Expedition to South Georgia & the Antarctic Peninsula
Flights from London→Buenos Aires → Ushuaia → South Georgia → South Orkney Islands → South Shetland Islands → Weddell Sea → Antarctic Peninsula → Ushuaia → Buenos Aires→Return to London
Organised by Noble Caledonia.
From
from £14995
per person
Overview
Aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration
Even today after many decades of exploration, Antarctica still remains a world apart, a majestic last frontier surpassing even the most jaded of travellers' expectations. For this expedition, Noble Caledonia is working with their German associates at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, who operate the five-star Hanseatic Inspiration, and guests will follow in the footsteps of researchers, pioneers, adventurers, and discoverers on this expedition to the sixth continent. It is hard to put into words the sheer grandeur of an Antarctic landscape. This most southern of continents, this desert of ice, is so unique and uncommon to man's experience, that even the most dramatic of photographs pale into insignificance when one is confronted by the sheer magnitude, beauty, and wonder of an Antarctic landscape. Enormous icebergs rise from the sea, hillsides are covered with thousands of penguins, and seals bask on icebergs dotted in the ocean; the sights, sounds, and emotions will stay with you forever.
This expedition aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration also features magnificent South Georgia, where you will experience one of the world's natural wonders, the ‘Alps in mid-ocean', offering remarkable concentrations of wildlife against a backdrop of glaciers and snow-covered mountains. Hugging the coast to the wildest reaches of the island, see beaches alive with rampaging fur seals, somnolent elephant seals, and truly astonishing numbers of king penguins. Enjoy two days of exploration in this unique animal paradise and, using the Zodiacs, the aim will be to land each day, allowing you the optimum time ashore to experience this rich animal kingdom. In between the landings and while at sea, you can pass the time on deck looking for wildlife, attend the series of lectures by members of the expedition team, and simply relax on board enjoying the facilities.
Highlights
- Experience the convenience of a specially chartered flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia to begin your expedition.
- Embark on the Hanseatic Inspiration and enjoy luxury amenities, including the HanseAtrium and the Observation Lounge.
- Witness the extraordinary wildlife of South Georgia, home to hundreds of thousands of king penguins, elephant seals, and fur seals.
- Visit the historic site of Grytviken to pay your respects at the final resting place of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.
- Explore the glaciated South Orkney Islands, a region boasting more animal species than the Galapagos Islands.
- Gain a unique insight into polar research with a planned visit to the Argentinian Orcadas station, subject to authorization.
- Sail into the spectacular flooded caldera of Deception Island and set foot on the legendary Elephant Island.
- Navigate the breathtaking Weddell Sea to view majestic tabular icebergs, towering ice shelves, and dense pack ice.
- Touch the Antarctic mainland and explore the breeding colonies of gentoo and Adelie penguins on Petermann Island.
- Complete your journey with a relaxing transit across the Drake Passage before your return flight to London.
Explore further
Destination guides
More expedition cruises
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1 London to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Fly by scheduled flight.
- 2
Day 2 Buenos Aires.
Arrive this morning and transfer to our centrally located hotel for an overnight stay. The afternoon and evening are free for independent exploration of the city at your own pace, or to relax and enjoy the hotel's facilities.
- 3
Day 3 Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.
After breakfast in the hotel we will transfer to the airport for our specially chartered flight to Ushuaia. On arrival transfer to the Hanseatic Inspiration and sail this evening. Enjoy three relaxing days on board as we sail towards South Georgia. Watch out for wildlife, such as the albatrosses, prions and petrels that frequently follow the ship, join one of the lectures in the HanseAtrium or relax with a book in the Observation Lounge. We spend the next two days in South Georgia which is home to hundreds of thousands of king penguins which live side by side with elephant seals and fur seals on the coasts and cliffs. These amazing natural spectacles will be observed from a respectful distance after landing on one of the black shores. In addition, at Grytviken we trace the footsteps of the explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, who found his final resting place here in 1922.
