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Heritage Adventurer, Ross Sea, Antarctica
Home Our Vessels Heritage Adventurer

Antarctica

Heritage Adventurer

  • Expeditionary Ship
  • Ice Rating: A1
B Corp
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Frequently referred to as the “Grande Dame of Polar Exploration”, Heritage Adventurer was built in 1991 specifically for venturing into the icy waters of the polars.

140 passengers are accommodated in spacious cabins across four decks, and guests can visit the captain and crew with the open bridge policy. Experience close up wildlife encounters from one of the 14 zodiacs and for days at sea take in the breathtaking scenery from the observation lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Why we like Heritage Adventurer

With a 1A Super ice class rating and a history of navigating the notorious Northeast and Northwest passages, she is the perfect vessel on which to explore the remote waters of the Ross Sea off the coast of New Zealand.

Activities

Zodiac or shore excursions are lead by the expedition team to see the endemic wildlife and flora of this fascinating region, adding context to the sights and surroundings. For sea days, time can be spent in the saltwater pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room, or with a book in the library. Additionally, learn from naturalists, botanists and historians who host engaging lectures throughout the voyage.

Sustainability

Cruising with our partners at Heritage Expeditions helps support a scholarship program with True Young Explorer that offers scholarships to young individuals who would not usually have the means to travel, enabling them to participate in the expeditions and learn about conservation and responsible travel.

Onboard experiences

  • Marine
  • Kayaking
  • Polar Cruises
  • Zodiac Cruising
  • Polar Adventures

Ship Information

Passengers: Maximum 140
Length: 407 feet (124 metres)
Cruising Speed: 12 knots
Zodiacs: 14
Download Deck Plan

See when this vessel is setting sail

For further information about any of these tours please call 01285 880 980

Expert-led Cruises

Our travel experts have years of knowledge and between them and have personally inspected or travelled on board many of the boats we offer.

Expert led cruise title Departure date Duration Prices start from
ex. flights 		Status  
Ross Sea Antarctica, Shackleton & Scott Voyage 07/01/25 28 days £24,239 AVAILABLE Reserve your place
Ross Sea Antarctica, Shackleton & Scott Voyage 02/02/25 28 days £24,238 AVAILABLE Reserve your place

Alternative boats

Our travel experts have years of knowledge and between them and have personally inspected or travelled on board many of the boats we offer.

See even more options

Antarctica

Le Commandant Charcot

  • Expeditionary Ship
  • £££££
Le Commandant Charcot View Boat
Spitsbergen

Polar Pioneer

  • Expeditionary Ship
  • £££££
Polar Pioneer Sea Ice View Boat

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?


More about Steppes

Featured in the press

Vessel Ice Rating Comparison Chart.

We use the Lloyd Register scale to signify the ice rating of our vessels but you can see how that scale aligns with other scales in the chart below.

Mame / Country of Register

Ice thickness (cm)

10 15 30 50

Ice thickness (cm)

lowest   highest
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super