Glittering icebergs, mighty glacier panoramas – where other ships have to give up, the adventure is only just beginning for you. The semi-circumnavigation of Antarctica is something very special for those in search of an unforgettable, historic expedition.
Antarctica
Expedition semi-circumnavigation of Antarctica: one of the greatest feats of our time
33 Days aboard HANSEATIC spirit. From NZD $52,623pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- An exceptional adventure: the semi-circumnavigation of Antarctica
- A wide variety of ice: pack ice, tabular icebergs and the spectacular Ross Ice Shelf
- Life in the wilderness: penguins, sea lions, whales, elephant seals and many more in their natural habitat
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia - Ushuaia/Argentina, departure 18.00 hrs
- Day 2: Sailing through the Drake Passage
- Day 3 to 8: South Shetland Islands , Antarctic Peninsula , crossing the Antarctic Circle, Marguerite Bay
- Day 9 to 17: Relaxation at sea (cruise through Bellingshausen Sea, Amundsen Sea and Ross Sea – 17.02 will be lost due to crossing the International Date Line)
- Day 18 to 23: Ross Island , Terra Nova Bay , Victoria Land
- Day 24: Relaxation at sea
- Day 25: Cruising off the Balleny Islands/New Zealand
- Day 26 to 27: Relaxation at sea
- Day 28 to 30: Cruising off the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand
- Day 31: Stewart Island
- Day 32: Relaxation at sea
- Day 33: Lyttelton (Christchurch)/New Zealand, arrival 06.00 hrs
This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.
Ship Information
For more information on the HANSEATIC spirit please view the ship page.
View HANSEATIC spiritTravelling with Eclipse
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- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
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- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
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Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
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Day 1: Charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia - Ushuaia/Argentina, departure 18.00 hrs
Charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
Ushuaia/Argentina, departure 18.00 hrs
Dinner included.
Day 2: Sailing through the Drake Passage
Sailing through the Drake Passage
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 3 to 8: South Shetland Islands , Antarctic Peninsula , crossing the Antarctic Circle, Marguerite Bay
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. 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.
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 Petermann Island: the rocky and partly glaciated land mass is located at the southern end of the narrow Lemaire Channel lined with high cliffs. Mountains up to 1,000 m (3,280 ft) high line the strait of water, which is regarded as one of the most impressive shipping passages in the world. The Neumayer Channel provides panoramic views of glaciers that are no less breathtaking. This experience is accompanied by the cries of countless Dominican gulls, Cape petrels and snow petrels.
As the ship heads south, the endless white seems increasingly rough and icy. The excitement on board mounts as you approach the crossing of the Antarctic Circle – a unique feeling of pioneering adventure. How far can the ship advance? Thick ice fields and icebergs are a common sight here and the glaciers seem more dominant. In this challenging region, the experience and flexibility of the captain and crew are needed more than ever.
With the highest ice class for passenger ships, the ship can forge its way to the most beautiful and rarely visited regions such as Marguerite Bay. A steep mountain panorama, possibly covered in fresh snow, as well as vast snowfields and glaciers spread out before you. On Zodiac rides and hikes with your experts, you will gain insights into a world of ice that few have experienced. Simply magical.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 9 to 17: Relaxation at sea (cruise through Bellingshausen Sea, Amundsen Sea and Ross Sea – 17.02 will be lost due to crossing the International Date Line)
The next few days in the southernmost regions of the world will be devoted to the golden age of Antarctic exploration. This is not a route from A to B – it is a way to rediscover Antarctica in the tradition of legendary explorers. Your cruise will be enriched by knowledge gained from the multimedia Ocean Academy and from the specialist literature in the extensive on-board library. Simply incredible – the Bellingshausen Sea covers an area of several hundred square kilometres and is around 4,000 m (13,123 ft) deep. Allow this wide open expanse to inspire you to deep relaxation: whether in the OCEAN SPA or with exceptional culinary creations by our top chefs. In the Amundsen Sea, the life story of polar explorer Roald Amundsen will be brought to life when expert presentations on board provide you with interesting insights into the pioneering feats of many legendary explorers. Many years ago, they took to the seas to travel to 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. You will feel like you are part of the natural surroundings on the Observation Deck with various observation levels, as well as in the Observation Lounge, thanks to the 180-degree view through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The excitement builds on board: what are the ice conditions on the Ross Sea? How will the natural surroundings look? Can the captain push through the pack ice and drifting ice to reach seldom-visited regions? If all goes to plan, you will experience unforgettable and moving moments.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 18 to 23: Ross Island , Terra Nova Bay , Victoria Land
The season is ideal, the timing perfect – your ship will attempt to make its way through the pack ice and drifting ice to get to Ross Island. You can expect to see whales and emperor penguins in this region. If the weather and ice conditions allow us to land, you will be able to visit legendary places such as Cape Royds: the spot where Sir Ernest Shackleton set up 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 attempted to beat Roald Amundsen to the South Pole. Find out more about today’s research in the area at the American McMurdo Station, the largest research station in the Antarctic (subject to authorisation). In the shadow of the modern building and the mighty Mount Erebus stands the Discovery hut built by Scott in 1902.