- 9
Day 9 At Sea.
There will be plenty of wildlife spotting as we make our way south. Shipboard presentations will continue with briefings on the exciting history and abundant wildlife of this region. The South Orkney Islands, a small group of islands with a surface area of around 620 km², are located in the Scotia Sea. A lonely, glaciated world with ice deserts, and more animal species than on the Galapagos Islands, the islands are home to numerous varieties of penguins, whales and seals, as well as leopard seals. We hope to gain an insight into the everyday lives of polar researchers when, weather permitting, we will visit the Argentinian Orcadas station (subject to authorisation). Enjoy the pure fascination of the drifting tabular icebergs. The bizarre blocks that have broken off the shelf ice and their huge archways shimmer a mystical shade of blue in the cool polar light. Experience the South Shetland Islands and awe as we sail into the centre of the flooded caldera of Deception Island. Enjoy unforgettable moments when, for example, you set foot on legendary Elephant Island, where history surrounds you. Polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew spent months here after abandoning their ship in the ice. 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. This expedition then takes you on a flexible route through the Weddell Sea which is home to spectacular ice formations, from majestic tabular icebergs occupied by Adelie penguins to ice shelves as tall as white cliffs and dense carpets of pack ice. The ice cracks and crunches around the ship's reinforced bow, conveying just how challenging the hardships were that the pioneers of polar research had to endure. Weather and ice conditions dictate the route and the experienced crew will react flexibly and spontaneously to provide you with unforgettable moments. 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. Snow-covered peaks, imposing icebergs and towering glaciers surround you. On Petermann Island, keep an eye out for gentoo and Adelie penguins and the blue-eyed cormorants that have their breeding colonies here. Enjoy two days to relax on board and reminisce with your fellow travellers about all you have seen and experienced during the expedition. Look out for wildlife or simply relax as we make our way across the Drake Passage towards Ushuaia.
- 17
Day 17 Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our chartered flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. This evening is free for independent exploration; you may wish to watch a local tango performance or enjoy the hotel facilities.
- 18
Day 18 Buenos Aires to London.
After a free morning to explore or relax in the hotel we transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
- 19
Day 19 London.
Arrive today.
The Ship
Hanseatic Inspiration / Spirit / Nature
Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, these three Hanseatic expedition class vessels – Inspiration, Nature and Spirit - are five-star vessels that were launched between 2019 and 2021. With a maximum of just 230 passengers (199 passengers in Antarctica and circumnavigation of Spitsbergen), these unique vessels offer plenty of open deck space including a walkway that allows access to the bow of the ship for front row wildlife sightings and incredible views. There is a qualified expedition team of naturalists who will accompany you ashore and provide informative talks in the comfort of the well-designed HanseAtrium, and a crew of 175 offering the most exquisite and attentive service on board.
Deck plan
Life aboard Hanseatic Inspiration / Spirit / Nature
The Hanseatic Inspiration, Nature, and Spirit are five-star expedition vessels designed for immersive exploration in extreme environments like Antarctica. With a small passenger capacity and a high ratio of crew to guests, they offer a personalized and educational experience led by naturalists. These ships are ideal for travellers seeking intimate wildlife encounters and remote access via Zodiac landing craft.
Quick facts
Ship Class
Expedition
Launch Year
2019-2021
Passenger Capacity
230 (199 in Antarctica and Spitsbergen)
Crew Count
175
Ice Class
PC 6
Onboard Currency
Euro
Suites
All 120 cabins and suites feature outside views, contemporary amenities, and a personal touch with daily replenished soft drinks. Higher category suites provide additional luxury, including butler service, steam saunas, and larger living spaces.
- •All units include heated bathroom walls, rain showers, coffee machines, and mini bars.
- •Junior Suites and Grand Suites feature separate dining areas and butler service.
