cruise to antarctica from nz

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Cruise to Antarctica

Antarctica Cruises: Your guide to cruising to the final frontier

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Frequently asked questions

Highlights of a cruise to Antarctica include sailing past icebergs and glaciers, spotting wildlife like penguins, seals, and whales, and visiting remote research stations.

The Antarctic summer, from November to March, is the most suitable period for cruising, offering milder conditions and better sailing weather.

Some cruises are tailored for families, however, due to the expeditionary nature, many are 18+. Check with the age restrictions of your preferred itinerary before booking to confirm.

Most cruises include meals, often with a focus on hearty and nutritious dishes to keep you warm in the cooler climate. Check with your itinerary and booking to confirm what is included in your package.

Chat with your Flight Centre travel expert, and choose Antarctic cruise operators that follow IAATO guidelines with goals to limit their environmental impact.

Antarctica cruises can range from 10 to 20 days, depending on your itinerary and departure location.

Of course! Many cruises offer lectures, workshops, and presentations on Antarctic science and history during your trip.

Bikinis and a good book. Just kidding, you’ll want plenty of warm layered clothing, waterproof boots and sun protection to protect you from the elements. We also recommend packing a good camera and binoculars, ready to spot penguins and remote marine life.

Many Antarctic cruises offer landings via small boats, allowing passengers to explore certain sites on the continent. If in doubt, check your itinerary to confirm activities are included in your cruising package.

Cruises to Antarctica adhere to strict guidelines for passenger safety, including briefings, gear checks, and guided landings.

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Lowest Airfare Guarantee is no longer valid at Flight Centre stores in New Zealand as of Thursday 14 July 2022. Click here for more information . A Travel Expert Service Fee will be applied to bookings made in store, over the phone or via email, and is charged in addition to the advertised price. Click here for more information. *Travel restrictions & conditions apply. Review any specific conditions stated and our general terms at Terms and Conditions . Prices & taxes are in NZD and are correct as at the date of publication & are subject to availability and change without notice. Prices quoted are on sale until the dates specified unless otherwise stated or sold out prior. Prices are per person.

• New Zealand To Antarctica

Antarctica Cruises, Tours & Trips From New Zealand

Embark on an epic expedition from New Zealand to Antarctica with these Antarctic cruises, tours & trips from New Zealand’s Invercargill, Dunedin & Christchurch ports.

Scott & Shackleton's Antarctic - Ross Sea Expedition

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• With Partner/Friend
• With Family
• As Part Of A Group
• Emperor Penguin
• Photography
• Exploration Heritage
• Antarctic Peninsula
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• Falklands/S. Georgia
• Weddell Sea
• Ross Sea/E. Antarctica

DEAL FLASH: Get 30% Off & An Exclusive $600 Air Credit On The Nov 14 Departure On World Explorer

Antarctica Cruises From New Zealand & Australia

Explore the remote, seldom-explored ross sea region, known for its emperor penguins and rich history of exploration, on an antarctica cruise from new zealand or australia., introduction to antarctica cruises from new zealand.

Antarctica cruises from New Zealand offer the amazing opportunity to explore some of the most remote and seldom-explored parts of Antarctica within the Ross Sea Region, known as 'The Heart Of Antarctica'.

Due to its remoteness, only a few hundred explorers make the crossing each year to witness East Antarctica's wild coastlines, which are locked by ice for most of the year. Visitors are captivated by its rich wildlife, including Emperor penguins, wild landscapes seen by early explorers, and fascinating history. For history lovers, a visit to Scott and Shackleton's huts, which still stand today, is an homage to the golden age of exploration. 

Cruises to Antarctica from New Zealand and Australia also include fascinating sub-Antarctic islands known for their abundant wildlife and penguin species. Macquarie Island has over 850,000 royal Penguins and some of the largest King penguin populations in the world. 

Our hand-picked range of Antarctica cruises from New Zealand to the Ross Sea offers small-ship voyages. They are the perfect option for wildlife lovers, explorers looking to get off the beaten path, or travellers who have already visited the Antarctic Peninsula. 

Do you prefer to explore a different part of Antarctica? Our guide below lists all types of Antarctica cruises.

Highlights of an Antarctica Cruise from New Zealand to the Ross Sea

Explore rarely visited parts of antarctica's east coast.

Follow in the footsteps and witness unspoilt nature on a grand scale only occasionally seen by humans. Explore the remotest coasts of Antarctica by Ship, on Zodiacs, and while hiking ashore.

Encounter A Wildlife Lovers Paradise

From one of Antarctica's largest Adelie Penguin colonies at Cape Adare to mineral-rich waters where whales feed, seabird colonies, and seals, East Antarctica is a pristine environment for wildlife.

Discover Antarctica's Golden Age of Exploration

A massive draw for history lovers, the well-preserved explorers' huts from the race to the South Pole can be visited. Today, Shackleton's and Scott's huts remain on Ross Island and offer a glimpse into a bygone age of exploration. 

Witness Giant Ice & Captivating Scenery

Off-limits to ships for most of the year, the Ross Sea has colossal icebergs and sheer ice cliffs along its ice shelf, which are indeed a sight to behold.

Explore Remote Sub-Antarctic Islands

A perfect stepping-off point en route to Antarctica, Macquarie Island is a seldom visited sub-antarctic Island, a spectacular place to encounter penguins in their hundreds of thousands.

Expert Polar Guides

Each cruise from New Zealand to Antarctica is led by a team of world-class naturalists and polar guides passionate about exploring the most remote polar regions.

Purpose Built Small Expedition Ships

Modern, ice-strengthened expedition ships allow travellers to explore the most remote regions in the Ross Sea comfortably and safely, with the intimacy of a small group

How To Get To Our Antarctica Cruises From New Zealand

Most cruises to Antarctica from New Zealand depart from southerly ports on the South Island of New Zealand, such as Dunedin and Queenstown, with occasional departures from Hobart in Tasmania. 

For guests embarking in Dunedin, there is an airport with frequent direct flight connections between Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch for onward international connections. 

For guests embarking in Queenstown, the local airport offers daily flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch for international connections. 

Our Travel Experience Team is here to help you with your journey. If you need help planning your flights to New Zealand, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. To learn about all the different ways to get to Antarctica, including flying, please see our complete guide below.

When To Go On An Antarctica Cruise From New Zealand To The Ross Sea

Antarctica cruises from New Zealand to the Ross Sea have a short season and operate only during the height of the Antarctic summer, during January and February, when conditions are the most favourable for exploring such a remote region. This offers visitors the mildest temperatures and the best conditions for the sea crossing, and it is when the wildlife is at its most active.

Due to this region’s extreme weather and climate, the Ross Sea cannot be visited by Ship at other times of the year. 

Please see our guide below to learn more about what Antarctica offers each month, including wildlife sightings.

Our Recommended Ships for Antarctica Cruises From New Zealand

Scenic Eclipse 2

Heritage Adventurer

Plan your antarctica cruise from new zealand.

Book Well in Advance: Antarctica cruises from New Zealand only operate a few times yearly and are in high demand. With a limited choice of ships and dates, spaces fill quickly. We recommend reserving your cruise well in advance to secure your chosen Ship and cabin.

