More than ice at the Antarctic Circle
Travel to the southernmost points of the earth during the Antarctic summer from November to March. Where gigantic icebergs, thousands of penguins and impressive whales can be observed, the ice classes of our small expedition ships enable a respectful and flexible exploration of great natural spectacles. Often just the start and finish points of your expedition are set. Great adventures lie in between - on flexible routes. Join us on board the HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration and the HANSEATIC spirit. We look forward to welcoming you!
Why discover Antarctica with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises?
- Small, state-of-the-art expedition ships with no more than 199 guests
- Decades of expedition expertise with an award-winning route concept
- Captains and crews with experience in polar voyages, who have often travelled in the Antarctic
- Safety in the polar regions – thanks to the highest ice class for passenger ships (PC 6)
- Respectful travel: state-of-the-art environmental technology, 100 % free from heavy fuel oil
- Nature up close: more open deck space than any other ship
- Feel the thrill of expeditions on numerous Zodiac rides and landings
- An expedition team of up to 16 members provides exciting background knowledge
- Decades of membership in IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) – for a respectful approach to polar natureng background knowledge
More information about the antarctic
South Orkney Islands
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).
Falkland Islands
Experience this bird paradise, 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. The small island capital of Stanley welcomes you with its colourful houses.
South Georgia
Hundreds of thousands of king penguins live 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.
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Experience a region 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.
Antarctic Sound and Weddel Sea
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 Weddell Sea is home to stunning ice formations – whether as sparkling blue-and-white sculptures, gigantic tabular icebergs or creaking sheets of dense pack ice.
Antarctic Circle
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. How far can the ship advance? Thick ice fields and high tabular icebergs are a common sight here. The glaciers seem even more dominant. A unique feeling of pioneering adventure.
Animal calendar
November
- Return of the whales
- Mating season, nest-building and egg deposition of the Adelie, rockhopper, macaroni, king and chinstrap penguins
- Cubbing season of the Weddell seal, leopard seal and South American fur seal
December
- Egg deposition and breeding season of the wandering albatross
- Cubbing season of the Antarctic fur seal
- Breeding and upbringing season of the Adelie, chinstrap, macaroni and gentoo penguins
January
- Upbringing season of the Antarctic fur seal
- Breeding season of the wandering albatross and king penguin
- Breeding and upbringing season of the Adelie, chinstrap, macaroni and gentoo penguins
February
- Breeding season of the wandering albatross and cape petrel
- Upbringing season of the Antarctic fur seal
- Breeding and upbringing season of the king, Adelie, chinstrap and macaroni penguins
March
- Upbringing season of the wandering albatross
- Upbringing season of the king, macaroni and gentoo penguins
Note: These monthly lists and wildlife sightings are based on past experience and may vary from year to year.
