With yacht charter continuing to boom, it’s no wonder some of the most beautifully remote regions of the world beckon. Have you ever explored the island groups of the Tuamotus, the Society Islands, and the Marquesas, among others? If not, this spring through fall is your chance to sail the South Pacific with EYOS Expeditions, specializing in adventurous itineraries, aboard the recently refitted Hanse Explorer.
The rugged-looking Hanse Explorer may appear to best suit challenging cruising regions like the Antarctic Peninsula. Certainly, she can take the conditions there, and in fact is welcoming guests aboard with EYOS in Antarctica through February. However, her refit has made the 157-footer (48-meter) more amenable to luxurious cruising. Her owners, Sven and Kristin Linblad of the famed travel company Linblad Expeditions, worked with Partner Ship Design and AROS Marine to make the megayacht more open-feeling inside. They especially wanted guests to feel more connected to the great outdoors. So, for example, glass-paned sliding doors now connect the aft deck and the saloon. Similarly, the master suite has doors like this to a private deck area. “It was crucial to design an interior that doesn’t compete with the outside,” the Linblads explain.

Throughout the yacht, light woods replace dark paneling. Creams, whites, chromed silvers, and a splash of decidedly nautical navy blue appear, too. The Linblads further accentuated the typical wildlife-viewing areas with large glass panels.
Tim Soper, EYOS’ co-founder, agrees that the refit made a world of difference. “Hanse Explorer is, quite simply, transformed,” he says. He points out her soon-to-be-finished dive center, for instance, plus a saltwater hot tub. “Once strictly a polar yacht, she is now equally at home in the tropics.” Add in the new cabana-style Balinese beds on deck, and you can sleep under the stars. Furthermore, enjoy alfresco cocktails thanks to a new bar—with a complementary Bose sound system.
Hanse Explorer will sail the South Pacific with EYOS Expeditions starting in April. Besides the above-mentioned islands, the megayacht will cruise as far as the Line Islands, the Phoenix Islands, and the Cook Islands. Since these are all atolls and coral islands—rarely visited, too—you can put the new dive center to good use. Or, enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and Zodiac rides on lagoons brimming with sea life. EYOS additionally can take you to see ancient altars in the Society Islands and Marquesas, amid abundant tropical vines. The adventure company’s expedition leaders are well versed in each area.

Whatever you do, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in Hanse Explorer’s top deck. Previously, it was unusable. Now, however, it’s an outdoor oasis, according to the Linblads. “It’s such a beautiful part of the ship,” they say.
Overall, of course, they’re thrilled with the refit. “We’ve achieved a sense of calm, openness, and modernity,” they say. “It’s very elegant.”
Hanse Explorer will sail the South Pacific from April to October. Rates begain at €175,000 per week (about $198,000), plus expenses.
EYOS Expeditions eyos-expeditions.com
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