- •Grand Suites offer a free-standing bath and a veranda equipped with space heaters.
- •Selected cabins on Decks 6 and 7 feature connecting doors for flexible occupancy.
- •All rooms are equipped with binoculars and Nordic walking poles for expeditions.
Life on board
Public areas are designed to bring the outside in, featuring panoramic observation lounges and open deck access for wildlife viewing. Life centers around the HanseAtrium and Ocean Academy, where guests engage with experts and prepare for shore excursions.
- •The HanseAtrium hosts expert-led lectures and daily expedition briefings.
- •Inspiration Walk provides bow access for front-row wildlife sightings.
- •Sun Deck features a pool, whirlpool, and glass-floored viewing balconies.
- •The Ocean Academy offers microscopes and digital resources for independent study.
- •Ocean Spa provides wellness treatments and complimentary use of the sauna and steam bath.
Dining
Dining is flexible with open-seating arrangements across three restaurants, allowing guests to choose their pace. Menus are international, with speciality options providing regional culinary themes.
- •Choice of three open-seating restaurants: Hanseatic, Lido, and a speciality restaurant.
- •Speciality dining includes Nikkei (Inspiration), Hamptons (Nature), or L'Esprit (Spirit).
- •Lido restaurant offers casual, buffet-style dining with indoor and outdoor seating.
- •Soft drinks in the mini-bar are complimentary; Grand and Junior Suites include spirits.
- •Special dietary requirements and allergies can be catered to if notified at booking.
Practical information
These ships operate as high-tech, small-scale expedition vessels where guest comfort and safety are prioritised alongside environmental responsibility. Operations are conducted in both German and English.
- •Dress code is casual during the day and casual-elegant in the evenings.
- •Smoking is restricted to the Smoker's Lounge and designated outdoor areas.
- •Complimentary one hour of internet per guest daily; further usage incurs a surcharge.
- •Medical services are available on board with charges following German fee schedules.
- •220V and 110V outlets are available; travel adaptors are recommended.
- •Shore landings in remote areas are conducted via Zodiac and tender boats.
Ship information may be subject to operational change. Please contact us for the latest details before booking.
Departures & pricing
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 5 to 23 January 2028 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| 1 Outside cabin Deck 4, 5 & 6 | £15495 | £14995 |
| 2 Panoramic cabin Deck 4 & 5 | — | — |
| 3 French balcony cabin Deck 6 | £16495 | £15995 |
| 4 Balcony cabin Deck 5 | £17795 | £17295 |
| 5 French balcony cabin Deck 7 | £16995 | £16495 |
| 6 Balcony cabin Deck 6 & 7 | £17995 | £17495 |
| 7 Balcony cabin Deck 6 | £18495 | £17995 |
| 8 Balcony cabin Deck 7 | £19995 | £19495 |
| 9 Junior suite with balcony 6 & 7 | — | — |
| 10 Grand suite with veranda Deck 6 & 7 | — | — |
| 4 (Sole) Balcony cabin for Sole Use Deck 5 | £21995 | £21495 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHI050128
PRICE INCLUDES:
• Economy class scheduled air travel between London & Buenos Aires • Chartered flight between Buenos Aires & Ushuaia • Two nights hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast • 14 nights aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration on a full board basis • Selection of soft drinks on board • Mini-bar with soft drinks in your cabin restocked each day • Zodiac excursions • Expedition team including onboard lectures • Gratuities • Transfers • Landing fees • Port taxes • Airport taxes • Loan of waterproof boots and parka during cruise
Not Included:
Here is the information regarding your booking terms:
- Travel Insurance: Recommended (as per your initial note).
- Deposit: 20% required for all bookings (including Commodore Club members).
- Balance Due: 150 days before the departure date.
- Cancellation Charges (149–70 days before departure): 40% of the total holiday price.
Please note that availability and prices shown on our website are not updated in real time and may change. For the latest availability and pricing, please call 0800 678 3787