Choose Your Itinerary: We offer a variety of small expedition ships, itineraries, and activities from which to choose. Our Travel Experience Team will recommend different options based on your preferences.

Reserve Your Cabin With North Pole Cruises: We will ensure you receive the best price from the operator on your Antarctica small ship cruise at the time of reservation.

Our knowledgeable Travel Experience Team will help you choose your trip and answer any questions. We will also provide lots of helpful information, including packing lists, before the voyage and support you during your journey if you have any issues. Moreover, with every booking, we offer peace of mind with 100% financial protection.

Travel Insurance: When booking, purchase comprehensive travel insurance for your Antarctica small ship cruise that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and evacuation from remote locations. Ensure that your policy explicitly covers polar travel.

Cruise from New Zealand to Antarctica FAQ

Cruises to East Antarctica are some of the longest in duration due to the long sea passage between New Zealand and Antarctica. 

A cruise from New Zealand to Antarctica to explore the Ross Sea region and visit the sub-Antarctic islands typically lasts between 21 and 28 days. If you want to see more, we recommend choosing a more extended cruise.

It takes between 6 and 7 days to reach Antarctica by Ship from New Zealand or Australia, depending on the Ship’s speed and weather conditions. Macquarie Island and the Snares offer excellent stopping points to help break up the sea crossing.

Financial security is paramount for our clients, so all bookings made through North Pole Cruises include 100% financial protection. We also include supplier failure insurance free of charge for extra peace of mind. This ensures you have the very best protection when booking. 

When reserving your chosen itinerary, the payment options will be quoted.

Typical payment terms are a 25% deposit when booking to reserve your cabin and the final balance payable 90 days before departure. 

We accept payment via credit card or bank transfer.

Cruises from New Zealand to Antarctica start from £15,850 ($19,924) based on two guests sharing a suite onboard Le Soleal on a 22-day expedition.

Yes, we offer only one supplement on selected Antarctica cruises from New Zealand, but these are in high demand due to the fewer cabins onboard. If you are a solo traveller, we recommend contacting our Travel Experience Team to access the best offers for solo travellers.

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Your guide to exploring the polar regions.

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• All Antarctic Cruises
• Scott & Shackleton's Antarctica Ross Sea

Scott & Shackleton's Antarctica Ross Sea

• Antarctica from NZ & AU
• Sub Antarctic Islands & Cruises
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• Wildlife and Nature

Tour Description

Join us on this 22 day voyage - Scott & Shackleton's Antarctica Ross Sea from New Zealand to Antarctica.

Sailing the Ross Sea means discovering one of the most extreme and pristine regions of Antarctica, where the cold is more intense,  the ice more impressive and the scenery more spectacular. 

In the heart of this polar Garden of Eden, where the ice shelf turns into icebergs, you will encounter prodigious fauna, as well as surrealist landscapes, with infinite shades of blue and stunning reliefs.  Antarctic petrels, Minke whales, Orcas and 5 species of seals are at home here, as are very large colonies of Adelie penguins.  Follow in the footsteps of the heroic age of Antarctic exploration and discover the historic huts of Scott, Shackleton & Borchgrevink. Enjoy amazing outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.

During your voyage you will also discover the flora and fauna of the Sub Antarctic Islands. Be in awe of the remarkable haven for wildlife that is the Snares, Campbell Island with a stunning flora display and Macquarie Island, long celebrated as one of the wonder spots of the world, a place of great beauty and outstanding natural diversity.

This is your chance to v isit the most pristine piece of ocean left on earth!

**Please note the itinerary is slightly different depending on voyage date, please ask us for details

Viva's Best Bits...

"This is an outstanding opportunity to see 9 of the world's penguin species, fur, Southern Elephant, Weddell and crabeater seals, New Zealand Sea Lions, albatross and other sea birds, plus go to an area of the world seldom visited" Tara, Team Viva

Follow in the footsteps of the heroic age of Antarctic exploration and discover the historic huts of Scott, Shackleton & Borchgrevink. Gain an insight into the history and the diversity of flora and fauna from your expert expedition team.

Chance to discover Cape Adare, home to the largest Adelie penguin rookery in the world, plus UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Campbell Island, Macquarie Island, Snares Islands (New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands)

Tour Itinerary

2025 itinerary: Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest city and is often referred to as the Edinburgh of New Zealand. This city of the south, wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The city contains some of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. The Silverpeaks hinterland to the North West provides a picturesque backdrop and The Otago Peninsula, which lies within the city boundaries, has internationally renowned wildlife reserves, including the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross. Embarkation in the afternoon

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Campbell Island is the most southerly of the five New Zealand subantarctic groups. Described by the English botanist Joseph Hooker as having a "flora display second to none outside the tropics." It is known for its megaherbs, herbaceous, perennial wildflowers characterised by their great size, with huge leaves and very colourful flowers, which have developed as an adaptation to the harsh weather conditions on the islands. Campbell Island is also home to six species of albatross, and several critically endangered endemic birds including the Campbell Island teal and snipe. You will have the opportunity to undertake a guided walk on the Col Lyell Saddle boardwalk as well as undertake a zodiac tour around the coastline of Perseverance Harbour.

The Ross Sea, the southernmost sea in the world, owes its name to Sir James Clark Ross, both a naturalist and a Royal Navy officer, who first explored the area in 1841 with HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. It is bounded on the east by Roosevelt Island and the Edward VII Peninsula in Mary Byrd Land, on the west by Ross Island and the coastal mountains of Victoria Land, and on the south by the Ross Ice Shelf, the largest ice shelf in Antarctica located some 320 km from the geographic South Pole. The history and treasures of the world's ultimate marine sanctuary will be revealed during this extraordinary expedition. You will be able, weather and ice conditions permitting, to discover several emblematic sites in the region. Among the possible stopovers, Cape Adare, at the northern end of the Borchgrevink coast, home to the world’s largest colony of Adélie penguins. We will attempt to reach Terra Nova Bay where the Italian and South Korean scientific stations are located to the north and the Drygalski Ice Tongue to the south. Dating back at least 4000 years, it extends 70 km offshore from the David Glacier and is 24 km at its widest point. On the Inexpressible Island, discover the exceptional survival conditions of a group of six men of the Terra Nova expedition, led by Robert Falcon Scott (1910-1913), forced to winter in a cave dug in the ice, today classified as an Antarctica historical monument. On Ross Island, follow in the footsteps of the polar explorers Sir James Clark Ross and discover Sir Ernest Shackleton's hut, classified as an Antarctica historical monument. Built at Cape Royds during the British expedition Nimrod (1907-1909), it proudly stands at the bottom of Mount Erebus. Sixty years earlier, while Captain James Ross was trying to reach the South Magnetic Pole, he discovered Franklin Island, located 130 km east of Cape Hickey in Victoria Land. He named it after Sir John Franklin, Arctic explorer and governor of the territory of present-day Tasmania. You will be offered there, a privileged position to observe Adélie penguins in their daily ballet as well as Weddell seals, resting on the shore.

