One of the greatest adventures of our times: the semi-circumnavigation of Antarctica
Ice in all its form: from pack ice and tabular icebergs to the spectacular Ross Ice Shelf
In the wake of historic explorers: add your own chapters to polar history
The wilderness is alive – in abundance: penguins, sea lions, whales, elephant seals and many more in their habitat
Only possible on this route: with a bit of luck, observe emperor penguins
At anchor
Further informations
The semi-circumnavigation of the Antarctic is something very special for those in search of an unforgettable expedition. The HANSEATIC inspiration braves this endeavour on an incredible route from South America to New Zealand. The captain and crew flexibly adjust the itinerary to the constantly changing conditions. Experience the South Shetland Islands between ice and awe intensively – on deck as well as by Zodiac. Towering basalt cliffs, rugged volcanic rock and snow-covered mountains herald an impressive destination: the Antarctic Peninsula. Icebergs, glaciers and majestic mountains – populated by penguins, seals and a huge variety of seabirds. The small, manoeuvrable expedition ship promises unique days. 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. With the highest ice class for passenger ships, the HANSEATIC inspiration can forge its way by crossing the Antarctic Circle to the most beautiful and rarely visited regions such as Marguerite Bay.
The following days at sea will be shaped not only by fascinating expert presentations on board, but also by the golden age of Antarctic research as the HANSEATIC inspiration cruises in the Bellingshausen Sea, Amundsen Sea and Ross Sea. These seas take their names from the daring explorers who boarded their vessels many years ago to travel this remote region without modern technology, putting their lives on the line – and they may well have been just as impressed as you are by similar views.
It is the ideal season, the perfect timing – can the HANSEATIC inspiration make its way through the pack ice and drifting ice to get to Ross Island? Will the weather and ice conditions allow us to land in legendary places such as Cape Royds? The spot where Sir Ernest Shackleton built a base camp for his South Pole expedition in 1908 is now home to penguins. Cape Evans, by contrast, set the scene for the Terra Nova expedition led by Robert Falcon Scott, who never returned from his attempt to beat Roald Amundsen to the South Pole. The American McMurdo Station will also bring polar history to life (subject to authorisation). Perhaps you’ll spot emperor penguins and whales in this historically significant region. Another indescribable highlight awaits as you cruise in front of the fantastic backdrop of the Ross Ice Shelf: the gigantic wall of ice as tall as houses stretches for hundreds of kilometres. Next, Victoria Land welcomes you with an endless expanse in Terra Nova Bay, named after the ship that Scott was sailing in when he discovered the bay in 1901. The features here now include an Italian research station. In Cape Adare, you will find 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.
Further along your route, you will come across untouched island worlds with a rich fauna that are hardly known in our latitudes. In a small group of like-minded people, the aim is to discover these paradises and develop a special awareness for them. Nature conservation is playing an increasingly important role in their preservation, which is why permits are becoming more and more complex. Destinations in New Zealand, for example, are dependent on the authorities granting permission to cruise and land. If they give the green light, you can enjoy mystical views of the largely glaciated Balleny Islands.
Which of New Zealand’s subantarctic islands will a landing be successful on? With a bit of luck, you will experience Campbell Island and the world’s largest breeding colony of southern royal albatrosses. The Auckland Islands have the lushest flora of all the islands – yellow-eyed penguins and New Zealand sea lions are native here. The Snares penguin, meanwhile, is only found on the Snares Islands, alongside Cape petrels and albatrosses. By making this semi-circumnavigation of the Antarctic, you will be one of the few people who have delved deep into the secrets of this remote region.
The itinerary depends on official approval, weather and ice conditions. The natural experiences and wildlife sightings described are possibilities on this expedition and are not guaranteed.
At anchor
When the ship is anchored, there is no pier and the ship anchors in open water. The transfer to land is carried out using tender boats or zodiacs.
