Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Hanseatic Inspiration has successfully completed its Antarctic semi-circumnavigation, a 32-day voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Christchurch, New Zealand.
Departing on January 28, 2025, the expedition ship crossed the Antarctic Circle and the International Date Line before concluding the journey on March 2.
Guests experienced exceptional wildlife encounters, observing nearly all penguin species, sea lions, whales and elephant seals in their natural habitat. The itinerary also included visits to historic sites and exploration of Antarctica’s vast ice landscapes.
The semi-circumnavigation is one of the longest and most demanding routes in Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ expedition program, offering an in-depth exploration of the polar regions.
After crossing the Drake Passage, the vessel reached the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, with the first landing at Whalers Bay, where guests observed humpback whales and orcas. When ice blocked the Lemaire Channel, the crew adjusted course, continuing to Petermann Island, Marguerite Bay, and the remote Ross Sea. A rare landing at Peter I Island provided a memorable Zodiac experience.
During sea days through the Bellingshausen, Amundsen, and Ross Seas, a team of experts gave lectures on polar history, marine biology and glaciology. In the Ross Sea, guests visited Cape Bird on Ross Island and saw the towering ice wall of the Ross Ice Shelf. They explored historic huts of early explorers, including Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton, with the visit to Shackleton’s hut on his birthday adding a special significance.
The Hanseatic Inspiration reached its southernmost point near McMurdo Station at 77°52.1′ South before crossing the Ross Sea on its return journey. Along the way, travelers observed orcas, Adélie penguins and emperor penguins from the ship.
After weeks in the Antarctic, the ship sailed to Oban/Stewart Island, where guests explored by Zodiac in clear weather. On March 2, the journey ended in Christchurch.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has planned the next semi-circumnavigation for winter 2027 aboard the Hanseatic Spirit, from Ushuaia to Christchurch (Feb. 1 – March 5, 2027). Prices start at €30,030 per person (double occupancy), including travel arrangements and an early booking discount (valid until Jan. 31, 2026).