Long celebrated as one of the wonder spots of the world, Macquarie Island is an island of great beauty and outstanding natural diversity, a breeding place for more than 3.5 million seabirds, most of which are penguins. There are four species breeding on Macquarie Island: Royals, Kings, Gentoos and Rock Hoppers. There are also three types of fur seals and one seventh of the world's population of elephant seals breeding on the Island. In 1948 The Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions (ANARE) established its expedition headquarters on Macquarie Island. If time and weather permit, guests will have the opportunity to land ashore and view the prolific wildlife that resides here.

Amongst the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand, the Snares have the distinction of being the only forested group without introduced mammals, not even mice. Consequently, it is a remarkable haven for wildlife. The island boasts more nesting seabirds than the entire realm of the British Isles. Over 2 million Sooty Shearwaters breed here in the summer months. Four species of Albatross are listed as breeding on the Snares along with 35,000 endemic Snares crested penguins. There are also approximately 1,000 New Zealand fur seals and 500 New Zealand sea lions. Landing on the Snares is prohibited. If time and weather permit, you will have the opportunity to explore the coastal environments and view the prolific wildlife from our fleet of Zodiac®.

Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest city and is often referred to as the Edinburgh of New Zealand. This city of the south, wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The city contains some of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. The Silverpeaks hinterland to the North West provides a picturesque backdrop and The Otago Peninsula, which lies within the city boundaries, has internationally renowned wildlife reserves, including the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross. Disembarkation in early morning

2026 departure: With featured guest Richard McElrea, writer. Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest city and is often referred to as the Edinburgh of New Zealand. This city of the south, wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The city contains some of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. The Silverpeaks hinterland to the North West provides a picturesque backdrop and The Otago Peninsula, which lies within the city boundaries, has internationally renowned wildlife reserves, including the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross. Embarkation in the afternoon

What’s Included

Accommodation.

• Included Copy 20 Stateroom onboard Le Soleal
• Included Copy 31 Cabin upgrades available
• Included Copy 20 All meals while on board the cruise
• Included Copy 20 Open bar & room service 24 hours (conditions apply)

Fees & Services

• Included Copy 20 Outings and shore visits in Zodiacs with a team of experienced naturalist guides
• Included Copy 20 Lectures and information sessions hosted by our naturalist-guides
• Included Copy 20 Parka to keep & boots to loan while on the cruise
• Included Copy 7 International flights, Travel Insurance, Gratuities / Tips are not included

Transportation

264 (200 in Antarctica) Passengers

• Included Explorations via Zodiacs to get close to glaciers, icebergs and wildlife
• Included Voyage through remote and pristine Ross Sea
• Included Fur seals, Southern Elephant Seals, Weddell Seas, Crabeater seals and NZ fur seals!
• Included Possibility of viewing the historic huts of Scott, Shackleton & Borchgrevink
• Included Penguins!! African Adélie, Royal, Gentoo, Chinstrap, Southern rockhopper & Macaroni
• Included Gain an insight into the History &diversity of flora and fauna from your expert expedition team
• Included UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Campbell Island, Macquarie Island, Snares Islands

$ 25,180 NZD

Per person, sharing

Based On Lowest Cabin

Speak to your All Antarctic Cruises travel expert now

Related Tours

Small Ship Cruising: Small ship expedition cruises are a wonderful way to explore. Choose from Antarctica cruises & Sub-Antarctic Island cruises, Arctic cruises or sail the Patagonian Fiords, Galapagos Islands Cruising or New Zealand’s wonderful Fiordland.

Wildlife and Nature: Our wildlife and nature holidays will take you to some of the most remote and unspoilt regions. From encountering rich exotic wildlife in Latin America and Africa to the magnificent marine life in Antarctica and spotting spectacular birds in New Zealand.

Luxury: We design unique luxury holidays and experiences that allow you to experience the most spectacular and remote parts of the World. From the best hotels and lodges to luxury small ship cruises and exclusive Heli-tours.

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Cruises to Antarctica

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An Antarctic Cruise Beyond Your Imagination

Get ready to set sail aboard Norwegian Star and discover the southernmost edge of the South Pole, Antarctica. Embark on an expedition cruise and witness breathtaking icebergs and penguins by the beach from the top deck, all as you take in once-in-a-lifetime moments. Don't miss cruising Antarctica and experiencing some of the most exhilarating destinations in the world.

Cruise to Antarctica with Norwegian

Prepare to embark on an experience like you've never had before. When you cruise to Antarctica, you get to take in breathtaking views and infinite beauty from the comfort of your balcony or the top-deck. Set your eyes on whale-abundant waters and catch a glimpse of penguin colonies as you sail past and feel free to experience all the wonder that surrounds you.

Meet Some Friendly Locals

Antarctica is home to some unique sub-species that you will only find in this region of the world. Sail past glaciers where you can spot leopard seals that will greet you with indistinguishable grins. Witness the largest animal to ever exist, the blue whale -- species in Antarctica have been measured to be as big as three school buses! Don't forget to get your camera ready for Emperor Penguin and other rare bird sightings.

Discover Otherworldly Destinations Cruises to Antarctica

Deception Island, Antarctica

Deception Island is a mountainous, horseshoe-shaped destination located off the coast of Antarctica in the South Shetland Islands. Home to an active volcano and eight nesting seabirds, Deception Island is a wildlife lover's paradise. The largest group of penguins in Antarctica, and possibly the world, is located here. This is your chance to witness tens of thousands of chinstrap penguins waddling about and slipping in and out of the frigid waters.

Elephant Island, Antarctica

Situated off the coast of Antarctica, Elephant Island is named after the elephant seals that populate it and due to the island being shaped like an elephant head. Rugged mountains, glistening sheets of ice and unique wildlife add to the mystique of this remote destination. Despite its seemingly unforgiving, yet hauntingly beautiful landscape, legions of tuxedoed-looking penguins waddle across the rocky terrain whilst giant elephant seals lounge on its shores.

Ushuaia, Argentina

Witness the spectacular beauty of Tierra del Fuego's lakes, lush forests, soaring mountains and flora and fauna by train, via all-terrain vehicle or on horseback. Enjoy the expansive views from Garibaldi Pass and watch for sea lions and albatross along the Beagle Channel.

Stanley, Falkland Islands

Discover this quaint town, its cathedral, authentic English pubs, neat gardens, war memorials and fascinating landscape. Set off for an adventure on this South Atlantic island and visit a penguin colony and watch for albatross and skuas or go to a sprawling sheep farm.

Discover FREESTYLE CRUISING

• Norwegian Star

Refurbished as part of the Norwegian Edge programme in 2018, Norwegian Star shines with upgrades. The extensive enhancements include upgrades to staterooms, public spaces, restaurants, bars and lounges. Start the day at Mandara Spa, where you can revive, refresh and recharge. Grab a drink at one of the many bars and lounges. Enjoy delicious dining, from Irish pub classics at O'Sheehan's to classic hibachi at Teppanyaki.

Explore Our ANTARCTICA CRUISE ITINERARIES

In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton: Ross Sea Antarctica

• Get inspired by the possibilities.
• Build your ideal trip.
• Visit the Ross Sea region, one of the world's most remote &intriguing sites
• Experience nature on a scale so grand there are no words to describe it
• View relics of 'the heroic' or 'golden age' of exploration, including huts
• Observe and photograph penguins, seabirds, seals and whales
• Discover Antarctica via shore landings on the dynamic Subantarctic Islands
• Whale Watching
• Small Ship Cruises
• Wildlife Viewing
• South Pacific
• Campbell Island
• Macquarie Island
• Ross Island

Full Itinerary

Day 1: queenstown, new zealand, day 2: port of bluff | embark.

