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More than a standard Antarctic cruise: from Africa to Tierra del Fuego. An encounter between incredible wildlife – from the big five to the southern polar region. Passing spectacular islands, this is one of the greatest routes of our time.
Highlights
• Rare sea route: from the warmth of South Africa to the Antarctic ice of the
• ”Cold Serengeti“: see penguins, seals, whales and seabirds
• Tristan da Cunha: the inhabitants of the world’s most isolated settlement provide insights into their lives
• Time at sea as an opportunity for comfort and culinary delights, wellness and knowledge on board
• Intensive experience of the legendary big five on the optional pre-cruise programme
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Day 1 Cape Town/South Africa
Cape Town/South Africa, departure 21.00 hrs
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Days 2 - 5 Relaxation at sea
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Days 6 - 7 Tristan da Cunha/Great Britain
Tristan da Cunha/Great Britain (Tristan da Cunha, Nightingale)
In the middle of nowhere, around 2,400 km (1,491 miles) from the nearest settlement, the island group of Tristan da Cunha rises out of the South Atlantic. The British overseas territory is one of the remotest inhabited islands in the world – and is only accessible by ship. The almost circular main island is the tip of an underwater volcano. If the weather is good, you will land here in the Zodiacs to learn more about the lives of the around 250 people who live here, far from civilisation. In the island’s interior, a patchwork of tiny potato and vegetable fields contrast with the dramatic rocky coast and black beach. A mosaic that will provide one of the many unforgettable moments on this expedition.
On the small neighbouring island of Nightingale, there are good opportunities for observing nature. The uninhabited island is an important breeding ground for more than a million seabirds, with an exceptionally wide variety of species. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important regions for birds in the world. The sea around Nightingale is also a rich habitat for wildlife. With luck, you may spot sperm whales and humpback whales here.
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Days 8 - 11 Relaxation at sea
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Days 12 - 14 South Georgia
Days of adventure and great experiences lie ahead of you, when rugged peaks on the horizon signal your approach to this unique animal paradise. South Georgia is often referred to as the “cold Serengeti”. Hundreds of thousands of king penguins blanket the island’s coastlines and mountain slopes. On numerous trips and landings with the Zodiacs, you will experience the animal world from a respectful distance. With a little luck, you will see elephant seals fighting over a harem or gentoo and king penguins in their natural habitat. Your experts, who have extensive experience in the Antarctic, will familiarise you with the flora and fauna. The pioneering days of polar research will come to life for you in Grytviken: in the former whaling station, you will visit the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton and commemorate the heroic efforts with which he once saved his crew.
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Day 15 Relaxation at sea
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Days 16 - 20 South Orkney Islands , Antarctic Peninsula , South Shetland Islands
The South Orkney Islands, a small group of islands with a surface area of around 620 km² (239 mi²), are located in the Scotia Sea. A lonely, glaciated world with ice deserts – and more animal species than on the Galapagos Islands, as scientists have discovered. Who would guess there are around 1,200 animal species here? The South Orkney Islands are home to numerous varieties of penguin, whale and seal, as well as leopard seals. With luck, you will also see icebergs drifting off the rugged coast. In contrast, the Argentinian Orcadas research station – which has been staffed since 1904 – houses just a few people. Depending on the conditions and approval from the station, you will land in the Zodiacs to gain an impression of the isolated life of the polar researchers in the area.
The Antarctic Peninsula, part of the coldest continent on Earth, may seem inhospitable at first glance, but it is actually a paradise for countless animal species that have adapted perfectly. Enjoy unforgettable moments when, for example, you set foot on the Antarctic mainland near to Paradise Bay. Snow-covered peaks, imposing icebergs and towering glaciers surround you. Unbelievable views also await you in the bay of Neko Harbor with its rocky massifs. On Petermann Island, look out for gentoo and Adelie penguins as well as blue-eyed cormorants, which have their breeding colonies here. One of the most impressive shipping passages in the world is the Lemaire Channel: mountains up to 1,000 m (3,281 ft) high line the strait of water.
The South Shetland Islands form a long chain in the ocean. The island group opens up exciting chapters of Antarctic exploration and provides expert insights into geology. Here, your small manoeuvrable ship can again prove its expedition capability when it sails into the flooded caldera of the extinct volcano that forms Deception Island. Flanked by rock faces up to 50 m (164 ft) in height, the black sand in front of you gives off steam as a testament to a past eruption – and you in the heart of the scenery. Elephant Island, where history surrounds you, is legendary: polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew spent months here after abandoning their ship in the ice. You, too, will be enchanted by the scenery: jagged crags loom fiercely on the horizon and the evening sun casts a delicate pink glow over the snowfields.
