Society Expeditions Cruises
World Discoverer
The "New" World Discoverer is among the few passenger vessels in the world that can approach some of the most isolated and pristine island habitats on earth while providing unparalleled comfort and state-of-the-art amenities. Boasting the latest and most sophisticated navigational equipment, her specially hardened hull has earned an unsurpassed ice-rating for passenger vessels.

Because she is one of the only passenger vessels in the world designed to be self-sufficient in remote areas, the "New" World Discoverer can stand up to the most challenging environments. Whether navigating polar pack ice searching for polar bears or gliding over coral reefs to explore unique sea life, her maneuverability, size and speed are specifically built for expedition cruising. And because auxiliary exploring crafts (Zodiacs) are such a vital and frequent part of daily explorations, the ship's custom design is a critical feature for the safe and speedy deployment of passengers in varying sea conditions.

The Best in Comfort
As resilient as she is in challenging environments, you as a passenger will still be able to enjoy even the smallest comfort. With seven decks and two elevators, the "New" World Discoverer includes a swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, library, lecture hall, restaurant, lounges, beauty salon, hospital, boutique and exercise room. Elegantly decorated, the 86 ocean-view staterooms range in area from 155 to 375 square feet. Balconies grace the two-room Owner's Suite and Junior Suites, and 20 staterooms feature French patios. Another 48 staterooms feature large viewing windows. All staterooms and suites can be reached only via interior companionways and have no promenade outside the window, insuring privacy and protection from the weather.

All staterooms also offer passenger amenities expected only on leading luxury cruise ships: sitting area, queen/twin beds, bathtub/shower, hair dryer, 9-channel satellite TV/VCR, telephone and climate control.

Public Spaces
As a platform for best observing your surroundings, The "New" World Discoverer has both fore and aft outer decks, an enclosed forward observation lounge with panoramic windows, a crow's nest and an open-bridge policy. Other public spaces include three separate lounges, each elegantly appointed and large enough to hold group meetings. These lounges also allow a comfortable and serene environment for reading, reflection, or social interaction with fellow explorers. In addition, the lecture hall/cinema easily seats all passengers and the dining salon, with picture windows, accommodates all passengers at one seating.

Officers and Crew
The Captain and his officers welcome questions on the open bridge. And our crew are dedicated to making every day of your shipboard life not just pleasurable, but unforgettable. There are nearly 100 staff and crew on board to serve you during your expedition - one of the highest crew -to-passenger ratios in the industry. Our staff are specially selected to provide the highest degree of personal service, ensuring the consistent and professional quality our passengers have come to expect.

wpe12.jpg (19915 bytes)

wpe13.jpg (10441 bytes)

wpe14.jpg (13228 bytes)

wpe18.jpg (22269 bytes)

wpe19.jpg (21646 bytes)

wpe1A.jpg (10372 bytes)
Deck 7 - Adventurer Deck

wpe1B.jpg (13970 bytes)
Deck 6 - Observation Deck
(A. Sun Deck; B. Swimming Pool / Whirlpool; C. Discoverer Lounge; D. Observation Deck)

wpe1C.jpg (16512 bytes)
Deck 5 - Bridge Deck 
(E. Lido Lounge; F. Library; G. Bridge)

wpe1D.jpg (15172 bytes)
Deck 4 - Marco Polo Deck 
(H. Restaurant; I. Boutique)

wpe1E.jpg (14740 bytes)
Deck 3 - Explorer Deck
wpe2B.jpg (6636 bytes) wpe2D.jpg (5121 bytes)
Category A Junior-Suite Category B  
Sup. Stateroom 
wpe2E.jpg (5698 bytes) wpe2F.jpg (4953 bytes)
Category C & D Wind.vw. Stateroom Category E 
Std. Stateroom 