• Accommodation
• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 3: The Snares | North East Island

Day 4: auckland islands | enderby island, day 5: at sea, day 6-7: macquarie island.

• 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Day 8-10: At Sea

• 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Day 11-22: Antarctica's Ross Sea Region

• 12 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 12 Dinners

Day 23-25: At Sea

Day 26: campbell island | perseverance harbour, day 27: at sea, day 28: port of bluff | disembark.

• 1 Breakfast

Heritage Adventurer

Dates & prices, my preferred start date.

Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge

See our general terms and conditions:

• Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:

• Heritage Expeditions: Terms & Conditions - Heritage Expeditions

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

• 27 Breakfasts, 26 Lunches, 27 Dinners
• 27 Nights Accommodations
• Accommodations as listed
• Ground transportation as listed
• Activities as listed
• Meals as listed
• Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
• House beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Landing fees
• All expedition shore excursions
• Programme of lectures by noted naturalists
• Pre- & Post- Cruise Transfers
• One night hotel accommodation in a twin share room (incl. dinner/breakfast)
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Flight costs (please request a quote)
• Additional excursions during free time
• Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
• Required Visas if applicable
• Laundry 
• Mandatory medical evacuation insurance

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Antarctica Cruises

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Luxury Cruises to Antarctica

Journey to one of the most fascinating travel destinations on earth on cruises to Antarctica with Celebrity. Antarctica is a land of extremes, home to towering mountains, vast glaciers, and an abundance of wildlife. Gaze at Antarctica’s dramatic landscapes in the company of expert naturalists as you glide slowly through iceberg-strewn waters in search of penguins, seals, and whales.

You'll sail to Elephant Island, where Shackleton's men waited out a brutal Antarctic winter, and learn about the continent's rich history as you explore its vast wild expanse. Cruise through the Schollaert Channel to spot penguin colonies on the ice, and witness dazzling views of Rojas Peak as you sail through Paradise Bay. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Antarctica on a luxury cruise with Celebrity and discover a world like no other.

Antarctica Cruise Highlights

Majestic mountains.

From your ship, you’ll see some of Antarctica’s most dramatic mountain peaks, including Rojas Peak and Bryde Peak, cloaked in snow and ice. An Antarctica cruise will also take you in view of the mighty, blue-white Petzval Glacier. Get a sense of the sheer raw magnitude of these mighty natural wonders as your ship navigates through the Antarctic Sound surrounded by nature at its most extreme.

Whales and Wildlife

During an Antarctica cruise, you’ll have the chance to look out for some of the world’s most incredible marine mammals. Marvel at humpback and minke whales gliding gracefully through the water. Spot elephant seals lounging on pristine rocks, and watch waddling penguins as they go about their day, tending their young, and diving off the ice into the water to feed.

Icebergs and Bays

One of the most enthralling aspects of Antarctica is the fact that it’s virtually untouched by humans. The bays you’ll visit during your Antarctica cruise are a startling shade of blue and remarkably clear, making for some of the most beautiful unspoiled views you’ll get anywhere on the planet. Admire towering icebergs as your ship navigates slowly through the icy waters. You’ll see icebergs in mesmerizing shapes and sizes, and colors from brilliant white to sapphire blue.

Antarctica Cruise Ports

Elephant Island, Antarctica

Paradise Bay, Antarctica

Schollaert Channel Antarctica

Gerlache Strait, Antarctica

Antarctica Cruise Itineraries

Antarctica cruises embark in Buenos Aires, Argentina and sail for 14 days with six days at sea. These cruises visit a number of locations on and around the Antarctic Peninsula including Elephant Island, the Gerlache Strait, Schollart Channel, and Paradise Bay. You will also call at popular South American ports including Montevideo, Uruguay, Puerto Madryn and Ushuaia in Argentina, as well as Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands. Cruises depart during the Southern Hemisphere summer months of January and February.

Itineraries

Why cruise to antarctica with celebrity cruises.

As a leader in luxury cruises, including these incredible journeys to Antarctica, Celebrity offers a cruising experience like no other. Enjoy a luxurious suite and an exclusive lounge and restaurant when you stay at The Retreat. Head to Sky Lounge to listen to soothing live music as you enjoy a glass of wine with the perfect ocean view. Take in the views from the alfresco Rooftop Terrace, or enjoy a peaceful moment at the pool in the adults-only Solarium.

On an Antarctic cruise adventure, you'll sail through some of the world's most remote and beautiful locations untouched by modern civilization. You'll be able to explore Antarctica's stunning landscapes and wildlife up close with expert guides and naturalists while enjoying world-class dining, entertainment, and accommodations on board. Don't miss out on this opportunity of a lifetime to explore Antarctica in comfort and style on a luxury cruise with Celebrity.

View All Cruises to Antarctica

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Explore Antarctica with Seabourn Cruises

Antarctica 2024 with Seabourn Cruises from $18,126 per person Club Suite share twin Flights Additional Multiple departure dates & embarkation ports

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Scenic Eclipse Antarctica in Depth

14 day Ultra Luxury Expedition Yacht, Veranda Suite Prices from $28,565 per person share twin Space is limited Departs 17 Dec 24, other dates available in 2024/25

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Highlights of Antarctica

12 night Fly, Stay & Cruise Package from $17,799 per person share twin Based on 28 Feb 25 departure

Antarctica & Patagonia Expedition

19 Night Fly, Stay & Cruise Package from $19,755 per person share twin Based on 31 Oct 2024 departure

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10 night Luxury Expedition Cruise from $25,582 per person in a Prestige Stateroom twin share Flights Additional Round Trip Ushuaia 22 Dec 2024, other dates available

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Antarctica Cruises

It is a profound experience to set eyes upon Antarctica for the first time. Breathtaking vistas, otherworldly wildlife and the journey itself leave an indelible mark on visitors. Here is a land of paradoxes: the world's biggest desert that is also the world's largest ice sheet, nearly two miles thick. Virtually unexplored just 150 years ago, this continent belongs to no nation, and is protected by an international treaty for peaceful scientific pursuit. Explore the “White Continent” in Viking comfort with an Antarctica expedition.

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Highlights of antarctica cruises.

Few places are as otherworldly as Antarctica, with its raw sculpted landscapes awash in blue and white. Here nature is at its most flawless—an experience sure to transform visitors. The ideal time to explore is the Antarctic summer, starting in November when cold, windy weather turns to 24-hour sunlight and temperatures rise to a comfortable 32° F. The ice melts, unlocking frozen seaways. Activities maximize your interaction and virtually all are included: explore by RIB, kayak, submarine, zodiac and more. Here are some highlights you may experience during your journey:

• Catch a glimpse of Gentoo penguins, Weddel seals and blue whales
• Shore landings offer amazing opportunities for wildlife viewing
• Included RIB excursions present stunning scenery for photos
• Cross-country ski or snowshoe into the peninsula’s interior
• Excursions include an undersea dive in a panoramic submarine
• As a citizen scientist, assist onboard scientists with research
• Gain bragging rights for crossing the legendary Drake Passage

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How to choose an Antarctic cruise

Deciding to embark on a journey to the furthermost corner of the world is exhilarating, but the question of how to choose the right Antarctic cruise for you can leave you with a little anxiety.  Antarctica  isn't one of those on-a-whim destinations and the best way to pick a cruise you're going to get the most out of is by deciding on the time of year you want to go, looking at the itinerary, and choosing how long you want to go for.

