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My time aboard the World Explorer was active and packed with a spirit of adventure and exploration. With the right conditions at play, this ship is fast, with a cruising speed of 16 knots. Crossing the Drake Passage on my Antarctica cruise, we averaged an impressive 14 knots.
This ship has the ability to get you to your destination quickly, all the while providing a high level of comfort and stability and modern yet simple design. Read on for my full World Explorer ship review, or navigate quickly to the topic of this ship that you’re most curious about.
ON THIS PAGE – World Explorer Review:
A Review of My Cabin
World Explorer Cabin Comparison
My Review of the Meals
My Favorite Spaces
A Review of My Cabin – Veranda Suite
I was in Veranda Suite 524 and it was comfortable, quiet and in a great location to get to other decks. It was very spacious, with plenty of room for storage underneath the bed along with two closets and counter space. I was able to control my cabin temperature with ease using the thermostat, which worked very well. The blackout curtains were wonderful for sleeping at night and great for polar trips that experience peak daylight hours.
The room configuration was very functional for my time on board, with the bed area separate from a nice lounge area with couch and desk with chair, which led directly out to a walk-out balcony. Having the balcony was a great feature, as I would often step outside in the morning with coffee and gauge the temperature while enjoying the views.
Staying on Deck 5 was ideal, as I was centrally located with quick access to lounges both above and below me. Going down one deck to the restaurant/lounge area and auditorium was easy. Going up a few decks to the observation lounge and outdoor Deck 7 was great for quickly spotting marine and bird life, and to enjoy some festivities after dinner.
A nice touch in the cabin is the infotainment TV system, where we could track our location, view the daily itinerary and watch the auditorium presentations. When crossing the Drake Passage or in rough sea conditions, this can be especially helpful since the auditorium where presentations are held is located towards the bow of the ship where more movement can be felt.
World Explorer Cabin Comparisons
I was initially drawn to this ship due to its unique feature of every cabin having a balcony. However, it is important to distinguish that not all cabins have a walk-out balcony but rather a Juliet, or French balcony. The Juliet/French balconies are essentially full windows that have a switch to slide the top portion of the window down halfway. You can rest your head and relax your arms on the top of the window once it’s down. There are pros and cons to this style, one pro being the benefit of more interior cabin space. The biggest con is your room can get chilly in polar climes with the window open.
But I found, as with most expeditions, I wasn’t spending a lot of time in my room or on my balcony, but instead enjoying the decks and common spaces on the ship. And of course, maximizing my time off the ship.
Some cabin selection tips for World Explorer:
- Deck 5 cabins, mid ship, are ideal since you have access to both hallways/elevators to get to the restaurant/lounge/auditorium on Deck 4, or the upper decks.
- All cabins have balconies; however, the Infinity Suites have French-style Juliet balconies described above. This gives you more interior space to enjoy. Most guests I spoke with that had walk-out balconies used them sparingly.
- Triple cabins are a great option for a family of three (parents plus teenage child for example).
- Each Owner’s Suite bathroom has two (his & her) sinks.
- The walk-out balconies in the Owner’s Suites, Deluxe Suites and Superior Suites are larger than the Veranda’s, at 110 square feet, versus 55 square feet.
- The Owner’s, Deluxe and Superior Suite walk-out balconies have access from two areas within: from the sitting room and the bedroom.
- I highly recommend Deluxe Suites (534 & 535) since they are both in a great location on Deck 5 and are large square-footage wise (comparable to the Owner’s Suite) with some of the same features (large bath, double balcony access).
MORE WORLD EXPLORER DETAILS
See the deck plan, more images and the full list of itineraries aboard this ship
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My Review of the Dining & Meals
With an open seating policy at meals, it was great to connect with passengers from all over the world. I was impressed by the fact that our expedition guides would also dine with us, as it made our time together that much more memorable, and you get to really learn more about their passion for exploration.
