Heritage Expeditions has unveiled the inaugural 2027–2028 programme for its newest expedition vessel, Heritage Discoverer, introducing 7 new voyages and marking a significant expansion of the New Zealand-based company's global operations.
Formerly operating as Silver Explorer, the vessel will enable Heritage Expeditions to resume its expedition cruises in the High Arctic and the Antarctic Peninsula while adding new itineraries across the Atlantic and European coastlines.
The family-owned expedition cruise operator described the deployment of Heritage Discoverer as an important milestone in the company's more than four decades of operations. Heritage Expeditions stated that the vessel signals the beginning of a new phase in its development, expanding its expedition portfolio while maintaining its longstanding focus on responsible, small-ship exploration in remote and environmentally significant destinations.
The new programme combines established polar expeditions with itineraries exploring the Atlantic coasts of Portugal, Spain, France and the British Isles. Destinations include Svalbard, Iceland, Greenland, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, the Faroe Islands, the Hebrides, Orkney, Shetland and the Channel Islands, alongside visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites, historic ports, cultural centres and renowned wine-producing regions.
Among the newly introduced voyages is the 12-day Atlantic Shores Odyssey, sailing from Lisbon to Portsmouth between 2nd and 13th May 2027, exploring the Atlantic coasts of Portugal, Spain, France, the Channel Islands and the United Kingdom.
The British Isles, Ireland & Scotland Expedition Cruise, operating from Portsmouth to Glasgow between 12th and 23rd May 2027, will visit remote islands and coastal destinations across England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland, including the Hebrides, St Kilda, the Isles of Scilly, the Isle of Man, Skye, Rùm, Iona and Islay.
A 13-day Scotland, Faroe Islands & Iceland Cruise will depart Glasgow on May 22nd, 2027 for Reykjavík, featuring calls throughout the Outer Hebrides, Orkney, Shetland and the Faroe Islands.
The programme also includes an 11-day circumnavigation of Iceland, departing Reykjavík on June 2nd, 2027, combining the country's glaciers, volcanic landscapes, fjords, wildlife and geothermal attractions during the period of the Midnight Sun.
For Arctic expedition travellers, the 15-day Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland Arctic Islands Expedition will operate between July 21st and August 4th, 2027, exploring the High Arctic environment, including the ice edge, dramatic fjords and wildlife habitats inhabited by species such as polar bears, walruses, narwhals, musk oxen and Arctic foxes.
The Antarctic programme returns with a series of 11- and 12-day Antarctic Peninsula Expedition Cruises between November 2027 and January 2028, offering exploration of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Longer 22-day South Georgia, Falklands & Antarctic Peninsula expeditions will also be offered, combining visits to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica during the austral breeding season, when wildlife activity and daylight hours are at their peak.
To coincide with the launch of the new programme, Heritage Expeditions has introduced a promotional offer providing a 20% saving on all berths across the maiden 2027–28 season. Returning guests will also receive an enhanced 10% loyalty discount on new bookings confirmed by August 31st, 2026, subject to terms and conditions.