Hapag Lloyd Cruises’ HANSEATIC inspiration recently completed an Antarctic semi-circumnavigation, taking its passengers on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Over the course of 32 days, guests embarked on a journey that began in Ushuaia, Argentina, on 28 January 2025, and ended in Christchurch, New Zealand, on 2 March 2025. The route crossed the Antarctic Circle and the International Date Line, bringing passengers through one of the most remote and pristine regions of the world.
Throughout the journey, guests experienced rare and extraordinary encounters with wildlife such as penguins, whales, elephant seals, and sea lions. They also explored historical sites, retracing the steps of polar explorers like Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott, including visiting Shackleton’s hut on his birthday, 15 February. The journey covered Marguerite Bay, Petermann Island, Ross Island, and the Ross Sea, regions rarely visited by other ships.
A significant highlight was the landing at Cape Heidenkampsweg and a spectacular view of Mount Erebus.
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The expedition was characterised by the flexibility and skill of the crew, led by Captain Ulf Wolter, as they adapted to the challenges posed by the ice and weather conditions. One memorable moment was the Zodiac ride to the untouched Peter the First Island, surrounded by glaciers and steep cliffs. The guests also benefited from lectures by an expert team on various topics, including marine biology, glaciology, and history of the polar regions. Along the way, they experienced first-hand the vastness and serenity of the Antarctic landscape, as well as the opportunity to observe the legendary emperor penguins. Finally, after the cold, isolated world of Antarctica, the ship made its way to New Zealand’s Stewart Island, and on 2 March 2025, completed the journey in Christchurch. For those inspired by this adventure, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has already planned the next semi-circumnavigation for winter/spring 2027, aboard the HANSEATIC spirit. The journey, from Ushuaia to Christchurch, will take place from 1 February to 5 March 2027 and is available for booking at €30,030 per person for double occupancy.
Subscribe to LATTE Cruise’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury cruise space.
The expedition was characterised by the flexibility and skill of the crew, led by Captain Ulf Wolter, as they adapted to the challenges posed by the ice and weather conditions. One memorable moment was the Zodiac ride to the untouched Peter the First Island, surrounded by glaciers and steep cliffs. The guests also benefited from lectures by an expert team on various topics, including marine biology, glaciology, and history of the polar regions. Along the way, they experienced first-hand the vastness and serenity of the Antarctic landscape, as well as the opportunity to observe the legendary emperor penguins. Finally, after the cold, isolated world of Antarctica, the ship made its way to New Zealand’s Stewart Island, and on 2 March 2025, completed the journey in Christchurch. For those inspired by this adventure, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has already planned the next semi-circumnavigation for winter/spring 2027, aboard the HANSEATIC spirit. The journey, from Ushuaia to Christchurch, will take place from 1 February to 5 March 2027 and is available for booking at €30,030 per person for double occupancy.
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