Heritage Adventurer




- Heritage Adventurer is a purpose-built expedition cruise ship with a 1A super ice-strengthened hull designed for exploring the furthest reaches of the polar regions.
- It is one of only a handful of ships offering expedition cruises from New Zealand to Antarctica’s remote Ross Sea region.
- The ship has a proven track record of exploration and was the first cruise ship to complete the Northeast Passage.
Why Choose Heritage Adventurer?
Heritage Adventurer is the best choice for travellers looking to explore the Ross Sea on an expedition cruise from New Zealand. The ship and its expedition team have a long, proven track record exploring East Antarctica and the New Zealand subantarctic islands.
Heritage Adventurer was one of the first purpose-built expedition cruise ships designed for polar exploration. Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, the ship now takes 140 travellers per voyage to maximise the expedition adventure. With a fleet of 14 Zodiacs, all guests can participate in Zodiac cruises and shore landings at the same time.
Known as the ‘Grande Dame of Exploration Cruising,’ Heritage Adventurer was first launched in 1991 by the Rauma shipyard in Finland. The ship has received many recent upgrades.
The ship’s interiors are spacious and classic in design. It has a great set of amenities, including an outdoor pool, sauna, jacuzzis, and gym.
Dining On Heritage Adventurer
Heritage Adventurer has two dining options: the Bistro and the main Dining Room.
The Dining Room on deck 4 offers sensational 270-degree views. It serves fine international cuisine with a buffet and an a la carte menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, guests can choose from hot and cold buffet options with eggs cooked to order; for lunch, guests can choose from an a la carte menu, a salad bar, and dessert options. Evening meals are three courses, with the menu changing daily. An emphasis is placed on locally sourced ingredients, and dietary requirements can be catered to.
The Bistro offers alternative food options in a relaxed setting. Its menu is smaller than that of the main dining room. There is an early risers continental breakfast and lunch menu.
Cabins On Heritage Adventurer
Heritage Adventurer offers a range of 8 different cabin options, including suites and cabins for solo travellers.
The Heritage Suite is a premium option which features large double panoramic windows, a king bed, and a grand marble bathroom.
Superior cabins on decks 4 and 5 offer spacious comfort, large panoramic windows, and a lounge area for relaxing.
Other cabin options include the Superior Triple Cabin and the Main Deck Triple Cabin.
Onboard Experience
Heritage Adventurer is an incredibly spacious expedition ship with a stylish interior. It features a large observation lounge and bar on deck 7, which offers sweeping 270-degree panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows.
The ship has an open bridge policy, and guests are invited to observe its navigation and vessel operations. Its ice-reinforced hull allows it to travel into the furthest reaches of Antarctica.
The lounge on deck 5 is where daily briefings, evening recaps, and lectures occur. The atmosphere onboard is warm and inviting, so if you are a solo traveller, you will be sure to make friends with like-minded travellers.
On deck 7, the ship features an outdoor heated pool, spa, and leisure facilities, including a fitness room, spa, and sauna.
Destinations
Heritage Adventurer specialises in expedition cruises to East Antarctica, the Ross Sea, and the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands, including Macquarie Island, the Auckland Islands, Campbell Island, Stewart Island, and The Snares. The ship is specially equipped to cross the Southern Ocean and visit these remote places in safety and comfort for the ultimate expedition cruise.
Activities and Excursions
Expeditions on Heritage Adventurer are geared around wildlife watching, polar exploration and visiting sites of historical interest.
The ship has a team of 14 expedition guides and 14 Zodiacs for exploring. On expedition days, the ship’s guide team will take guests on shore landings and Zodiac rides, which are all included as part of the experience.
What this ship offers
Fitness Centre / Gym
Hot Tubs
Library
Observation Lounge
Open Bridge
Outdoor Bar
Outdoor Decks
Outdoor Pool
Polar Boutique
Ready Room
Activities
Hiking
Lectures
Polar Plunge
Sea Kayaking
Zodiac Cruises
Search Heritage Adventurer Cruises
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What Polar Escapes Says About Heritage Adventurer
‘Heritage Adventurer is our go-to ship for expedition cruises from New Zealand to Antarctica. The world-renowned team of guides and naturalists has over 35 years of experience and is an expert in exploring the Ross Sea, East Antarctica, and the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands. The ship offers an outstanding expedition experience on every voyage.’
Cabins
Heritage Suite
- 474 ft² (44 m²)
- King Bed
- Sofa
- Table
- Double Sink Vanity
- Bathtub
- Shower
- Desk
- In-Cabin Dining
- Minibar
- Complimentary Laundry Service
- Chair
- Closet
- Picture Windows
- Ensuite Bathroom
- Bathrobes
- Slippers
- Hairdryer
- Coffee Machine
- TV
- Individual A/C
- Butler Service
- Welcome Drink
- Complimentary Tea & Coffee
- WiFi
Deck Plan






Heritage Adventurer Itineraries
Heritage Adventurer Ship Guide
Stats About Heritage Adventurer
Heritage Adventurer FAQ
Does Heritage Adventurer Have wifi?
Yes, Heritage Adventurer offers complimentary wifi on all voyages.
Who Owns Heritage Adventurer?
Heritage Adventurer is owned and operated by Heritage Expeditions, a family-owned company based in New Zealand. It is Heritage Expeditions' flagship and a true pioneering expedition vessel offering authentic expedition travel.
What was the former name of Heritage Adventurer?
Heritage Adventurer has a celebrated history and was formerly known as the MS Hanseatic. The ship has an impressive history of delivering experiential expedition travel and was specifically designed for travel in the polar regions. It was formerly operated by One Ocean Expeditions in the southern Arctic and Antarctica. Heritage Expeditions was renamed Heritage Adventurer in 2022.
When was the Heritage Adventurer launched?
The Heritage Adventurer was built by Finland's Rauma shipyard and launched in 1991 with the highest passenger ship ice class.
What electricity outlets does Heritage Adventurer have?
Heritage Adventurer has two European pin sockets with 220v.
Book Your Cruise On Heritage Adventurer
At Polar Escapes, we are an official booking partner for Heritage Adventurer. We offer the largest selection of cruises to East Antarctica. We have lots of firsthand experience travelling on Heritage Adventurer. If you would like to speak to our team, please get in touch with us.