USHUAIA TO LYTTELTON (CHRISTCHURCH)

SHIPS OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

Hanseatic Inspiration

The Hanseactic Inspiration raises the bar in the expedition cruise segment and features numerous structural elements that enhance the expedition experience even more. Retractable glass balconies on the sun deck give you the feeling of hovering directly above the water and you can stand on the circuit on the bow of the ship to be closer to the action – even closer than the captain.
The new ship can accommodate 199 guests on Antarctica and Arctic cruises (230 for other voyages) with exclusively outside cabins, almost all of which have their own balcony or french balcony. There are 3 first class restaurants on board as well as a spa, fitness centre, pool and multiple bars and lounges to help you relax and unwind after a busy day of exploring all Antarctica has to offer.

Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina

Day 2 Drake Passage

The Drake Passage spans 1,000 kilometres from the southern-most tip of South America to the South Shetland Islands (the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula). Eventually, you’ll cross the Antarctic Convergence where you will notice a distinct drop in temperature as we enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean.

Days 3 – 8 South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

The captain and crew will adapt the itinerary to the constantly changing conditions – starting with the South Shetland Islands. Towering basalt cliffs, rugged volcanic rock and black volcanic beaches herald an impressive destination: the Antarctic Peninsula. Icebergs, glaciers and majestic mountains – populated by penguins, seals and a huge variety of seabirds. Numerous Zodiac rides and landings heighten the sense of discovery. Stories of pioneers are brought to life on islands, in bays and in seas with names harking back to great explorers. Whether in the footsteps of James Clark Ross, Robert Falcon Scott or Sir Ernest Shackleton – you’ll follow their pioneering spirit on your expedition.

Days 9 – 17 Bellinghaussen Sea, Amundsen Sea and Ross Sea

Ice and weather conditions will dictate where you visit each day cruising these seas however places you may visit include:

Deception Island –Marvel at the extinct volcano all around you as the ship sails into the centre of the flooded caldera and takes you to the black volcanic beaches.

Paradise Bay – Sail along wonderful icy panoramas and drifting icebergs populated by Weddell and fur seals.

Neumayer Channel – Perhaps some humpback whales will follow the ship through this labyrinthine strait of water framed by a bizarre coastline of cliffs and ice.

Port Lockroy – Here you will be greeted by gentoo penguins with their striking cry, and you can send a unique greeting home from the world’s southernmost post office.

Lemaire Channel – Mountains up to 1,000 m high flank the narrow Lemaire Channel on one of the world’s most beautiful sea passages.

Petermann Island – Keep an eye out for gentoo and Adelie penguins and the blue-eyed cormorants that have their breeding colonies on this Island.

Marguerite Bay – Explore this rarely visited region and visit a British research station dating back to the 1960’s.

Stonington Island – Here you will discover how skuas and Antarctic terns have taken possession of the researchers abandoned base.

Days 18 – 23 Ross Island, Terra Nova Bay & Victoria Land

It’s the ideal time of year for the ship to attempt to make it’s way through the pack and drifting ice of the Ross Sea to get to Ross Island. If weather and ice conditions allow you may also make landings a legendary places like:

Cape Royds – The spot where Sir Ernest Shakleton built a base camp for his South Pole expedition in 1908 and is now home to penguins.

Cape Evans – Here was the scene for the Terra Nova expedition led by Robert Falcon Scott, who never returned from his attempt to beat Ronald Amundsen to the South Pole. The McMurdo Station will also bring polar history to life (subject to authorisation). In the shadow of the modern building and the mighty Mount Erebus stands the Discovery hut built by Scott in 1902. With a little luck you might spot emperor penguins and whales.

Ross Ice Shelf – This indescribable highlight awaits you as you cruise in front of the fantastic backdrop, the gigantic wall of ice as tall as houses stretches for hundreds of kilometres.

Victoria Land – Here you are welcomed by the endless expanse in Terra Nova Bay, named after the ship that Scott was sailing in when he discovered the bay in 1901, now home to an italian research station.

Cape Adare – Here lay the ruins of a hut that Borchgrevink built in 1899 and in which an expedition team spent a winter in Antarctica for the first time. The spectacular natural surroundings are just as moving as the region’s past – including the largest colony of Adelie penguins in Antarctica with over 250,000 breeding pairs.

Day 24 At Sea

During your days 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. If you want to expand your expedition knowledge immerse yourself in learning more by listening to one of the experts presentations or do some of your own research in the Ocean Academy.

Day 25 Balleny Islands, New Zealand

In the southern Pacific Ocean, you will discover untouched island worlds barely known in our latitudes – true natural paradises that are home to a rich animal kingdom. The small size of the ship allows you to cruise as closely as possible to the coast – even closer if the authorities permit us to land. The largely glaciated Balleny Islands offer mystical sights.

Days 26 – 27 At Sea

During your days 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. If you want to expand your expedition knowledge immerse yourself in learning more by listening to one of the experts presentations or do some of your own research in the Ocean Academy.

Day 28 Macquarie Island, Australia

If authorisation is granted , you can watch king and royal penguins and fur seals on Macquarie Island.

Day 29 At Sea

During your days 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. If you want to expand your expedition knowledge immerse yourself in learning more by listening to one of the experts presentations or do some of your own research in the Ocean Academy.

Days 30 – 32 Campbell Island, Auckland Islands & Snares Islands

The world’s largest breeding colony of southern royal albatrosses can be found on Campbell Island. And on a Zodiac ride, you might be able to make out some elephant seals among the tussock grass. With grasslands, moors and dense rata forests, the Auckland Islands have the lushest flora of all the sub-antarctic islands. As well as yellow-eyed penguins, New Zealand sea lions also live here. The Snares penguin, meanwhile, is only found on the Snares Islands, where they live alongside cape petrels and albatrosses among bizarre rock formations.

Day 33 At Sea

During your days 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. If you want to expand your expedition knowledge immerse yourself in learning more by listening to one of the experts presentations or do some of your own research in the Ocean Academy.

Day 34 Lyttelton (Christchurch), New Zealand

After breakfast disembark for your onward journey.