Once that's done, your Antarctic adventure to the icy wilderness awaits.

One of the most important things to do when it comes to choosing your Antarctic cruise is to figure out the best time of year to go but you can't just go whenever you want to. The Antarctic season runs from October to March with each month promising unique sights, an abundance of wildlife, and life-changing experiences. 

While December and January are the most popular months to visit the White Continent, they are often the busiest and most expensive. If you want to avoid breaking the bank (as much as possible on a trip to Antarctica), opt for a cruise that departs earlier or later in the season. 

Whether you're dying to kayak your way around giant icebergs or you want to plunge into the icy depths of the Southern Ocean, deciding on your preferred itinerary narrows down which Antarctica cruise you should go on, and since this remote and breathtaking destination is a once-in-a-lifetime kinda place, you want to get it right. 

Choose from wildlife-focused cruises, cruises over Christmas and New Years, or cruises that promise an in-depth look at Antarctica to get the most out of this unforgettable corner of the world. 

It's super important to think about how much time you want to be away for when choosing an Antarctic cruise that's right for you. Most expeditions don't offer itineraries of less than 11 days purely because it can take up to 48 hours to cross the Drake Passage and reach the Antarctic Peninsula from Ushuaia in Argentina  (and then another two days back again).

While 11 days may be the shortest, some cruises can go up to 21 or even 23 days, so figuring out if you can handle being on the water for that long is a must before you pick an Antarctic cruise and start the booking process. 

As far as ships to the Antarctic go, the Ocean Endeavour is about as good as it gets. Our ship is well-equipped to deal with the harsh environment of Antarctica and boasts comfortable and spacious common areas and accommodations, so there’s no better place to be as you navigate the challenging waters of the Southern Ocean.

Your safety is also our biggest priority and with one crew member for every eight travellers, you can rest assured knowing you’ll enjoy a more personal and comfortable trip. As well as enough crew members to go ‘round, each expedition sets off with a naturalist guide, ornithologist, marine biologist, historian, photographer and geologist so you’re getting the right information from those who know it best (but more on that later).

Our vessel also has modern conveniences and offers the perfect home base for your Antarctic exploration, including a polar library, a polar boutique selling essentials and souvenirs, saunas, an onboard laundry service and a well-equipped gym. 

Nothing will prepare you for Antarctica (not even the many books you’ve poured over to ready yourself for the expedition). The good news? You can leave your guidebook at home. Every departure has a range of specialists onboard, from historians to marine biologists and hiking guides, so there’s always an expert (or two) on hand to answer all of your burning – or should we say freezing? – questions.

But there’s more. Every Intrepid trip comes with experienced leaders and the ones that make the voyage to Antarctica with you have done it hundreds of times before. Alongside our polar experts, our leaders will teach you about the region’s history, its geography and the wildlife you’re going to see, as well as provide information on pretty much everything white continent related. Why have one expert when you can have several? 

While our ship is so good that you might not want to leave, all of our Antarctica trips include frequent excursions so you can get up close to the wildlife that calls this magnificent region home. To fully experience what it’s like onshore, each shore day includes two excursions with our expert leaders so you can explore the sea ice and any fuzzy or feathery animal that might be waiting.

But don’t worry; you’ll be completely safe and comfortable. You’ll be given life vests, waterproof jackets and waterproof boots for the duration of the activities, so you’ll not only be travelling in style, you’ll also be appropriately dressed for Antarctic weather. 

Usually, one of the things you have to think about when you go on holiday is what you’re going to eat and where you’ll do it, but not on one of our Antarctic cruises. Our cruises provide three-course meals (whaaaat?) and 24-hour tea and coffee - perfect for when the notorious waters of the Drake Passage keep you up.

Our cruises also promise activities such as zodiac excursions (see above), onboard seminars so you can understand exactly what you’re experiencing and multiple shore landings. And, when you get back onboard, a tasty meal will be waiting for you courtesy of our chefs (they know exactly how to warm you up). All you have to do is prepare your stomach, it'll want a second serving. 

Your safety is our highest priority, and you can rest assured knowing that the Ocean Endeavour, and the teams that run it, undergo strict safety audits to ensure your trip to Antarctica runs smoothly. Or as much as it can – we’re looking at you Drake Passage. But the Ocean Endeavour is large, sturdy, ice-strengthened and perfectly suited to traverse the unpredictable Antarctic waters.

However, the passage won’t be without its bumps (read: waves) and some travellers may experience seasickness. You can bring seasickness medication if you’re prone to getting sick on the water, but we have a doctor on board if you need assistance. 

Our main goal at Intrepid is to not only be the best travel company in the world but for the world, and our Antarctic expeditions are no exception. But figuring out how to balance trips within the fragile Antarctic ecosystem while still meeting our environmental and social responsibilities as a sustainable tour operator isn’t without its challenges.

So, we’ve decided to focus on three areas that we believe will create the most significant positive impact: inspiring travellers, supporting science and protecting the environment. We can’t address everything (as much as we’d love to), but these three objectives will help us uphold our commitment to minimise environmental impact in Antarctica and promote conservation efforts. 

Find out how we balance operating trips in the fragile Antarctic ecosystem while meeting environmental and social responsibilities.

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

Giant daisies, polar bears and a full circle moment: how Liz Carlson is living out all of our wildest dreams 

My trip to Antarctica was like grown-up summer camp at sea 

12 hours in the shoes (or muck boots) of a traveller visiting Antarctica  

When your day job is leading expeditions to the bottom of the earth in Antarctica 

Globetrotters share what it’s like to spend your birthday with Intrepid

This is what it’s like to collaborate with real scientists in Antarctica

Everything you need to know about the Ocean Endeavour

Arctic vs Antarctic cruises: How to choose your polar expedition

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• Antarctica Cruises from Australia and New Zealand
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TRAVELLING TO Antarctica Cruises from Australia and New Zealand

TRAVELING TO ANTARCTICA CRUISES FROM AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

Traveling to Antarctica from Australia and New Zealand can be achieved in a few ways: you can fly to South America and depart from Ushuaia, Argentina or depart directly on your Antarctica cruise from Australia or New Zealand.

The most popular and affordable Antarctic journey is to fly to Argentina and board your ship in the southernmost city of the world, Ushuaia. Ushuaia is accessible from both the US and Australia.

From here you can visit the Antarctic Peninsula as well as the sub-Antarctic islands such as South Georgia and the Falkland Islands on your Antarctic cruise. A cruise will take anywhere from 10-21 days when leaving from Ushuaia but if crossing directly to the peninsula you can be there in as soon as one and a half to two days.

