Harsher, icier, whiter: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has unparalleled experience exploring the Antarctic Circle. Thick ice fields, blue-and-white glaciers and icebergs – how far south will the ship advance?
On a flexible course through the white wonderland
Watch penguins, whales, seals and seabirds
Spectacular passages – along majestic mountains and mighty iceformations
Active experiences: numerous Zodiac rides, landings and hikes
Captivating presentations, precaps and recaps by experts
At anchor
Further informations
Experience this bird paradise the Falkland Islands, which is home to around 60 species, at close range during your Zodiac landings. Observe rockhopper and Magellanic penguins, who share their habitat with kelp geese, striated caracaras, king cormorants as well as black-browed and wandering albatrosses.
In South Gorgia live Hundreds of thousands of king penguins side by side with elephant seals and fur seals on the coasts and cliffs – overwhelming natural spectacles that you can observe from a respectful distance after landing on one of the black shores. In addition, trace the footsteps of the explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, who found his final resting place here in 1922.
The South Orkney Islands are a lonely, glaciated world of icy wilderness located in the Scotia Sea. They are home to chinstrap and Adelie penguins, which can be spotted here. With luck, you’ll also see icebergs drifting off the rugged coast. Find out how the polar explorers live at the Argentinian Orcadas Station (depending on weather and authorisation). Experience the South Shetland Islands between ice and awe intensively – on deck as well as by Zodiac. Off the Antarctic Peninsula, your ship sails into the centre of the flooded caldera of Deception Island. Majestic glaciers and gigantic icebergs shimmer in Paradise Bay. The Lemaire Channel is also impressive, flanked by mighty mountains up to 1,000 m (3,281 ft) high. Icebergs ahead: at the bow and on the open deck areas, you can enjoy the best views of the white wonderland. You may even spot the flukes of blue whales, sperm whales and humpback whales as well as orcas. The further south your expedition goes, the harsher and icier the endless world of white appears. The excitement on board mounts as you approach the crossing of the Antarctic Circle. The ice determines the course. The glaciers seem even more dominant. A unique feeling of pioneering adventure.
The itinerary depends on official approval, weather and ice conditions. The natural experiences/animal sightings/landings described are possibilities on these expeditions 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
Wed, 07.01.2026
Scheduled flight from Germany to Buenos Aires
Optionally bookable
Thu, 08.01.2026
City tour Overnight stay with breakfast
Optionally bookable
Thu, 29.01.2026
Buenos Aires Overnight stay with breakfast
Optionally bookable
Fri, 30.01.2026
Scheduled flight from Buenos Aires to Germany
Optionally bookable
Sat, 31.01.2026
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.
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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 25 % on the regular cruise-only price (applies to PLATINUM fare for Cat. 1 – 8).
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)