My favorite dishes aboard were the vegetarian omelet and fresh smoothies for breakfast, and a Moroccan couscous dish for lunch. Dinner was unique in that half the menu options changed each night, while the other half stayed the same. I enjoyed trying many new things, but returning to some favorite classics as well.
Many fellow passengers commented on how good the food was, and I was also impressed. However, snacks or food items were very limited each day. There would be a small plate of pastries in the morning and some pastries/cookies in the afternoon during the “tea time.” It would have been nice to have snack options available during the day, or maybe have items available for purchase in the gift shop. The dining room’s large view windows were also a bonus, and it was not at all uncommon for us to see whale activity or seabirds flying by while sitting down to eat.
The Health & Wellness Focus
It was great to be on board a ship with a focus on health and wellness, and I took advantage of this on my trip. You can choose many options, which include the spa, sauna, pool/jacuzzi, top deck track for walking/running, the gym and salon. My visits often included a brisk walk on the top deck track, which also offers up some stunning views. Twelve laps around the track equates to one mile, and many fellow passengers were clocking a few each day. But I never saw anyone use the pool and it honestly didn’t look too inviting in the polar environment.
I also opted for a few morning sessions in the gym, which had treadmills and dumbbells for use. The gym was frequently used when we were at sea or in between excursions. It was available on a first come, first served basis, and was quite popular with my fellow guests.
Health and wellness even extended to the food, with smoothies offered every morning and well-labeled gluten-free and vegetarian menu options.
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Favorite Outdoor Spaces & Common Areas
The outdoor deck spaces on board were numerous, both at the bow and stern, with various chairs and loungers for use. The many observation areas aboard the World Explorer offered outstanding views for spotting wildlife and enjoying 360-degree views. These areas of the ship were certainly well thought out.
I often found myself outside on Deck 7, along with many other fellow passengers. The guides on board would typically be in this observation area to help answer questions, spot wildlife and entertain us with stories and facts. This deck was also home to an outdoor patio/bar area next to the Jacuzzi and pool, and an indoor lounge that was among my favorite places to be on the ship. I also loved the deep-set windows on Deck 4’s interior spaces; these were quite comfortable perches for the closest views and I even stored my camera on them if sitting by a window at meals.
At the stern of Deck 5, my camera was able to capture the remarkable variety of sea birds that would often be following us. The bow on Deck 5 offered a huge wrap-around heated bench seat, a real treat when capturing wildlife or enjoying the scenery if the weather conditions were less than ideal.
We were offered tours of the Bridge and I really enjoyed viewing this space and seeing the modern technology and how it has come so far since the early days of polar exploration. It was surreal to see all we had and imagine Shackleton navigating this same environment.
Despite my trip being close to full capacity (167 guests out of the 172 capacity), it never felt that way and many times on the outside decks, I did not see anyone else, which lent to the spaciousness factor on board. The ability to offload guests for shore excursions on both sides of the ship also lent an uncrowded feeling and efficiency to the entire trip’s operations.
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Read moreAntarctica cruise reviews or Arctic cruise reviews, comment with your own World Explorerreviews or see what other trips and ships I’ve reviewed on my crew bio page.
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Testimonials
More Quark & World Explorer Ship Reviews
Edward S. - Auburn, PA
"Things Most People Only Read About"
This was an awesome adventure. The ship, the expedition team, the staff were all first class. The scenery was incredible and the daily activities and explorations brought us up close and personal to things most people only read about or view in videos and pictures.
Overall
5/5
Accommodations
5/5
Meals
5/5
Read More
Angela P. - Brentwood, TN
"Once-In-A-Lifetime"
This was our 7th continent; an educational adventure in an upscale and safe environment. Exactly the once-in-a-lifetime experience we wanted.
Overall
5/5
Accommodations
5/5
Meals
3/5
Read More
Cathy C. - Bellville, IL
"Breathtaking Surroundings"
I’m 72 and I was looking for an adventure which was different from the usual European trip of visiting endless museums, palaces, churches, etc. I don’t enjoy crowded venues, mobbed by other tourists. Greenland was not a place that every other traveler visits. This expedition gave me the opportunity to hike in places where no one had stepped foot before, in breathtaking surroundings and yet I didn’t have make any arrangements for sleeping accommodations, dining, tours, etc. AdventureSmith and Quark did it all for me, all I had to do is board the ship!