Golf
You head for the best and most beautiful greens in the world and are looked after by a PGA golf professional
Zodiac
Where even our small and few ships can't get any further, you can continue your adventures safely in robust inflatable boats (weather permitting).
Music
In an almost private atmosphere you can experience artists up close on the high seas or in front of the most beautiful places in the world.
Arrival and departure options
Sun, 26.01.2025
Scheduled flight from Germany to Buenos Aires
Optionally bookable
Mon, 27.01.2025
Buenos Aires City tour, overnight stay with breakfast
Optionally bookable
Sun, 02.03.2025
Scheduled flight from Christchurch to Germany
Optionally bookable
Mon, 03.03.2025
Arrival in Germany
Optionally bookable
Extend your trip
Our popular before and after programs include a wide range of excursions and are usually accompanied by experienced Hapag-Lloyd Cruises tour guides. Recommended for travelers who like to share their experiences with a group of like-minded people. Experience selected highlights of your holiday destination and enjoy the amenities of a group trip - we take care of transfers, excursions and overnight stays.
Our travel concierge will be happy to put together tailor-made travel arrangements for you according to your wishes. From design hotels to luxurious beach resorts to ticket reservations for theater visits or restaurant recommendations for the most exciting cities. The Travel Concierge is available to you before your trip and of course on board.
Here you will find a video from YouTube that complements the article. You can view it with one click. I agree that external content is displayed to me. This means that personal data can be transmitted to third-party platforms. You can find out more about this in our privacy policy.
Welcome to the highest, driest and coldest continent on the planet! Welcome to Antarctica! From November to March it is summer here and the best time to travel. Where other ships have to turn round, the adventure begins for you. Thanks to the highest ice class for passenger ships, our expedition fleet travels through the polar ice world and you will see sights that you will never forget: glistening icebergs, huge glacier panoramas, colonies of seabirds, seals and, of course, thousands of penguins.
Price special
Special offer for single travellers
The surcharge for single travellers on this cruise is only 20 % on the regular cruise-only price (applies to PLATINUM fare for Cat. 1 – 8).
Attractive combination discount
Extend your stay with the subsequent cruise INS2503 and save € 2,000 per person (applies to PLATINUM fare).
Included Services
Expedition and information
All landings and rides in the ship’s own Zodiacs (Use of the Zodiacs depends on the destination and on official permits)
Experienced experts from various disciplines accompany every cruise, give presentations and multimedia lectures, provide well-informed answers to questions about the cruising area and take part in the Zodiac landings/rides and hikes from/to ship
Use of the interactive Ocean Academy with individual knowledge formats
Comprehensive information before the cruise – for example about the Arctic, Antarctic, the South Seas and the Amazon, as well as expedition maps
Cabin
In every cabin: champagne to welcome you, mini bar restocked daily with non-alcoholic beverages (additional selection in Grand Suites and Junior Suites), coffee machine (tea on request), 24-hour cabin service
Equipment for loan: one pair of binoculars and two sets of Nordic Walking poles in the cabin itself, furthermore warm parkas, rubber boots, snorkelling equipment
Flat-screen TV with information and entertainment programme, personal email account and Internet access via Wi-Fi (free of charge for one hour per guest and day, satellite-dependent especially in polar areas)
Information about harbours and destinations (where available) in the cabin
Restaurants
International gourmet cuisine – full board: breakfast (early-bird and late riser breakfast), bouillon, afternoon coffee/tea time, lunch and dinner (three restaurants to choose from in the evening with flexible opening hours)
All around carefree
German ship and expedition management as well as a mostly German-speaking service crew
Harbour and airport fees
Cancellation fee insurance (20% excess) in the fares PLATINUM and GOLD
Spa and fitness
Extensive sports programme: fitness area with ocean view, course programme, additional sports activities on shore depending on the destination (Personal training for an additional charge)
OCEAN SPA with Finnish sauna with an ocean view, steam sauna, indoor and outdoor relaxation area (spa treatments and hairdresser at a surcharge)
