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This expedition takes you on a direct route towards adventure and exciting days in the Weddell Sea. Showing spectacular ice formations and Antarctic wildlife, this Christmas cruise celebrates the passionate explorer in you.
Highlights
• On a flexible course through the white wonderland
• Watch penguins, whales, seals and seabirds in their natural habitat
• Spectacular passages – along majestic glaciers and mighty icebergs
• Active experiences: numerous Zodiac rides, landings and hikes
• Captivating presentations, precaps and recaps by experts
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Sun, 13.12.2026 Charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
Ushuaia/Argentina, departure 18.00 hrs
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Mon, 14.12.2026 Relaxation at sea
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Tue, 15.12.2026 - Wed, 16.12.2026 Falkland Islands
The British overseas territory has more than just a turbulent history; discover its impressive birdlife. Experience this unique ecosystem, which is home to around 60 species, during Zodiac landings. Together with your experts, you can observe rockhopper and Magellanic penguins, who share their habitat with kelp geese, striated caracaras, king cormorants as well as black-browed and wandering albatrosses. Natural history walks take you past the island’s typical dwarf shrubs and tall tussock grass. The first human footprints on the Falkland Islands date back to 1690, and it wasn’t until 1764 that the first settlement was established. The small capital city of Stanley has a very British feel to it today. The former whaling and sealing settlement boasts Victorian houses, small gardens and the southernmost Anglican church in the world.
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Thu, 17.12.2026 - Fri, 18.12.2026 Relaxation at sea
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Sat, 19.12.2026 - Mon, 21.12.2026 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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Tue, 22.12.2026 Relaxation at sea
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Wed, 23.12.2026 - Fri, 01.01.2027 Antarctica Exploration
South Orkney Islands , South Shetland Islands , Weddell Sea (intensive) , Antarctic Peninsula
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 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.
This expedition takes you in a flexible route towards adventure through the Weddell Sea. The ice cracks and crunches around the ship’s reinforced bow, conveying just how challenging the hardships were that the pioneers of polar research had to endure. Where weather and ice conditions dictate the route, the experienced crew reacts flexibly and spontaneously to provide you with unforgettable expedition moments. The Weddell Sea is home to spectacular ice formations – from majestic tabular icebergs occupied by Adelie penguins to ice shelves as tall as white cliffs and dense carpets of pack ice. How far into this region can the expedition ship actually make it? On the volcanic Paulet Island, for example, you will be greeted by numerous penguins, providing vivid impressions.
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. The monumental dimensions are emphasised by the tuya or flat-topped volcano Brown Bluff: its tuff cliffs, towering more than 700 m (2,297 ft) high, rise between two mighty volcanoes. This panorama is accompanied by the cries of countless Dominican gulls, Cape petrels and snow petrels. 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 Neumayer Channel provides panoramic views of glaciers that are no less breathtaking.
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Sat, 02.01.2027 - Sun, 03.01.2027 Sailing through the Drake Passage
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Mon, 04.01.2027 Ushuaia/Argentina
Arrival 06.00 hrs
Charter flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires -
Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
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13 December, 2026 to 04 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.