Overall
5/5
Accommodations
5/5
Meals
5/5
Read More
Mary C. - Bellville, IL
"Absolutely Perfect Trip!!"
We had an absolutely perfect trip!! First class from beginning to end.Loved the helicopter rides and the views we were able to experience from high above Greenland.The ship was fabulous.The room was great.Spacious, considering we were on a ship.It had a large window so we could take in all of the spectacular views.The staff was wonderful.The food was excellent.We would definitely travel with Quark again.
Overall
5/5
Accommodations
5/5
Meals
5/5
Read More
Ann B. - Bothell, WA
"Staff Made the Trip the Best!"
All of the staff were very professional and had the experience needed to make the trip the best!
Overall
5/5
Accommodations
5/5
Meals
4/5
Read More
Benjamin A. - New Orleans, LA
"Unforgettable Experience"
I loved this trip exploring South Greenland.We experienced so much in our time aboard and we had great weather during our trip.The scenery was stunning and varied.We spent a lot of time off the ship exploring by zodiac, on foot, paddling, and by helicopter(2x).Exploring by helicopter and making 2 landings in Greenland was an unforgettable experience.
Overall
5/5
Accommodations
5/5
Meals
5/5
Read More
Steve Z. - Pittsford, NY
"FANTASTIC TEAM!"
Antarctica is a winning destination...but the fantastic service and attitude of the staff put this trip right over the top! I'm TELLING YOU, this was a FANTASTIC TEAM that I will never forget!
Overall
5/5
Accommodations
5/5
Meals
5/5
Read More
Edward S. - Auburn, PA
"Things Most People Only Read About"
Overall
5/5
Accommodations
5/5
Meals
5/5
This was an awesome adventure. The ship, the expedition team, the staff were all first class. The scenery was incredible and the daily activities and explorations brought us up close and personal to things most people only read about or view in videos and pictures.
Accommodations Review
The vessel "World Explorer" was an unbelievable ship. It felt like a high end hotel and the service staff made sure everything was "just right".
Meals Review
I am a picky eater so if I didn't like the menu for the day there were plenty of standard choices available. I think I gained a few pounds on the trip.
Itinerary Review
[We most enjoyed]...the education along the way presented by experts, the zodiac landings and other extracurricular activities such as kayaking. All went well and were things I never thought I would experience. I felt very safe and in good hands with a very professional and experienced expedition team.
Crew & Guides Review
This was one aspect that made the trip such a great adventure. The expedition team and ship crew were clearly qualified, competent and had a passion for this type of exploration.
AdventureSmith Explorations Review
Our representative, Justin Massoni, did a great job of making sure we had everything we needed to prepare for the trip. There were no surprises or disappointments. Everything worked out perfectly.
Traveler Advice
Follow the literature provided to bring the right gear, relax and enjoy.
Learn More
Featured in this Traveler Review
- Antarctic Explorer
- World Explorer
- Justin Massoni
Angela P. - Brentwood, TN
"Once-In-A-Lifetime"
Overall
5/5
Accommodations
5/5
Meals
3/5
This was our 7th continent; an educational adventure in an upscale and safe environment. Exactly the once-in-a-lifetime experience we wanted.
Accommodations Review
Liked the Albatros Hotel in Ushuaia very much. World Explorer cabins were great too. Loved the balcony on our cabin.
Meals Review
Meal hours were a little short. We never even made it to breakfast and felt sometimes hungry and other times rushed because of limited lunch time. Service at dinner, while very friendly, was extremely slow. If there isn’t enough staff to serve plated dinners promptly, a buffet option would be vastly preferable to seated dinners. Water and other drink service during dinner, likewise, was disgracefully slow. Once I got up and poured my own water from a pitcher at a nearby staff station, which immediately (finally!) brought our server hustling over. He apologized profusely but said his supervisor would get upset if guests self-served. Why not just put a water carafe on each table?