The Antarctic Peninsula is the most popular due to its accessibility and the plethora of wildlife found. The coast offers a dramatic mountainous backdrop being an extension of the Andes Mountain range. The entire region including the sub–Antarctic Islands is home to incredible history, including Shackleton’s epic journey of survival.

Taking a cruise ship to Antarctica from Australia

You can also cruise Antarctica from Australia, departing from either Australia (Hobart) or New Zealand (Invercargill or Bluff). This amazing adventure visits the lesser frequented East Antarctica and it will take about seven days to arrive at the white continent, which can be broken up by visits to Macquarie, Snares, Auckland, and Campbell Islands, all rich in wildlife and nature.

Once you arrive in Antarctica, you’ll spend time around Commonwealth Bay or the Ross Sea region.

A cruise to Antarctica from Australia and New Zealand offers the opportunity to witness the immense natural landscapes and seascapes of this incredibly remote yet ruggedly beautiful part of Antarctica and the best chance to see emperor and king penguins. Steeped in history, East Antarctica is where the explorers Scott, Shackleton, and Amundsen gained fame with their expeditions to be the first to reach the South Pole. This part of Antarctica is also home to the historic Mawson’s Huts at Commonwealth Bay, so Antarctica tours departing from Australia allow you to see a unique part of the continent missed by many visitors.

One of the biggest advantages of Antarctica tours from Australia and New Zealand is that you board your ship and head straight to Antarctica—no flights to South America required. However, the trade-off is that you’ll spend more time at sea and the journey is longer, which means the cruise to Antarctica from Australia price is more expensive.

Where does a cruise from Australia to Antarctica depart from?

Hobart in Australia and Invercargill in New Zealand both host Antarctic cruise vessels heading south for the summer. A round trip cruise to this part of the world will take about 21 days in total, including 7 days crossing to Antarctica, frequently stopping to visit remote islands such as Macquarie, Snares, Auckland, and Campbell.

What is it like: The cruise to East Antarctica alone is an extraordinary journey in itself. Visiting remote islands along the way offers the traveler an incredible opportunity to witness unique wildlife, history, and geology. These islands were frequented and studied by Australia’s Antarctic Iceman of the heroic age of exploration, Douglas Mawson, and continue to be examined by modern scientists today.

Reaching the continent of East Antarctica after a week of exploration is a sight to behold with large ice shelves, vast seas, and icebergs greeting travelers like a giant spectacle, a reward for taking the time to get there. Here you have the best chance of seeing the famed Emperor penguin, and it is also the base for some of Antarctica’s most incredible historic moments. If weather conditions allow, it is also the place to be to visit Douglas Mawson’s huts and indulge in Australia’s first true link to Antarctica.

Getting there: Using local airlines in Australia, such as Virgin Australia or Qantas, you’ll find great connections through to both Hobart or Invercargill where you will meet the vessel for your Antarctic cruise adventure.

More information: There are fewer options to visit East Antarctica than there is on the Peninsula, but they are all incredible journeys.

Click below to browse our favorite journeys.

Want to travel to Antarctica first flying from Australia/New Zealand and then cruising from South America?

Where: Argentina’s Ushuaia, the southernmost city of the world, is the primary gateway for Antarctica cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula as well as the sub-Antarctic islands such as South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. It is also possible to depart your Antarctica cruise from Chile’s Punta Arenas – this is where our Fly/Cruise options depart from, for those passengers who want to skip the crossing of the Drake Passage.

What is it like: The Antarctic Peninsula is the most popular and most frequently visited region of Antarctica and perfect for first-time visitors. It offers the ideal introduction to Antarctica, its incredible wildlife, glacier landscapes and history.

Getting there: Qantas, LATAM, and Air New Zealand fly from the east coast of Australia to Santiago and Buenos Aires where connections can be made through to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas. Leaving from Perth, you may want to consider an Emirates flight to Buenos Aires, which can both save time and money. 

For the best rates for Australians traveling to Antarctica: click here

If you’re interested in Antarctica cruises out of South America, please visit our main Antarctica Cruise page.

To help you decide where you want to visit, click on the trips below and start dreaming about your Antarctic cruise. We’re happy to help with your trip planning too, so please get in touch with any questions.

WHY TRAVEL WITH CHIMU ADVENTURES

We are true Polar specialists. Almost every Chimu team member has travelled to either Antarctica or the Arctic and collectively we have experienced over 50 expeditions.

You can choose from over 130 cruises to Antarctica and the Arctic,including itineraries aboard our own charter vessels.

We have inspected and continue to thoroughly research each individual vessel we work with, selecting only those with environmental, safety and value credentials.

We know all things Polar by heart and will work with you to determine which ship and itinerary is best suited to your needs.

Travellers visit the Polar regions for different reasons so whether your interests are wildlife or photography, or Antarctic activities such as snowshoeing and kayaking, we can work around you for the perfect trip.

From your initial enquiry until your trip ends, you will be assigned a personal Destination Specialist who will offer a full service for your travel needs: we can book flights, insurance and any ancillary travel required to complete your journey.

Antarctica : CRUISE DIRECT from Australia and New Zealand

Ross sea expedition 2025.

Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand & Antarctica

SHIP: Le Soleal

START: Dunedin, New Zealand

FINISH: Dunedin, New Zealand

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USD 17,300*

Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific

Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand

SHIP: Heritage Adventurer

START: Invercargill, New Zealand

FINISH: Invercargill, New Zealand

PRICED FROM Was USD 5,850

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Galapagos of the Southern Ocean

START: Queenstown, New Zealand

FINISH: Queenstown, New Zealand

USD 11,995*

Best of Antarctica

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SHIP: Ocean Endeavour

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Antarctica & Ross Sea

SHIP: Le Commandant Charcot

START: Santiago, Chile

FINISH: Hobart, Australia

USD 52,810*

Ross Sea Expedition 2026

Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand & Antarctica

USD 23,470*

Antarctica Cruises from Australia and New Zealand REVIEWS

All Chimu Adventures' clients are given the opportunity to review their trip once they return home. These reviews are administered by a third party and as such are unfiltered by Chimu Adventures.

BLOGS ON Antarctica Cruises from Australia and New Zealand

Whether you are looking for advice on when to travel to Antarctica or the Arctic, which ship to travel on or which itinerary will suit you best, Chimu blogs are likely to have it covered. The range of topics is vast, with new and fascinating blogs being added regularly. There is ship information, guides about the activities you can do in the Polar regions, what to pack and what not to pack, and even blogs on various Polar explorers!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1 . do i need a visa to travel to east antarctica.

A pre-arranged visa is not required to enter Antarctica from Australia and New Zealand.

2 . How long will it take to reach East Antarctica?

Cruises to Antarctica from Tasmania (Hobart) and to Antarctica from New Zealand (Invercargill or Bluff) can reach East Antarctica in 6 to 7 days, but most voyages break up the days at sea with visits to The Snares, Auckland Islands, Macquarie Island and Campbell Island.

3 . What are the chances of seeing the Mawson’s Huts?

Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that you will be able to see Mawson’s Huts. The presence of two immense icebergs had blocked access to Commonwealth Bay for many years. In January 2016, Chimu Adventures operated the first commercial expedition to the site for 5 years, after the two icebergs finally shifted. Although access to Commonwealth Bay was possible, the huts could not be reached due to the ice floe. Cape Denison in Commonwealth Bay where the timber huts are located, is known as the “home of the blizzard”, one of the windiest places on Earth, with frequent strong katabatic winds. Your chances of seeing Mawson’s Huts will always depend on the weather and ice conditions and the accessibility of Commonwealth Bay. If you are fortunate enough to gain access to the huts and see some of the relics of Mawson’s infamous 1911-14 Australasian Antarctic Expedition, it will be an amazing experience that will give you an insight into the harsh conditions that these explorers were subjected to and endured.

4 . What are the chances of getting into Scott’s Hut?

Scott’s Hut is located on Ross Island, on the north shore of Cape Evans. Scott’s Discovery Expedition Hut is located at Hut Point on Ross Island, near to McMurdo Station, the US Antarctic Research Station and Base. Access to the huts is completely dependent on ice and weather conditions, and although every effort will be made to visit the huts, this cannot be guaranteed. In recent years the success rate of visiting Scott’s Hut has been high.

5 . Do I need to be fit to go to East Antarctica?

A high level of fitness is not necessary for cruises to Antarctica from Australia and New Zealand, but you need to be in good health as although there is generally a doctor on board the ships, you are a long way from any other medical assistance. The majority of activities are focused around shore excursions and zodiac cruising and so you need to be agile and able-bodied enough to climb into and out of the inflatable zodiacs from both the ship and the shore. On shore landings you may need to negotiate uneven and slippery ground. Shore excursions generally involve some walking

6 . Is it safe to travel to East Antarctica and the Ross Sea?

All of our tours are 100% tried and tested to ensure that when you travel with us, you are doing so in a controlled and safe environment with trained experts. We consistently monitor weather conditions and will always provide you with the best possible adventure without risk of injury to you or the vessel. While some landings and activities may need to be rescheduled or cancelled due to weather, every effort is made to have a contingency plan should such conditions become a reality during your expedition. Chimu have been the experts in Antarctic travel for well over 10 years and use our vast experience and knowledge when picking the vessels we sell to provide you with an adventure that is unforgettable for all the right reasons.

Antarctica and Subantarctic Cruises on SALE

Suite deals - antarctica suites on sale, save up to 20% on antarctic voyages.

Discover the spectacular wildlife havens of Australia's Macquarie Island and New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands and follow in the footsteps of heroic explorers into the heart of Antarctica's Ross Sea with small ship expedition cruise pioneers Heritage Expeditions - as featured on television's Go Further South and Antarctica from Above documentaries.

SAVE 20%* on Heritage Suites and SAVE 15%* on Worsley Suites on our 2025 In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton Ross Sea voyages into the heart of Antarctica.

Enjoy all-inclusive travel aboard our luxurious 140-guest flagship Heritage Adventurer where sophisticated accommodation and gourmet fare meets carefully crafted and unique itineraries, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs means there's a seat for every guest on every excursion.

*T&Cs apply, new bookings only, excludes landing fees, 2025 departures only when booked by 31 May 2024.

Antarctica photo & video gallery, about heritage expeditions, ambassadors for conservation, pioneers of discovery, and leaders in expedition travel to the world’s best-kept secrets..

For 40 years, Heritage Expeditions has pioneered voyages to some of the most wild and biologically rich regions on the planet. Our mission is to increase awareness and conservation of the natural world through responsible expedition travel.

Expert Team

Our team of naturalists, historians, biologists and ornithologists bring an enormous wealth of experience, knowledge and passion to our expeditions, both in the field and onboard our ship during our lecture series.

Our new flagship, the 140-guest Heritage Adventurer, combines the highest passenger ship iceclass rating with an international flair and luxury amenities. Guests enjoy spacious suites, elegant common areas and cuisine prepared by top chefs.

Heritage Adventurer

Heritage Adventurer,  formerly known as  MS Hanseatic ,   is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Originally designed for 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 travellers ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, and with a fleet of 14 Zodiacs to maximise the adventure. Savor daily international gourmet cuisine from talented chefs across two lavish restaurants, and settle into spacious and well-appointed accommodations each night. Enjoy 360-degree views and comfortable sun loungers on the Observation Deck, relax in the Observation Lounge with library, bar and panoramic views, and reinvigorate in the heated salt water pool, well-equipped gym, hot tub, sauna and steam room. 

Technical Specs

Year Built: 1991

Shipyard: Rauma, Finland

Classification: Lloyds 1AS, GL E4

Accommodation: 140 guests

Length: 124 metres

Cruising Speed: 12 knots

Zodiacs: 14

Antarctica & Subantarctic Seasons 2024-2025

Join us on a bucket list adventure, in the wake of scott & shackleton: ross sea antarctica.

28 DAYS 7 Jan – 3 Feb 2025 SAVE UP TO 20%* 2 Feb – 1 Mar 2025 SAVE UP TO 20%* Queenstown-Bluff, New Zealand and return

• Walk in Sir Ernest Shackleton’s footsteps at his hut at Cape Royds
• Venture back in time at Borchgrevink’s Hut at Cape Adare 
• Be welcomed ashore at research stations in Terra Nova Bay
• Visit Enderby Island in sea lion breeding season
• See the Royal Penguins on Macquarie Island at their peak
• Emperor Penguins, Royals, Kings, Adelie Penguins, whales, seals...
• Adelie Penguins are flourishing with chicks about to start fledging  
• Catch the peak flowering of the Megaherbs in the Subantarctic 
• 24-hour sunlight in the Ross Sea
• Orca feeding amongst the ice, especially in McMurdo Sound
• Navigate through pack ice that guards the entrance to the Ross Sea

SUITE DEALS! Save 20% on Heritage Suites and 15% on Worsley Suites in 2025!* *T&Cs apply, new bookings only, excludes landing fees, 2025 departures only when booked by 31 May 2024.

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Galapagos of the Southern Ocean: New Zealand and Australia's Subantarctic Islands

18 – 29 Dec 2024 Queenstown-Bluff, New Zealand and return

22 Nov – 4 Dec 2024 Hobart, Australia to Bluff-Queenstown, New Zealand

Aboard  Heritage Adventurer

Visit remote World Heritage Sites: The Snares, Auckland Islands, Macquarie Island and Campbell Island

• Explore Macquarie Island with Park Ranger guides
• Observe the raucous antics of Macquarie Island's Royal Penguin and King Penguin colonies
• Watch lumbering Elephant Seals challenging each other on Macquarie Island
• Zodiac cruise Lusitania Bay - one of the largest penguin breeding colonies on the planet (Macquarie Island)
• Spend the day hiking the unforgettable landscapes of Enderby and Campbell Islands
• Look for the elusive Campbell and Auckland Island Snipe
• Wade waist deep through fields of flowering megaherbs
• Experience the rarely-seen early Albatross courting ritual known as gamming
• Explore wildlife-rich rugged coastlines
• Human history - Coastwatcher's Huts, early settlements and shipwreck tales

Beyond Fiordland: New Zealand's Wildest Islands

12 DAYS SAVE 15%* 28 Dec 2024 – 8 Jan 202 5

Aboard Heritage Adventurer Queenstown-Bluff, New Zealand and Return

• Visit remote World Heritage Sites: The Snares, Auckland Islands and Campbell Island, and explore Stewart and Ulva Islands, Fiordland (Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound and Acheron Passage, Astronomer’s Point and Pickersgill Harbour)
• Discover the primordial majesty and unspoiled beauty of Fiordland
• Explore sea caves and observe wildlife in spectacular numbers
• Zodiac cruise glittering waterways between podocarp forests looking penguins and dolphins
• Visit some of New Zealand's most remote and iconic locations, many only accessible by expedition ship

*T&Cs apply, subject availalbility, when booked by 31 May 2024, cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion

Indonesian explorer: bali, raja ampat & papua new guinea.

