Antarctic Heritage Trust is proud to partner with Heritage Expeditions for our journey to the Ross Sea region.
Heritage Expeditions are New Zealand’s internationally recognised leader in expedition cruising and responsible travel and most experienced Ross Sea operators. Founded in 1984 by the Russ family, they are still proudly family-owned and -operated from their head office in Christchurch (NZ). A family of botanists, biologists and adventurers, their authentic expedition cruises aboard the purpose-built 140-guest flagship Heritage Adventurer are honed by 40 years of unparalleled experience allowing them to offer one-of-a-kind authentic expedition cruise opportunities. Each expedition is meticulously planned and led by an industry-leading team of botanists, ornithologists, naturalists, historians and experts in their field, ensuring guests maximise every opportunity to learn, discover and experience as much as possible, while minimising the impact of their visit.
Heritage Expeditions aims to increase awareness and conservation of the natural world through responsible expedition travel. They believe in sharing wilderness areas with people to make them ‘ambassadors’ advocating and supporting conservation efforts.
With extensive experience, knowledge, and passion, Heritage Expeditions offers unforgettable journeys that inspire conservation efforts and foster a deep connection to the natural world.
Introducing Heritage Adventurer
Often referred to as the ‘Grande Dame of Expedition Cruising,’ the Heritage Adventurer is a pioneering expedition vessel built in 1991 specifically for polar exploration. With the highest passenger ship ice-class rating (1A Super), she boasts an impressive record of polar navigation.
Formerly known as MS Hanseatic, the Heritage Adventurer has held records for navigating the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic routes, as well as traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages. Originally accommodating 184 guests, the ship now welcomes just 140 expeditioners, ensuring a spacious and comfortable journey. Equipped with 14 zodiacs, the Heritage Adventurer allows all guests to fully engage in the expedition experience. Known for her refined design and exceptional expedition capabilities, the Heritage Adventurer is the perfect vessel for the Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ Ross Sea Antarctica.
Click here for more information, photos and a deck plan of Heritage Adventurer.
Heritage Adventurer at Cape Evans © Heritage Expeditions
Adelie Penguins © Heritage Expeditions
Travel with the Inspiring Explorers™ Team
Explore Antarctica with Heritage Expeditions as an AHT Supporter
Have you, or someone you know, always dreamed of visiting Antarctica, but perhaps you’re on the wrong side of 35 to apply to join the Inspiring Explorers Expedition™? This is your chance to visit the historic huts of polar explorers Scott and Shackleton, and benefit the Trust at the same time!
Heritage Expeditions will donate a portion of your fare to Antarctic Heritage Trust if you book as an AHT Supporter for their voyage to the Ross Sea departing 7 January 2025. By joining the expedition as an AHT Supporter, you will be helping us to conserve these important cultural heritage sites for future generations and inspire the spirit of exploration.
Not only will you journey into the icy past alongside Antarctic Heritage Trust’s Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ team, you will learn about the world’s largest cold-climate heritage conservation project, directly from Al Fastier, the Trust’s former Programme Manager Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project, who has spent the past 18 years leading the conservation of these incredible sites.
To find out more about joining Heritage Expedition’s In the Wake of Scott and Shackleton voyage as an AHT Supporter and receive the expedition brochure, register here:
Responsible Travel & Conservation
As botanists and ornithologists, Heritage Expeditions understands the challenges facing wildlife, their ecosystems, and the world’s oceans. They actively support conservation efforts by advocating responsible travel and providing funding and logistical support for research and management.
Heritage Expeditions passionately raises funds to aid BirdLife International’s work in preventing the extinction of critically endangered species. Additionally, they make significant annual contributions to various conservation organisations and provide transport for freight and personnel to and from nature reserves, while also supporting various research agencies.
Heritage Expeditions prioritises environmentally responsible practices, including waste management, recycling, and when selecting specialist expedition equipment. They hold active memberships in several conservation and travel organizations, including the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), which promotes responsible travel to Antarctica, the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), the Department of Conservation, and Forest & Bird.
Visit https://www.heritage-expeditions.com/ to learn more.
King penguins on Macquarie Island. © Heritage Expeditions
King penguins gather on the shores of Macquarie Island © Heritage Expeditions