Itinerary Review
[We most enjoyed]...the zodiac excursions, onboard lectures (Antarctic bird identification, etc.) and live activities (e.g., knot-tying; informal chats with expedition staff, polar experts, and Captain). Sad we didn’t get to visit Port Lockroy, but it was best that we didn’t on our trip due to weather conditions. Wise decision - safety first!
Crew & Guides Review
Solon was great! Also very impressed with Ema, Sophia, and many others on the expedition team. Ignacio (“Nacho”) from Penguin Watch was also engaging and informative. Carla at the bars/lounges and our cabin attendant Odile were delightful and incredibly hard-working.
Fellow Travelers Review
Met a lot of interesting new friends. A respectful, interesting, well-educated group!
AdventureSmith Explorations Review
Andrew Browning was the most responsive and professional travel expert I’ve ever worked with. He told us everything we needed to know.
Traveler Advice
In retrospect we should perhaps have asked more questions about US/Argentine monetary conversion before we traveled. We struggled with that a little in Buenos Aires, particularly because none of our group speaks Spanish.
Learn More
Featured in this Traveler Review
- Antarctic Explorer
- World Explorer
- Andrew Browning
Cathy C. - Bellville, IL
"Breathtaking Surroundings"
Overall
5/5
Accommodations
5/5
Meals
5/5
I’m 72 and I was looking for an adventure which was different from the usual European trip of visiting endless museums, palaces, churches, etc. I don’t enjoy crowded venues, mobbed by other tourists. Greenland was not a place that every other traveler visits. This expedition gave me the opportunity to hike in places where no one had stepped foot before, in breathtaking surroundings and yet I didn’t have make any arrangements for sleeping accommodations, dining, tours, etc. AdventureSmith and Quark did it all for me, all I had to do is board the ship!
Accommodations Review
We had an Explorer Triple which was roomy enough for three. It had lots of storage. The shower was OUTSTANDING!
Meals Review
A wonderful variety, prepared extremely well and they were able to address specific requests.
Itinerary Review
I enjoyed the ability to visit hiking sites via the helicopters. I felt like our group was possibly the first people to walk on these locations. The paddle excursion around and among icebergs was a thrill and of course, the various sites for hiking via the zodiacs was always enjoyable. Everywhere seemed to be pristine.
Transportation Review
Clear instructions regarding our Quark connections.
Fellow Passengers Review
I loved meeting my fellow passengers from around the world. Everyone was friendly and fun to be around.
Crew & Guides Review
The Expedition Leader explained considerations for the following day’s activities and she always seemed to find a work around if the weather (clouds, ice, etc) didn’t permit the “planned” days activities. She was personable, humorous and very professional. I was wowed by her ability to get things done.
AdventureSmith Explorations Review
Arielle forwarded us information in a timely manner and was available to answer our questions if they weren’t addressed in the Quark information package.
Traveler Advice
If you want to go to Greenland via Quark Expeditions, leave your planning to AdventureSmith and Quark, they will ensure your trip is phenomenal.
Learn More
Featured in this Traveler Review
- Ultramarine
- Arielle Lightcap
Mary C. - Bellville, IL
"Absolutely Perfect Trip!!"
Overall
5/5
Accommodations
5/5
Meals
5/5
We had an absolutely perfect trip!! First class from beginning to end.Loved the helicopter rides and the views we were able to experience from high above Greenland.The ship was fabulous.The room was great.Spacious, considering we were on a ship.It had a large window so we could take in all of the spectacular views.The staff was wonderful.The food was excellent.We would definitely travel with Quark again.
Accommodations Review
First rate all the way!
Meals Review
Liked the wide variety at each meal.It was nice to have wine served with dinner.Deserts were fantastic.I liked the fact that you could also order items that were served daily at lunch and dinner.An example would be to get a hamburger at lunch or a grilled chicken breast at dinner.That was nice. Only thing a did not like were the cookies. They were bland.