Terra Nova Bay was named after the ship that Scott was sailing in when he discovered the bay in 1901. It is now home to an Italian research station. On his expedition, Scott came across the enormous Drygalski Ice Tongue: at between 14 and 24 km (8.7 to 14.9 miles) wide and around 50 km (31 miles) long, this wall of ice will seem particularly impressive from the Zodiacs. Will the coast in this area be surrounded by thick pack ice? If a landing with the Zodiacs is possible, you will be able to walk through this mystical landscape with your experts. You might also come across penguins, which will be just as curious as you are.
As you cruise in front of the fantastic backdrop of the Ross Ice Shelf, you will experience another indescribable highlight: the gigantic wall of ice as tall as houses stretches for hundreds of kilometres. Victoria Land, on the other hand, welcomes you with an endless expanse. At 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 wildlife here is just as moving as the region’s past – including the largest colony of Adelie penguins in Antarctica with over 250,000 breeding pairs.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 24: Relaxation at sea
Relaxation at sea
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 25: Cruising off the Balleny Islands/New Zealand
On your cruise, you will come across untouched island worlds with a rich fauna that are hardly known in our latitudes. 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 depend on whether the authorities grant their permission. If they give the green light, you will be able to enjoy mystical views when cruising off the Balleny Islands, as steep cliffs rise suddenly from the sea. And colonies of Adelie and chinstrap penguins fill the largely glaciated island group with life. With a small circle of like-minded people, your goal is to discover these paradises and develop a special awareness and appreciation for them.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 26 to 27: Relaxation at sea
Relaxation at sea
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 28 to 30: Cruising off the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand
New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands seem to have been forgotten by the rest of the world. Their wildly romantic, unspoilt landscapes are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and enjoy the highest protection of any nature reserves in New Zealand. Landings depend on authorisation from the authorities, who aim to keep the islands free from invasive species. Thanks to your small, manoeuvrable expedition ship, you will be able to cruise as close to the coastline as the authorities allow. Heather and wild flowers give Campbell Island a special kind of charm. The island is home to the world’s largest breeding colony of southern royal albatrosses. The Auckland Islands are not only home to yellow-eyed penguins and New Zealand sea lions, they also have the lushest flora of all the islands. The Snares penguin, meanwhile, is only found on the Snares Islands, alongside Cape petrels and albatrosses.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 31: Stewart Island
Peaks rising up to almost 1,000 m (3,280 ft), eight different ecosystems, 245 km (152 miles) of hiking paths: the mountainous Rakiura National Park on Stewart Island is home to age-old flora and fauna. New Zealand’s third largest island is a paradise for hiking and birdwatching with your experts. There are more kiwis than people living here and the chances of seeing these shy birds are high – maybe feeding on the beach. In the forests, you might also spot tomtits, fantails, parrots and parakeets. Silence and solitude, clean air and birdsong make the islands a special experience for all the senses. As well as the diversity of birdlife, Maori sites will also draw you under their spell. What will impress you the most? One thing is for certain: by making this semi-circumnavigation of the Antarctic, you will be one of the few people who have delved deep into the secrets of these remote regions.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 32: Relaxation at sea
Relaxation at sea
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 33: Lyttelton (Christchurch)/New Zealand, arrival 06.00 hrs
Lyttelton (Christchurch)/New Zealand, arrival 06.00 hrs
This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.
Breakfast included.