19 DAYS 13 – 31 Oct 2024

Bali, Indonesia to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea + FREE FLIGHT TO CAIRNS* Aboard  Heritage Adventurer

• Enjoy the unforgettable of swimming with the gentle Whale Sharks of Cenderawasih Bay
• Visit Komodo National Park - land of the Komodo Dragon
• Discover Jacques Cousteau's "underwater nirvana" Wakatobi National Park
• Explore the forgotten tropical paradise of Raja Ampat
• Snorkel pristine coral gardens looking for Dugong, Parrotfish, Clownfish, Manta Rays and Pygmy seahorses
• Discover ancient rock in hidden caves on rarely visited islands
• Brilliant birding with up to 14 species of Bird-of-paradise including Red Bird-of-paradise, Wilson's Bird-of-paradise, Magnificent Bird-of-paradise and Lesser Bird-of-paradise
• Swim with thousands of stingless jellyfish of and explore Tomolol Caves
• Trek in to the lush rolling hills and tropical rainforest of the Arfak Mountains
• Thrilling culture encounters at villages largely cut off from the outside world
• Discover WWII relics and snorkel Japanese war plane wrecks

Discover the Secrets of Melanesia: Exploring Papua New Guinea, The Solomon Islands and Vanuatu

17 DAYS 30 Oct – 15 Nov 2024

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea to Port Vila, Vanuatu + FREE FLIGHT CAIRNS TO PORT MORESBY* Aboard  Heritage Adventurer

• Discover the hidden gems of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu
• Travel up the Sepik River, home to traditional artists
• Be some of the first travellers in over two decades to return to the spectacular island of Bougainville
• Superb snorkeling in crystalline waters
• Mangrove Zodiac cruise in search of Dugong and crocodiles
• Meet friendly local villagers – remarkable and diverse cultural visits from island to island
• A Naturalist and Marine Biologist will also be on this expedition
• Exeptional birding including Manus Friarbird, Mussau Monarch, Superb Pitta, Roviana Rail, Solomon Sea Eagle, Beck's Petrel, Vanikoro White-eye, Kolombangara Monarch, Vanuatu Megapode and White-headed Fruit Dove
• Visit isolated Ambrym - ‘island of volcanoes' and home to traditional Rom dance
• Swimming at iconic Champagne Beach

Birding Down Under: Subantarctic and Chatham Islands

3 – 19 Dec 2024 Aboard Heritage Adventurer Queenstown-Bluff, New Zealand and return

• Island Groups: Snares, Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands, Campbell Island, Macquarie Island & Chatham Islands
• Incredibly rare Chatham Island Black Robin and Taiko (Magenta Petrel), and Forbe's/Chatham Parakeet
• Visit the only breeding sites of the Erect-crested Penguin and home to the world's rarest shag the endemic Bounty Island Shag in Antipodes and Bounty Islands
• Pyramid Rock, the only breeding place of the Chatham Island Albatross
• Cross the Chathams Rise, known location of Wandering Royal and Salvin's Albatross, and Cape, Westland Black and Cook's Petrel

Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific: Subantarctic Islands

28 Dec 2024 – 4 Jan 2025

Aboard  Heritage Adventurer Queenstown-Bluff, New Zealand and return 

• Island Groups: Snares, Aucklands, Campbell
• Watch Yellow-eyed Penguins make their way to and from the sea to feed hungry chicks
• Hiking on Enderby Island
• Carpets of flowering endemic daisys on Campbell Island
• Southern Elephant Seals haul out on Northwest Bay, Campbell
• Observe nesting Southern Royal and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, and numerous endemic birds
• Rare Hooker’s or New Zealand Sea Lions and their pups on Enderby Island
• Human history - Coastwatcher’s Huts, early settlements and shipwreck tales
• Flowering Rata Forests, rolling hills of flowering megaherbs, large tree daisies
• Options to climb spectacular Mt Honey or hike Col Lyall Saddle
• Look for the elusive Subantarctic Snipe on Auckland and Campbell Islands

Unseen Fiordland, Stewart Island and The Snares: Exploring New Zealand's Remote Backyard

Choose your adventure, select your voyage(s) to receive the e-brochure, heritage expeditions.

Spanning two hemispheres — Antarctica’s Ross Sea and the Subantarctic Islands , New Zealand , Australia's Kimberley coast , Vanuatu , Solomon Islands , Papua New Guinea , Indonesia , Philippines , South Korea and Japan — we journey to UNESCO World Heritage sites, pristine nature reserves, and far-flung indigenous communities steeped in tradition.

• DESTINATIONS
• CAPTAIN’S LOG

• NEW ZEALAND
• SOUTH PACIFIC
• SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS
• Testimonials
• Responsible Travel
• Expedition Calendar
• Trip Reports

AdventureSmith Explorations Unveils New Antarctica Cruises for 2025-26

AdventureSmith Explorations is rolling out new Antarctica itineraries for 2025 and 2026.

The small-ship line will be taking guests to destinations like East Antarctica, the Ross Sea and Subantarctic islands that just 1.5 percent of Antarctic travelers visit each year. The trips will be offered onboard the Douglas Mawson , the new 154-guest ship owned by Aurora Expeditions.

The company is also offering an early bird discount with savings of up to 20 percent for trips booked by June 30, 2024.

“Very few ships venture across Antarctica’s remote Southern Ocean but the rewards are great,” says Todd Smith, founder and president AdventureSmith Explorations. “For those who want a truly comprehensive and unique experience in Antarctica, these epic itineraries aboard the brand-new Douglas Mawson are without a doubt, bucket-list trips. Travelers can embark from Australia and New Zealand and access varied landscapes, endemic wildlife and rarely visited historic explorer huts.”

The new trips include:

• Epic Antarctic Odyssey: Crossing the 7th Continent , a 34-day cruise departing from Dunedin, New Zealand, to Ushuaia, Argentina, in February 2026. The voyage will explore the Subantarctic Islands, as well as the Ross Sea, the Bellingshausen Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula.
• Ross Sea Odyssey , a 24- or 25-day voyage departing in December 2025 and January 2026. Travelers will have a chance to visit Macquarie Island, as well as the Auckland and Campbell Islands.
• Mawson’s Antarctica , a 24-day itinerary that retraces Douglas Mawson’s 1911 voyage to East Antarctica. The trip includes a visit to Mawson’s hut at Commonwealth Bay in George V Land, Antarctica; the ship will also attempt to position itself over the South Magnetic Pole, which has migrated out to sea.