Beam: 16m
• Draught: 4.5 m

• Chart Class: Lloyds 1A
• Cruising Speed: 12.5 Knots
• Year built: 1989 (refurbished 2018, 2023 & 2026) 

TECHNOLOGY & FUEL:

• Conventional diesel propulsion system.
• Ice-strengthened hull with 1A ice class, purpose-built for demanding polar and remote waters.
• Capacity for just 130 guests, offering a more personalised experience and a smaller footprint per voyage.

CO2 Emissions
Environmental efforts focus mainly on conservation, supported by modest carbon offset initiatives. No carbon-neutral certification or net-zero target has been published, and emissions reporting is limited.

Waste Management
Applies waste minimisation and separation, recycling, controlled disposal and reduced packaging onboard. Blackwater and greywater management complies with MARPOL, the Polar Code, the Antarctic Treaty and IAATO guidelines, although no public specifications are disclosed. Single-use plastics are reduced through refillable systems.

Citizen Science Programs
Long-standing relationships with the Department of Conservation, the New Zealand Antarctic Society, BirdLife International and universities support research on seabirds, penguin conservation, marine mammals, invasive species and island-ecosystem restoration. Guests contribute wildlife sightings to scientific databases during expeditions.

Local First Initiative / Communities
Follows a ‘Local First’ approach with local guides, local suppliers, Indigenous cultural engagement and community-based tourism. Many voyages directly support remote communities and local economies in New Zealand, the Subantarctic Islands and the Pacific, as well as regional conservation projects. Strict biosecurity protocols protect fragile island ecosystems, especially in New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands. Member of IAATO.