- Day 1: Charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia - Ushuaia/Argentina, departure 18.00 hrs
- Day 2: Sailing through the Drake Passage
- Day 3 to 8: South Shetland Islands , Antarctic Peninsula , crossing the Antarctic Circle, Marguerite Bay
- Day 9 to 17: Relaxation at sea (cruise through Bellingshausen Sea, Amundsen Sea and Ross Sea – 17.02 will be lost due to crossing the International Date Line)
- Day 18 to 23: Ross Island , Terra Nova Bay , Victoria Land
- Day 24: Relaxation at sea
- Day 25: Cruising off the Balleny Islands/New Zealand
- Day 26 to 27: Relaxation at sea
- Day 28 to 30: Cruising off the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand
- Day 31: Stewart Island
- Day 32: Relaxation at sea
- Day 33: Lyttelton (Christchurch)/New Zealand, arrival 06.00 hrs
Next Departure Date: 01 Feb 2027
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Feb 2027 - 05 Mar 2027 | NZD$52623pp | ||
| Panoramic Cabin | NZD$52623pp | Contact us | |
| Outside Cabin | NZD$52623pp | Contact us | |
| French Balcony Cabin (Category 3) | NZD$63977pp | Contact us | |
| French Balcony Cabin (Category 5) | NZD$65489pp | Contact us | |
| Balcony Cabin (Category 4) | NZD$69280pp | Contact us | |
| Balcony Cabin (Category 6) | NZD$71579pp | Contact us | |
| Balcony Cabin (Category 7) | NZD$73838pp | Contact us | |
| Balcony Cabin (Category 8) | NZD$77668pp | Contact us | |
| Junior Suite with Balcony | NZD$89807pp | Contact us | |
| Grand Suite | NZD$124811pp | Contact us |
The pricing for the Outside Cabin and Panoramic Cabin is based on Gold fares, whereas the rates for the remaining cabins (French Balcony Cabin, Balcony Cabin, Junior Suite with Balcony, and Grand Suite) are based on Platinum fares.
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Outside Cabin
Approx. 22 m2/237 ft2
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
Panoramic Cabin
Approx. 21 m2 (226 ft2)
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
French Balcony Cabin (Category 3)
Approx. 21/23 m2 226/224 ft2
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
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.
French Balcony Cabin (Category 5)
Approx. 21/23 m2 226/224 ft2
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
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.
Balcony Cabin (Category 4)
Approx. 27 m2/291 ft2, including private balcony 5 m2/54 ft2
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
Balcony Cabin (Category 6)
Approx. 27 m2/291 ft2, including private balcony 5 m2/54 ft2
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
Balcony Cabin (Category 7)
Approx. 27 m2/291 ft2, including private balcony 5 m2/54 ft2
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
Balcony Cabin (Category 8)
Approx. 27 m2/291 ft2, including private balcony 5 m2/54 ft2
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
Junior Suite with Balcony
Junior Suite, 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 in the cabin
Nordic walking poles
24-hour cabin service
Table reservation in main restaurant (applies to the PLATINUM and GOLD fares)
Butler service
Grand Suite
Grand Suite, 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
HANSEATIC spirit Deckplan
Specifications
- Start of construction: May 2017, October 2017, 2019
- Shipyard: VARD Group AS, Norway
- Commissioning: May and October 2019, August 2021
- Ship category: 5 stars*
- Segment: Expedition
- Gross Tonnage (GT): 15,650
- Length/Beam/Draught: 138 m=452 ft/22 m=72 ft/5,6 m=18 ft
- Ice classification: PC6 – the highest ice class for passenger ships
- Propulsion: Diesel-electric
- Passenger decks: 7
- Cabins and suites: 120
- Cabin and suite types: 7
- Passenger capacity/Crew: 230 (199 for Antarctic expeditions and cruises around Spitsbergen)/approx. 175
- Marina: 1
- Restaurants: 3
- Bars, Lounges: 2
- Zodiacs: 17
- Extendible glass balconies: 2
- On-board language(s): German and German/English
- On-board currency: EUR
What’s included?
Expedition and knowledge
- 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
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)
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)
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
For all cases
- 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 PLATINUM and GOLD fares
What’s not included?
- Any items not mentioned as included.
Notes
The pricing for the Outside Cabin and Panoramic Cabin is based on Gold fares, whereas the rates for the remaining cabins (French Balcony Cabin, Balcony Cabin, Junior Suite with Balcony, and Grand Suite) are based on Platinum fares.
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Antarctica
On any cruise to Antarctica you can expect to experience a wide variety of landscapes, unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities and a healthy mix of historic landing sites. Be astounded by the sensory overload of the huge amount of ice-bergs, glaciers, high mountains and the abundant and tame wildlife.
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