Discoverer: Polar Latitudes
- capacity
- 140
- year built
- 1989
- remodeled
- 2023
- crew members
- 107
- length
- 355
- cruising speed
- 14 knots
- ice class
- Ice Class 1A
Carrying just 140 guests, the Discoverer: Polar Latitudes is purpose-built for an intimate, highly personalized experience. Her size and agility enable access to smaller landing sites and remote coastlines beyond the reach of larger vessels. Outward-facing staterooms and a wraparound walkway on Deck 6 are designed to maximize views and maintain a constant connection to the surrounding ice, wildlife and sweeping polar horizons.
Discoverer: Polar Latitudes Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Discoverer review includes a detailed description of the small ship, including deck plans and a photo gallery. Please read our Discoverer: Polar Latitudes ship review below then contact our small ship cruise experts to compare the Discoverer with other Antarctica ships and small cruise ships sailing Antarctica cruises.
OUR EXPERTS WERE HERE
Full-service booking
from experts who’ve been.
Choose the Discoverer: Polar Latitudes for a spacious expedition ship that blends modern design with a strong expedition heritage. Her layout balances small-ship access with upgraded public spaces, lounges and amenities, creating a welcoming onboard atmosphere. The result is a vessel that feels expedition-first at its core, with a refined level of comfort shaped by years of operating in remote polar environments.
Design
With a recent refurbishment and a fresh, contemporary interior throughout, the Discoverer: Polar Latitudes blends modern expedition design with enhanced guest comfort. Her Ice Class 1A rating and Polar Code compliance ensure safe, capable and responsible navigation in some of the world’s most remote polar regions.
Onboard Facilities
A range of thoughtfully designed spaces aboard Discoverer: Polar Latitudes allow guests to relax, connect and immerse themselves in the journey. The ship provides easy access throughout via forward and mid-ship stairways and elevators.
At the top of the ship, Deck 7 offers expansive outdoor viewing areas designed for uninterrupted scenery and fresh air immersion. Just below, Deck 6 serves as the ship’s social and wellness hub with an observation lounge and wellness center. The spa facilities include a gym, sauna, steam room and treatment room. This deck also offers outdoor Jacuzzis and a grill area, creating inviting spaces to unwind between excursions.
Deck 5 is home to key gathering points, including the main lounge, boutique and bridge area, while Deck 4 brings together dining and fitness, with the ship’s restaurant and workout facilities located here. On Deck 3, essential expedition services are centralized, including the reception area, medical center, mudroom and expedition office—ensuring guests are fully supported throughout their voyage.
Across the ship, these spaces blend comfort and functionality, offering a boutique-style onboard experience while remaining closely connected to the expedition environment.
Off-Ship Activities
The Discoverer: Polar Latitudes remains a true expedition vessel at heart. An ice-strengthened hull, a fleet of Zodiacs for shore landings and wildlife cruising, and expansive outer decks—including a wrap-around walkway on Deck 6, ideal for wildlife viewing and photography—make the ship perfectly suited for exploring remote polar environments. This expedition capability opens the door to a range of optional off-ship experiences, including kayaking, camping, snowshoeing, and guided photography activities (available at an additional cost), allowing guests to engage with the polar regions in a more active and personal way.
Crew, Guides & Expedition Leaders
The team combines warm hospitality with expert expedition knowledge, ensuring guests feel well cared for while gaining deeper insight into the landscapes and wildlife encountered throughout the voyage. The expedition staff play a central role in the experience, offering guidance on deck, during shore excursions and bringing the polar environment into sharper focus at every stage of the journey.
Cabins & Discoverer Deck Plan
The Discoverer: Polar Latitudes cruise ship offers a range of thoughtfully designed accommodations across 9 categories, including 59 cabins and 10 suites. Each stateroom features a comfortable lounge area with sofa or chairs, a writing desk, a flatscreen TV with interactive media library, ample storage, and a private ensuite bathroom with a shower.
All accommodations are outward-facing, with many offering private balconies or Juliet balconies. Rooms are equipped with a mini bar (stocked with complimentary soft drinks, juice and sparkling water) and refrigerator, WiFi and direct-dial telephone, individually controlled air conditioning, a personal safe, luxury bath amenities, bathrobes and slippers, a hair dryer, and 110/220V power outlets, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout the voyage.
