Seattle-based expedition cruise operator Quark Expeditions has quietly revealed that it has joined the growing number of its industry peers in adding an ice-classed newbuilding named World Explorer to its fleet.

In its 2018/2019 expedition cruise brochure released last week, Quark indicated that the new 126-metre ship will be powered by Rolls-Royce diesel-electric engines, accommodate 176 passengers and be staffed by 125 crew.