Ship Amenities

  • Ocean View Staterooms: Each stateroom, ranging from 155 square feet to 375 square feet, offers superior amenities and passenger comfort features.
  • Discoverer Lounge/Lecture Hall: The Discoverer Lounge is a luxurious lounge with bar, piano, comfortable seating and is suitable for larger gatherings. You will gather here for daily talks, briefings, and updates regarding your Zodiac excursions and other ventures planned or spontaneously embarked upon.
  • Library: The library features an extensive book collection for your reference and reading pleasure.There are also several hundred videotapes from which to select. You may view them in the library or in the privacy of your stateroom.
  • Lido Lounge: The Lido Lounge has yacht-like comfort and more intimate seating, including a bar and accommodations for informal meals. The lounge is used for early morning breakfast, daytime bar service, and special events such as barbecues.
  • Observation Lounge: This lounge combines 180-degree views of seascapes with generous but quiet elegance. Here you may monitor the ship’s progress or look for whales following in our wake.
  • Open Bridge Policy: Guests are welcome on the navigational bridge at anytime during daylight hours, weather permitting. You may watch our exceptionally experienced Captain at work and learn more about how the sophisticated communications and navigational equipment operates.
  • Medical Facilities: The medical center on the ship is equipped for certain temporary illness and accidents. The ship’s doctor is on-call 24 hours a day for professional and emergency services, available at customary charges.
  • Exercise Facilities/Pool/Jacuzzi: The exercise facility on board includes a arobic equipment such as stationary bikes and treadmills. Also included are strength machines and sauna. There is an outdoor swimming pool for use in tropical climates and an enclosed whirlpool for use year around.
  • Cuisine: The luxurious Marco Polo Restaurant features continental cuisine created by highly experienced European chefs. Regionally-focused menus are made with the freshest, highest quality ingredients available. Both European and American style breakfasts are served; lunches and dinners are five and seven course meals. Seating is not assigned and formal attire is not expected.
  • Beverages: Selected mealtime beverages are complimentary to our guests.
  • Special Dietary Requirements: Special dietary meals can be provided, but we must be notified in writing no later than four weeks before your departure. We are not equipped to prepare or serve kosher cuisine. Please use your Guest Registration Form to advise us of your special needs.
  • Shore Excursions/Zodiacs: The ship’s fleet of twelve go-anywhere Zodiacs extends your close-up exploration. Having this number of boats ensures that each passenger has a seat on all excursions. This also allows some trips to be organized according to particular areas of interest: i.e., birds, wildflowers, intertidal zones, kelp beds, etc. These excursions are included in the cruise fare.
  • Glass Bottom Boat: A glass bottom boat is available for use in the South Pacific. Depending on your inclination, the weather and the itinerary, this is an excellent way to view tropical fish and coral reefs.
  • Snorkeling/Diving Gear: Snorkeling and diving gear is available on itineraries where it is appropriate for the itinerary.
  • Swedish/Finnish Ice Class: The "New" World Discoverer has a Swedish/Finish 1A ice class rating, the highest possible rating for a passenger vessel, and makes her ideally suited for cruising in remote environments.
  • Currency: The U.S. dollar and German Mark are the standard currency on board. Your cruise includes all meals, gratuities and most other necessities.
  • Shipboard Gratuities: All gratuities are included in your "New" World Discoverer cruise fare.
  • Elevators: Two elevators are located forward and aft adjacent to wide stairways reaching all passenger decks.
  • Laundry Service: The laundry service on board can handle personal laundry and ironing for a nominal charge. There are no facilities for dry cleaning.
  • TV/VCR: There is a 9-channel satellite feed and a video feed so that from the comfort of your stateroom, you can watch the news, a variety of programming, or a live broadcast of the day’s briefings held in the Discoverer Lounge. Or, if you prefer, check out a video from our video selection in the library.
  • Air Conditioning/Heating: The "New" World Discoverer is air-conditioned and heated throughout. All staterooms are equipped with individual climate controls.
  • Beauty Salon: A hairstylist is on board to attend to the needs of both women and men. Hours of operation are posted on board.
  • Hairdryers: Hairdryers are provided in the cabins.
  • Electrical Voltage: 220 volts/60 cycles is standard on board. A 2-pronged plug or adapter plug is necessary. Converters are available in the boutique on loan (deposit: $50), but it is advised you bring your own. All cabins have electrical outlets in the main cabin and bathroom.

Stateroom Specifications

Types of Staterooms Approx. Features
Two-Room Owner's Suite 538 sq. ft.
Two verandas, bathroom with full
bathtub/shower, sitting room, large closets
Category A: 323 sq. ft. Junior Suite with a Veranda
Category B: 215 sq. ft. Superior Stateroom with a French Balcony
Category C & D:
215 sq. ft. Window View Stateroom
Category E: 155 to 215 sq. ft. Standard Stateroom
  • All staterooms have an ocean view. Each room has lower beds, shower/halftub/toilet, individual temperature controls (heat and air conditioning), hair dryer, TV/VCR, writing desk with chair, lockable drawer for valuables, radio and telephone.
  • Five staterooms have triple accommodations available.
  • Two staterooms have been designed along ADA guidelines to accommodate persons with limited mobility.
  • Stateroom / suite configuration sizes are approximate and are subject to change.

Ship Specifications:

  • Gross tonnage: 6,000 tons
  • Length Overall: 354 feet
  • Speed: 16 knots
  • Draft: 14 feet
  • Beam: 52 feet
  • Registry: Bahamas
  • Yard: Rauma-Repola, Finland
  • Classification: Lloyd's Register – 1A1 for passenger ships
  • Swedish/Finish Ice Class: 1A
  • Bow thrusters: Ulstein
  • Fin Stabilizers: Blohm & Voss
  • Total Crew: 90
  • Officer/Crew Nationality: International
  • Accommodations: 86 staterooms, all with ocean views
  • Number of Decks: 7
  • Access to Public Spaces: 2 elevators
  • Passengers: 168, approximately
  • Year Built: 1989
  • Year Refurbished: Year Refurbished: 2001