Heritage Discoverer expedition cruises - Southern Sea Ventures

heritage discoverer

Explore remote coasts from a purpose-built expedition ship

A capable 130-guest expedition ship combining polar pedigree, panoramic viewing spaces and optional guided kayaking on selected voyages.

SSV is partnering with Heritage Expeditions to deliver the optional sea kayaking programme on selected voyages aboard Heritage Discoverer. Heritage Expeditions operates the wider expedition cruise, while SSV’s professional guides lead the paddling programme.

Formerly known as Silver Explorer, Heritage Discoverer has decades of expedition experience in the Northwest Passage, Antarctica and remote tropical waters. The 108-metre vessel combines a Lloyd’s 1A ice-class rating with spacious cabins, generous outdoor decks and the equipment needed to make the most of each landing.

Built to get everyone into the field

Heritage Discoverer carries a maximum of 130 guests, supported by an Expedition Team of 15 and a fleet of 14 Zodiacs. This gives every guest the opportunity to leave the ship and explore, whether on foot, by Zodiac or, on selected voyages, by kayak.

Daily plans respond to weather, sea and ice conditions. When opportunities change, the captain and expedition team can adjust the programme to make the best use of the day.

Comfort between adventures

Inside, the ship offers welcoming spaces for meals, lectures and time between landings. Guests can watch the coast unfold from the Observation Lounge and panoramic decks, visit the bridge under Heritage Expeditions’ Open Bridge policy, or learn more about the region in the Lecture Theatre.

A dining room, outside grill, bar and lounge provide plenty of room to gather. The Wellness Centre includes a sauna and massage room, while a gym and two outdoor Jacuzzis offer other ways to unwind.

Bedroom of the Veranda Suite, Silver Explorer

Ocean-view accommodation

The ship has 70 ocean-view accommodation options across several decks, including 12 spacious suites.

Suite sizes range from 37 to 67 square metres and include private balconies. Cabin categories extend from Deck 3 and Deck 4 staterooms through to Veranda Staterooms, Discovery, Navigator, Worsley and Heritage suites.

Kayaking with SSV

The optional kayaking programme is designed for travellers with some previous paddling experience. Conditions permitting, the kayak group leaves the ship with SSV guides to explore sheltered coastlines, fjords, sea cliffs and ice at water level.

The kayaking surcharge includes a drysuit, kayak and paddling equipment, and professional guiding throughout the voyage. Places are limited and must be booked in advance.


Trips aboard Heritage Discoverer

Scotland, Faroe Islands
& Iceland Cruise

Visit Faroe Islands Kayak Exploration Southern Sea Ventures 1

A 13-day voyage from Glasgow and Greenock to Reykjavik, linking Scotland’s Atlantic edge, the Faroe Islands and Iceland.

Iceland’s Fire & Ice
Circumnavigation Cruise

Circle Iceland over 11 days, exploring volcanic shores, fjords, waterfalls, wildlife and small coastal communities, with optional guided kayaking.

Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland
Arctic Islands Cruise

Travel from Svalbard in Arctic Norway to East Greenland and Iceland on a 15-day High Arctic expedition, with optional guided kayaking.