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Days 21 - 22 Sailing through the Drake Passage
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Day 23 Ushuaia/Argentina
Ushuaia/Argentina, arrival 06.00 hrs
Charter flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires -
Please note:
The itinerary depends on official approval, weather and ice conditions. The described natural experiences, animal sightings or landings are possibilities on this expedition and are not guaranteed.
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21 December, 2026 to 12 January, 2027
Heated wall in the bathroom (e. g. for towels and wet parkas)
Rain shower
Free mini bar (soft drinks)
Coffee machine
Separable beds
Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more
Binoculars
Nordic Walking poles
24-hour cabin service
There is one cabin with fully accessible layout and equipment (cabin 404)
Heated wall in the bathroom (e. g. for towels and wet parkas)
Rain shower
Free mini bar (soft drinks)
Coffee machine
Separable beds
Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more
Binoculars
Nordic Walking poles
24-hour cabin service
There is one cabin with fully accessible layout and equipment (cabin 404)
Heated wall in the bathroom (e. g. for towels and wet parkas)
Rain shower
Free mini bar (soft drinks)
Coffee machine
Separable beds
Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more
Binoculars
Nordic Walking poles
24-hour cabin service
There is one cabin with fully accessible layout and equipment (cabin 404)
The French Balcony Cabins in Category 3 on Deck 6 are approximately 23 m²/248 ft² in size, and those in Category 5 on Deck 7 approximately 21 m²/226 ft². The Balcony Cabins at the stern have a slightly different floor plan.
Heated wall in the bathroom (e. g. for towels and wet parkas)
Rain shower
Free mini bar (soft drinks)
Coffee machine
Separable beds
Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more
Binoculars
Nordic Walking poles
24-hour cabin service
There is one cabin with fully accessible layout and equipment (cabin 404)
approx. 42 m²/452 ft², including private balcony 6 m²/65 ft²
Separate living/sleeping area
Separate dining area
Sleeping area with panoramic view
Separable beds
TV in living and sleeping areas
Bathroom with two sinks and rain shower
Separate toilet
Steam sauna in shower area
Heated wall in bathroom (e.g. for towels and wet parkas)
Free mini bar
Coffee machine
Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more
Binoculars
Nordic walking poles
24-hour cabin service
Table reservation in main restaurant (applies to the PLATINUM and GOLD fares)
Butler service
approx. 71 m²/764 ft², including private veranda 16 m²/172 ft²
Separate living/sleeping area
Separate dining area
Sleeping area with panoramic view
Separable beds
TV in living and sleeping areas
Veranda with space heaters
Daylight bathroom with two sinks, free-standing bath, rain shower and veranda access
Steam sauna in shower area
Heated wall in bathroom (e.g. for towels and wet parkas)
Separate toilet
Free mini bar
Coffee machine
Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more
Binoculars in the cabin
Nordic walking poles
24-hour cabin service
Butler service
Table reservation in main restaurant
Free use of Wi-Fi
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Hanseatic Inspiration/Nature/Spirit
Hanseatic Inspiration/Nature/Spirit
Vessel Type: Expedition
Length: 138 m
Passenger Capacity: 230
Built: 2021
The expedition class combines the thrill of true exploration with the comfort of luxury cruising. Aboard the small yet ultra-modern expedition ships HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration, and HANSEATIC spirit, a maximum of 230 guests can venture deep into some of the world’s most remote and captivating regions — from icy polar landscapes to tropical islands. These vessels are purpose-built for discovery, featuring advanced technology, the highest ice class for passenger ships (PC 6), and an expert team of scientists and expedition leaders who turn every journey into an enriching experience. Whether gliding through ice fields, landing by Zodiac in untouched bays, or learning from onboard experts, guests are immersed in nature and culture at their purest.
With over 30 years of expedition expertise, these voyages redefine adventure travel by blending knowledge, comfort, and sustainability. Guests enjoy world-class dining, elegant suites, and warm, attentive service while exploring regions inaccessible to larger ships. Every itinerary is designed to uncover hidden corners of the planet safely and respectfully — leaving only traces of curiosity behind. From close-up wildlife encounters to champagne toasts beside icebergs, each journey promises rare experiences and unforgettable memories, guided by a crew whose passion for discovery is matched only by their dedication to comfort and care.
