This cruise unveils a new route offered twice—over Christmas and New Year or late January—merging the rugged splendor of Chile’s fjords with the icy marvels of Antarctica. Highlights include a flexible journey through a white wonderland, spotting penguins, whales, seals, and seabirds, and marveling at spectacular passages flanked by majestic glaciers and towering icebergs. Active adventures abound with Zodiac rides, landings, and hikes, enriched by expert-led presentations, precaps, and recaps that illuminate the experience, from the Falklands and South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula and Chile’s dramatic fjords, blending rock and ice in an unforgettable expedition.
- New route, twice in our programme. Whether over Christmas and New Year or at the end of January – this expedition combines the wonders of rock and ice. A combination of cruising in Chile’s rugged fjords and adventures in the most beautiful regions of the Antarctic.
- On a flexible course through the white wonderland
- Watch penguins, whales, seals and seabirds
- Spectacular passages – along majestic glaciers and mighty icebergs
- Active experiences: numerous Zodiac rides, landings and hikes
- Captivating presentations, precaps and recaps by experts
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Departure 18.00 hrs
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.
South Orkney Islands , South Shetland Islands , Weddell Sea , Antarctic Peninsula
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. 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. 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 captain and crew demonstrate their nautical expertise in Chile's water labyrinth when the route leads into the Beagle Channel. Your experts on board provide a knowledgeable commentary on the spectacular journey
(Amalia Glacier, Puerto Eden)
There is no limit to the awe-inspiring sights on your flexible expedition in Chile’s fjords. As you cruise, the captain and crew will select the most fascinating routes to stunning experiences. The excitement on board will mount as you glide past the majestic Amalia Glacier and enjoy the vast panoramas from the many open deck areas. Meet the remaining 60 Indigenous people in Puerto Eden, a community still undiscovered by tourism. This is where the last descendants of the Kaweskar, Indigenous sea nomads, live. Instead of roads, the car-free village has wooden plank paths, footbridges and steps leading through the area so that every house can be reached with dry feet. Surrounded by unspoilt wilderness, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the surrounding nature on an eye-opening walk.
Arrival 6.00 hrs
Itineraries are subject to change.
Hanseatic Inspiration
| Length | 138 metres |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 230 passengers |
| Launched | 2021 |
The HANSEATIC inspiration, a small, state-of-the-art expedition ship with a maximum of 230 guests, offers a perfect blend of adventure and comfort for explorers seeking to uncover the world’s wonders. As an international vessel conducting cruises in both English and German, it brings over 30 years of expertise from a market leader in German-speaking countries to every journey. Each expedition is a masterpiece, passionately crafted to reveal far-flung worlds—be it icy realms, tropical paradises, wildlife havens, or cultural gems—making every voyage a unique discovery aboard this exceptional ship.
Features of all cabins and suites
An ocean view with even more: exclusively outside cabins and suites, almost all with balconies or French balconies
Spaciously designed - enjoy a relaxing stay in rooms from 21 m²/226 ft² up to 71 m²/764 ft² in size
Exceptionally equipped - for example, with binoculars, Nordic Walking poles, air conditioning, coffee machine and mini bar (free of charge) and 24-hour cabin service
Separable beds
Rain shower and heated wall in bathroom (e.g. for towels and wet parkas)
Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forwardview camera, navigation chart, films and much more
Restaurants
Aboard the HANSEATIC inspiration, a new kind of freedom blends adventure and pleasure with a culinary journey across three exceptional restaurants. The spacious HANSEATIC Restaurant offers flexible mealtimes and a free choice of seating, serving a daily-changing menu of global flavors inspired by local specialties, paired with fine wines and supported by attentive 24-hour cabin service. At the Lido Restaurant, guests can savor breakfast under the open sky or enjoy a perfectly grilled steak from the outdoor barbecue, complete with panoramic views and an open show kitchen. The specialty restaurant Nikkei fuses fine Japanese creations with modern Peruvian cuisine, delivering a unique dining experience that elevates exploration to new heights—all while bars in the Observation Lounge and HanseAtrium offer favorite drinks against stunning backdrops, from Nordic fjords to icy Antarctic vistas.
Fitness and Wellness
On the HANSEATIC inspiration, an extraordinary time out awaits after thrilling Zodiac rides, challenging hikes, or Arctic adventures. Unwind in the Ocean Spa, where a Finnish sauna with stunning ocean views, a gentle steam sauna, an ice fountain, and a relaxation room rejuvenate your senses, complemented by professional massages, cosmetic treatments, and eco-friendly products made from natural, vegan ingredients. Stay active in the 100 m² fitness room or separate course room—both with ocean vistas—guided by a fitness coach offering personalized advice and a variety of courses, either indoors or on deck. The pool area, with its flexible canopy, invites relaxation year-round, featuring water loungers, a whirlpool, and a bar, ensuring a perfect blend of indulgence and revitalization against the backdrop of the open sea.
Knowledge
Shore excursions and Zodiac rides come alive with deeper context through fascinating presentations in the HanseAtrium, a high-tech lounge where experts share daily precaps and recaps, doubling as an atmospheric evening bar for films and discussions. The Ocean Academy enhances the journey with a Study Wall and interactive poster of scientific insights, microscopes for exploring hidden wonders alongside experts, and Study Seats—with swivel touchscreens—for personal dives into science. Supported by travel diaries and destination videos, this immersive experience broadens horizons with cutting-edge tools and expertise.