Itinerary Review
Wow!So much beauty in Greenland! We LOVED the kayaking amid the huge icebergs.That was our favorite experience.We also LOVED the helicopter rides, especially over the ice sheet.It was jaw dropping! We enjoyed meeting some of the Greenlanders on our stops at the villages.They had a choir which performed for us.It was wonderful. I'm sure they spent a lot of time practicing. The hikes we took were all great and each one was a little different. We really enjoyed doing the Polar Plunge!It was more fun than I expected.Plus, we received a "badge" showing our Arctic Polar Plunge had been accomplished. LOVED the shot of Vodka too!
Traveler Advice
Go! The trip was even better than I expected!
Crew & Guides Review
Allison Gordan (Our leader) was incredible!!!She guided this cruise through unexpected weather in order that we could enjoy every aspect of this tour that we had hoped for.We were able to do everything because of her determination to give us the best trip possible.She is a wonderful speaker too.Funny, but professional. What really impressed me was that she called us by name after a couple of days on the trip.There were 3 of us together, and she got the names right every time.There were 160 guests on this ship.How does she do that??She certainly made us feel important.Plus, she was so nice to talk to.Answered all of our questions.She was just wonderful. We also really enjoyed her father, Ian Gordan.He was funny, personable, and a true professional.Also, kudos to our Nix, our photographer. She did a great job and fun to be with.Other great staff members included Marla, Alice, Peter, Fabrece, Neil, actually everyone was super great and extremely helpful no matter what we needed.
Fellow Passengers Review
We met so many great people from Ireland, Australia, England, South Africa, America, Canada.Some of whom I will never forget!
AdventureSmith Explorations Review
Everything was perfect! Arielle was fantastic.She was right there anytime we needed anything.Outstanding service and friendly too!
Learn More
Featured in this Traveler Review
- Ultramarine
- Arielle Lightcap
Ann B. - Bothell, WA
"Staff Made the Trip the Best!"
Overall
5/5
Accommodations
5/5
Meals
4/5
All of the staff were very professional and had the experience needed to make the trip the best!
Accommodations Review
Cabin was quite comfortable and staff took good care each time we were out.Camping was fun. The only thing I was upset about was that there were not enough bivvies for all 60 people who signed up for camping and we literally had to make a run for it to be one of the lucky ones.For me, this was a criteria for picking this trip and had I NOT been one of the lucky ones I would have been quite disappointed.
Meals Review
Most meals were quite well done and certainly presentation was excellent. Some meals lacked flavor but that did not prevent us from eating enough. I know it is a challenge to make every meal GREAT and still compliment the chef.
Crew & Guides Review
Shane did a very good job of keeping things on track. A couple of suggestions - make sure you have enough hiking poles for everyone on each hike. One of them the first wave of people took all of the poles and for us there were none left and the snow was quite deep.We were on the first landing and the staff caught on for the 2nd landing and notified those folks to please just take 1 pole so everyone has at least 1 pole.
AdventureSmith Explorations Review
Nicely done and quickly answered all questions we had.
Traveler Advice
Follow all the tips given on the Quark/AdventureSmith websites - it pays off.
Benjamin A. - New Orleans, LA
"Unforgettable Experience"
Overall
5/5
Accommodations
5/5
Meals
5/5
I loved this trip exploring South Greenland.We experienced so much in our time aboard and we had great weather during our trip.The scenery was stunning and varied.We spent a lot of time off the ship exploring by zodiac, on foot, paddling, and by helicopter(2x).Exploring by helicopter and making 2 landings in Greenland was an unforgettable experience.
Accommodations Review
Ultramarine is the culmination of decades of expedition experience built into the perfect expedition platform.The Balcony Suite I was in was comfortable, quiet, and was in a good location to access all parts of the ship.I enjoyed the Common areas of the ship a lot, the Panorama Lounge + Espresso Station, the Bistro for Breakfast and Lunch, the ambassador theater for presentations and briefings and the massive outdoor areas for taking in the views.
