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December 28, 2023

On Saturday, December 23, 2023, Exploris, the new 100% French-speaking expedition cruise company created in 2021 by Philippe Videau, co-founder of Ponant, began its first chapter of extraordinary journeys.

After several weeks of refurbishment work in the shipyards of Valparaiso, its ship Exploris One departed from the port of Valparaiso in Chile for its inaugural cruise, welcoming aboard its passengers, who will have the opportunity to explore the stunning beauty of our world in an unparalleled adventure through exceptional ports of call.

During the inaugural cruise “In the Paradise of the Channels and Glaciers of Patagonia,” the ship will navigate the Chilean fjords and glide along the majestic glaciers of Patagonia, ultimately concluding this breathtaking journey in Ushuaia. A journey into the heart of wonder and excess, where each stop reveals landscapes as diverse as they are evocative, ranging from lush tropical forests to subpolar fauna.

Blending comfort and exploration, in the enchanting setting of this cruise, the experienced and passionate crew of Exploris One will guide travelers to unique discoveries, offering them a privileged view of the wild nature and hidden treasures of this remote region.

At the helm is Captain Eric Saint-Plancat, a true emblematic figure of the maritime world, rigorous and diligent, ensuring the safe navigation of the ship while imparting his passion for the oceans. Expedition Leader Christophe Lefort and his team of about ten experienced guides and naturalists take care of every stage of this adventure, adeptly managing the organization of excursions, zodiac outings, and landings.

Additionally, Exploris offers a special program on all its cruises: “Les Grands Invités” (The Great Guests): personalities from the worlds of journalism, science, exploration, and culture will hold lectures on board Exploris One and be available to passengers for more informal and friendly conversations throughout the cruise.

For its first adventure, Exploris has invited Jean-Yves Le Drian, former Minister of Defense and Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Stéphane Dugast, senior reporter and writer, and Michel Chandeigne, Magellan specialist, author, and lecturer.

On board Exploris One, every activity is an invitation to embrace the richness of our world, to learn, explore, and marvel at the magic of nature and discovery. Zodiac excursions offer a unique immersion, gliding on calm waters to discover corners and crevices otherwise inaccessible. On these boats, every journey transforms into a rich exploration of marine discoveries!

Sailing gently through these crystalline waters, the traveler will be immersed in the surrounding serenity, and during kayak excursions, they will uncover the hidden mysteries along the coasts.

The team of photographers and videographers will conduct engaging workshops, sharing the art and secrets of photography so passengers can deepen their ability to capture the breathtaking beauty of marine landscapes, expressing their creativity under the expert guidance of passionate professionals.

Guided excursions will allow exploration of wild territories, revealing breathtaking panoramas and stories buried in every trail.

Thematic lectures will delve into fascinating topics, from marine science to the history of coastal civilizations, enriching the minds of knowledge-thirsty passengers. Birdwatching itself will become a quest, witnessing the majestic ballet of aerial species populating these marine horizons.

Every cry, every flight, will become a natural score to decipher.

“We designed these extraordinary journeys with the goal of inviting travelers to discover the beauty of unexplored lands, immerse themselves in breathtaking landscapes, and experience unforgettable moments in the heart of wild nature,” declares Philippe Videau, President and Founder of Exploris.

Subsequently, Exploris will propose expeditions from Antarctica to the Arctic, through the Chilean and Norwegian fjords, the islands of the Atlantic, Brazil, or even Cape Verde and the Bijagos for its winter season. This summer, Exploris One will set out to explore the British Isles, the heart of Spitsbergen, off the coasts of Iceland, along Greenland and the Canadian Arctic, to the Saint Lawrence…

Exploris aims to restore value to people and emotions, share its team’s passion for expeditions, transform passengers into true explorers, make them aware of the beauty of the visited destinations to turn them into ambassadors for these regions. Exploris also aims to best meet the expectations of nature and its riches enthusiasts, people who want to combine the relaxation of the cruise with exploration, small-ship enthusiasts, and the more intimate and warm atmosphere that characterizes it.

Adventurous journeys in nature, where Exploris is committed to providing unique experiences to its passengers.

Stay tuned for further updates, news, onboard experiences, and reviews on Cruising Journal with photos, videos, and discounted cruises!

Saskia Pacifico

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