Epic expedition at the far end of the earth: HANSEATIC inspiration successfully completes its semi-circumnavigation of the Antarctic
In 32 days, the HANSEATIC inspiration took its guests on one of the greatest adventures of our time: the semi-circumnavigation.
The small, state-of-the-art expedition ship of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises set off from Ushuaia in Argentina on 28 Jan 2025, crossing the Antarctic Circle and the International Date Line on its way to Christchurch, New Zealand, where it recently arrived.
The guests on this emperor’s route among Antarctic cruises experienced polar history up close in the wake of historic explorers.
From 28 Jan to 2 Mar 2025, guests of the HANSEATIC inspiration followed in the footsteps of famous polar explorers. The exceptionally good weather allowed them to experience a wide variety of wildlife encounters, which is very rare even for the Antarctic summer.
Guests were able to observe almost all of the penguin species, sea lions, whales and elephant seals that live there in their natural habitat. They visited historic sites and immersed themselves in the landscape of cracking ice, the vastness and eternal silence. The semi-circumnavigation of the Antarctic is one of the longest and most challenging routes in the expedition fleet programme of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
On course for the unknown
After a calm crossing of the Drake Passage, the small expedition ship reached the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. The first landing took place in Whalers Bay, where guests were able to directly witness the fascinating wildlife, including humpback whales and orcas.
An expedition always follows the rules of weather and ice: when an iceberg blocked the Lemaire Channel, the crew under Captain Ulf Wolter were forced to adjust the route. “Nature demands that we react flexibly,” explained the captain. “It’s in moments like these that a crew’s true strength is revealed.”
The ship continued its course to Petermann Island via a detour.
It then sailed to Marguerite Bay and onwards to the Ross Sea, a remote region that is accessible only for a few ships and with the largest ice shelf in the world. This ship also undertook a detour to Peter I Island in the Bellingshausen Sea. This untouched island, surrounded by steep cliffs and glaciers, is rarely accessible. The Zodiac ride was a unique experience that thrilled guests and crew alike.
During the days at sea through the Bellingshausen Sea, Amundsen Sea and Ross Sea, a team of seven experts held presentations on the special features of the region. They covered topics such as history, biology (especially marine biology), glaciology and astrology. The guests experienced several highlights in the Ross Sea: the first-ever landing at Cape Bird on Ross Island – a rare privilege for expedition travellers.
They also crossed the waters off the ice wall of the Ross Ice Shelf. A visit in the evening gave a clear view of Mount Erebus, a little Arctic sea smoke fusing with the sunlight.
Living history – in the footsteps of legendary polar researchers
With Ross Island, Terra Nova Bay and Victoria Land, the explorers on board visited historic sites of Antarctic research. Landings led to the huts of Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton. A visit to Shackleton’s hut on 15 February, his birthday, was particularly moving – a moment that brought to life the history of early polar expeditions.
As the HANSEATIC inspiration approached McMurdo Station, the southernmost point of the cruise was reached at 77°52.1′ South, a milestone of the semi-circumnavigation. On the way back, the small expedition ship crossed the Ross Sea and was rewarded with further surprises: guests were able to observe orcas, huge colonies of Adelie penguins and the legendary emperor penguins from on board before continuing to New Zealand.
From the world of ice to New Zealand’s green shores
After a few weeks in the Antarctic, the HANSEATIC inspiration set course for Oban/Stewart Island, which was explored on a Zodiac ride in sunshine and a light northerly breeze. On 2 Mar, the ship finally reached Christchurch, where one of the most extraordinary expeditions of our time came to an end.
For those who also wish to fulfil their lifelong dream, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has already planned the next semi-circumnavigation for winter/spring 2027 with the sister ship, the HANSEATIC spirit.
From Ushuaia to Christchurch from 1 Feb to 5 Mar 2027 (31 days). Bookable in the GOLD fare from € 30,030 per person, double occupancy, including travel package to and from departure and arrival points and including early booking discount (valid until 31 Jan 2026).
(Epic expedition at the far end of the earth: HANSEATIC inspiration successfully completes its semi-circumnavigation of the Antarctic)