Itinerary Review
I enjoyed Heli Hiking in Prince Christian Sound. We were able to get amazing 360 degree views with multiple fjords, rocky peaks, alpine lakes, and hanging glaciers. The fjords in this area are framed by glacier carved granite domes and spires with some still having glaciers around the tops and in the valleys. Landing on the ice sheet looked like you were landing on the moon with Ice as all you can see in all directions.They had expedition teams members on the ice who gave you a brief intro to the environment and a couple directions about where you could and couldn't go.The landing site they had chosen had solid ice underfoot and small creeks and pools around the immediate area where you could see the most beautiful blue colors of the ice coming through the crystal clear water above.Being on the ice sheet even for a short time was a breathtaking highlight from the trip.The Heli flight back I had a window seat and was able to take some amazing aerial shots of the ice sheet and tidewater glaciers from above on the way back to the ship.
Meals Review
The food aboard was excellent and the service was excellent also.I liked the option to eat at the Bistro for Breakfast and Lunch.It has a great view and is smaller and less busy than the Balena restaurant which is the main one.I think more variety could be offered at the buffets.
Fellow Passengers Review
This trip has a variety of ability levels and ages.The expedition team did a great job of provided activities for everyone.There were some passengers I enjoyed socializing with more than others but that is to be expected in any group setting.
Crew & Guides Review
Ali was our expedtion leader and she was amazing throughout.We had great weather and we were able to accomplish so many activites throughout the voyage.Whenyou think about what it takes to operate so many activities and the amount of staff and resources that takes, it is amazing what they accomplished.I enjoyed interacting with Mauricio, Colin, Nix, Alice, Emily, Juju, Clement,Gordo all from the Expedition team.There were so many aboard and they were all personable and accessible.I enjoyed talking with them at meals or in the lounge as well as on the excursions.Many of the staff had worked with Quark for 10+ years in both Arctic and Antarctica.
Traveler Advice
Be ready to be flexible and to be active.Luggage requirements for the charter flights were a challenge so plan to pack light and efficient
Learn More
Featured in this Traveler Review
- Ultramarine
Steve Z. - Pittsford, NY
"FANTASTIC TEAM!"
Overall
5/5
Accommodations
5/5
Meals
5/5
Antarctica is a winning destination...but the fantastic service and attitude of the staff put this trip right over the top! Everything ran extremely smoothly and was well organized by coordinators. I felt well prepared with information and expectations for the trip. The on-board expedition staff was just great: enthusiastic, filled with expertise, accommodating, and just a joy to be with!
Crew & Guides Review
Cheli Larsen (Expedition leader) has a wonderful set of skills: very well versed in all aspects of the trip, fantastic at assessing her customers and their interests, and great at communicating what was going on and why.The customer's frankly all fell in love with the expedition team and it was clear they were all in love with Cheli! Subject Matter experts: Colin, Colin S., Jim, and Damien were a great team. Time spent with them was my best time on the trip! Guides Emma, Marla, Val, and Dave were all exceptional. I don't mean to simply be "gushy" in this feedback; I'm TELLING YOU, this was a FANTASTIC TEAM that I will never forget!
AdventureSmith Explorations Review
I felt well prepared for the trip. Given the guidance I was given, I had all my papers properly organized for the phases of the trip in case I needed to refer to any (reciprocity tax, proof of evacuation insurance, etc.).The logistics went very smoothly. AdventureSmith clearly works with the creme-de-la-creme of Adventure Travel companies. Their selection of Quark Expeditions for this adventure was one that was very well placed. Having AdventureSmith to help me coordinate the logistics and prepare myself helped to ensure everything went extremely smoothly!
Traveler Advice
Don't take too many clothes! Bring adequate and make use of on-board laundry!
Learn More
Featured in this Traveler Review
- Antarctic Explorer
- Sea Spirit
- Quark Expeditions
