A transition in ownership marked a significant moment for the European expedition cruise sector when the expedition vessel Exploris One was transferred to a new owner following a court-supervised auction in France.
The sale, reported to have taken place in Nantes at the end of January 2026, attracted attention within maritime circles in France, Finland, and elsewhere, owing to the vessel’s long operational record and its recent withdrawal from service.
The auction formed part of liquidation proceedings connected to a modern French expedition cruise brand whose ambitions had focused on redefining the country’s presence in the luxury exploration market.
Expectations had been shaped by the court-set valuation, yet the outcome reflected prevailing market conditions affecting smaller expedition ships in Europe. Interest also centered on the destination of the vessel, as the sale was understood to be aimed at returning the ship to active service rather than disposal or conversion.
Constructed in Finland and operated for decades by companies in several countries, Exploris One stands as an example of sustained adaptability within the expedition segment. Its sale was therefore regarded not solely as a financial transaction, but as an indication that confidence persists in niche expedition cruising, particularly within European markets.
The vessel was reported to have been sold on January 30th, 2026, during an auction held in Nantes, with French maritime media indicating a hammer price of EUR 4.5 million. This amount was noted as exclusive of the mandatory legal and procedural fees required under French judicial auction rules.
The final bid was substantially below the 7-million-euro starting price established by the court, a difference widely attributed to market caution and the operational costs associated with older expedition tonnage. Despite this reduction, the sale was considered a satisfactory conclusion to a complex liquidation process involving a highly specialized asset.
Although the buyer was not publicly identified, reports indicated that the acquiring party was an established maritime company with operational experience. The stated intention was to restore the vessel to expedition service rather than redirect it toward alternative commercial uses.
This intention was viewed as notable within the expedition cruise industry, as a return to service would require investment in refit work, regulatory compliance, and drydock surveys. Such commitments were interpreted as evidence of a longer-term commercial strategy rather than short-term asset trading, particularly at a time when demand for small-scale exploration voyages in Europe has shown resilience.
Built in the late 1980s, Exploris One was designed specifically for operation in remote and polar regions. The vessel incorporated structural and technical features suited to ice-affected waters and extended voyages far from major ports.
With a gross tonnage/volume of 6,132 GT tons and accommodation for 132 guests, the ship occupies a place within the small-ship expedition segment, traditionally associated with in-depth exploration rather than high-volume cruising. Its design was repeatedly tested and validated through deployments in the polar regions during its career.
Most recently, the vessel operated under the French brand Exploris Expeditions and Cruises, where it served as the central platform for a concept blending French cultural elements with global expedition itineraries. Operations ceased in September 2025, and the company entered liquidation in November of the same year, leading to the vessel’s designation for sale.
The auction was conducted online via Interencheres, a French website commonly used for judicial sales.
Prospective buyers were provided with technical documentation outlining the ship’s condition, legal status, and terms of sale, including a mandatory fourteen-percent premium linked to court proceedings in addition to standard legal fees.
Bidders were also able to arrange inspections before the auction. At the time, Exploris One was laid up in Port Caen, where access allowed for technical assessments and valuation reviews.
The vessel was built at the Rauma Repola shipyard in Finland, a facility recognized for producing ships capable of operating in demanding and cold environments. This origin contributed directly to the vessel’s suitability for expedition cruising.
During a service life spanning 37 years, the ship sailed for a variety of operators. Before its acquisition by Exploris in 2023, it spent more than a decade with Silversea under the names Silver Explorer and Prince Albert II. Earlier operators included Society Expeditions, Sally Line, Delfin Risteilyt, and Baltic Link, each period reflecting shifts in market focus while preserving the vessel’s expedition role.
Before entering liquidation, Exploris One had been scheduled for a statutory drydock in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The postponement of this maintenance was regarded as a factor influencing the auction valuation, as any return to service would require completion of surveys and potential upgrades to meet current safety and environmental requirements.
The sale of Exploris One has been viewed as illustrative of expedition vessel lifecycle management within Europe, linking Finnish construction, French operations, and planned maintenance in Spain. The modest auction price was interpreted both as a signal of caution and as an opportunity for established operators prepared to invest in refurbishment and compliance.
With new ownership reportedly committed to expedition operations, the vessel’s future appears directed toward continued service rather than retirement. While no schedules or itineraries have been announced, attention remains on how this Finland-built ship may once again be positioned within the evolving European expedition cruise landscape.