Adventure Canada Announces 2 New Vessels for 2026

Adventure Canada has announced it will operate two “new-to-them” vessels for the 2026 operating season. The ships, Exploris One and Ocean Nova, promise increased comfort to guests and a more intimate experience with a capacity of 144 and 78 guests, respectively. 

“We are thrilled to be operating on Exploris One and Ocean Nova for the 2026 season and beyond,” says Cedar Swan, CEO of Adventure Canada. 

“These ships set the foundation for adventure perfectly with the facilities and capability to operate in challenging Arctic conditions safely while facilitating meaningful, educational, and fun-filled programs in the most beautiful and moving places in the world.”

Operating on both vessels will also allow Adventure Canada to offer more trips, with a small but steady increase in trips offered in 2026 and beyond. The company says key considerations in selecting the vessels included analysis of their carbon footprint and environmental impact, proven track record of safety and experience operating in ice and Arctic conditions, and guest comfort and capacity.

Exploris One

Exploris One, with capacity for 144 guests and operated by Silversea Cruises until 2023, was purpose-built for expedition travel in 1989, making it well-suited for polar environments and comfortable exploration. The vessel is outfitted with a fleet of Mark V zodiacs to get guests from ship to shore quickly and efficiently

Having undergone several refurbishments – the latest in 2018 and 2023 – the ship is well appointed with 72 staterooms and suites, many with balconies, two restaurants, a fully equipped fitness area, outdoor jacuzzis, sauna, steam room, and massage facilities. 

Exploris One offers common areas for lounging, reading, participating in workshops, presentations, performances, and attending daily briefings with a learning lounge, main lounge, and panoramic lounge. 

New for 2026, Adventure Canada is proud to be able to include WIFI access and standard alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on all trips on Exploris One. Adventure Canada will work in partnership with expedition travel company and ship owner Exploris to operate Exploris One.

In 2026 Adventure Canada will offer the following expeditions aboard Exploris One: Spirit of Scotland (formerly Scotland Slowly), Scotland, the Faroe Islands, & Iceland: North Atlantic Saga, Iceland Circumnavigation, Iceland to Greenland: In the Wake of Vikings, Into the Northwest Passage, Out of the Northwest Passage, and Greenland and Wild Labrador: A Torngat Mountains Adventure.

Ocean Nova

Ocean Nova was purpose-built in 1992 for Greenland’s icy waters, and Adventure Canada describes it as a “comfortable vessel born for expedition travel.” 

Built for efficiency, function, and an intimate experience, the cozy ship offers 45 guest cabins, a restaurant, fully equipped gym, library, and panoramic observation lounge. 

Ocean Nova sails with a lighter carbon footprint than most expedition vessels, an important consideration in the selection of which vessels Adventure Canada would operate going forward.

One of the vessel’s highlights is its open decks, ideal for photographers and scenery lovers. With a shallow draft and easy access with a fleet of eight zodiacs, guests will spend more time exploring and less time ferrying from ship to shore. 

Adventure Canada will work together with Nova Logistics to operate Ocean Nova. 

In 2026 Adventure Canada will offer the following expeditions aboard Ocean Nova: Scotland and Faroe Islands: Isles of Wonder, Scotland, The Faroe Islands, & Iceland: North Atlantic Saga, Iceland to Greenland: In the Wake of Vikings, Heart of the Arctic, Baffin Island and Greenland: Circling the Midnight Sun, Greenland and Wild Labrador: A Torngat Mountains Adventure, and Newfoundland Circumnavigation