Cruise Frog guide
World Explorer
World Explorer is a former Quark Expeditions cruise ship, which sailed 2019 to 2026. She carried 172 guests. She sailed Antarctica itineraries.
World Explorer no longer sails for Quark Expeditions: she left Quark Expeditions' fleet in April 2026. Quark Expeditions' fleet today · Retired and departing ships
About World Explorer
World Explorer is a 2019-built expedition ship from the WestSEA yard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, owned by Mystic Cruises. Quark chartered her for the Antarctic season from her first winter, 2019–20, and again in later seasons, listing her with 172 passengers and ice class 1B, while she spent northern summers with European tour operators. After a final Quark season in 2025–26 she arrived at the West Sea yard in early April 2026 for conversion; Windstar Cruises, which bought her in 2024, plans to introduce her as Star Explorer with a maiden voyage on 28 December 2026.
Deck plans
No deck plans on record for this ship yet.
Where she sailed
Quick answers
Which cruise line operates World Explorer?
World Explorer sailed for Quark Expeditions.
Is World Explorer still sailing for Quark Expeditions?
World Explorer no longer sails for Quark Expeditions: she left Quark Expeditions' fleet in April 2026.
How many passengers does World Explorer carry?
World Explorer carried 172 guests at double occupancy.
When did World Explorer enter service?
World Explorer entered service in 2019.
Where does World Explorer sail?
World Explorer sailed Antarctica itineraries.