Last year, Silversea agreed to sell its first vessel, ‘Silver Explorer’, to French-based startup Exploris Cruises.
The new cruise line will specialise in expedition voyages when it enters the French market in 2023.
Exploris is the brainchild of PONANT’s co-founder Philippe Videau who will head up the new company. He was also joined by former company employees.
‘Silver Explorer’ will continue to operate for Silversea Cruises until late next year.
Nantes-based Exploris opened its first office in Paris earlier this year and is now recruiting staff.
‘Silver Explorer’ is a Polar Class 1A expedition ship built by Finland’s Rauma-Repola shipyard and delivered in 1984.
Last refurbished in 2018, she can now accommodate 144 pax and 118 crew.
