Expedition Antarctica: Festive Days At The End Of The Earth
Expedition Antarctica: Festive Days At The End Of The Earth
Cruise overview
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About Ushuaia
At 55 degrees latitude south, Ushuaia (pronounced oo-swy-ah) is closer to the South Pole than to Argentina's northern border with Bolivia. It is the capital and tourism base for Tierra del Fuego, the island at the southernmost tip of Argentina.Although its stark physical beauty is striking, Tierra del Fuego's historical allure is based more on its mythical past than on rugged reality. The island was inhabited for 6,000 years by Yámana, Haush, Selk'nam, and Alakaluf Indians. But in 1902 Argentina, eager to populate Patagonia to bolster its territorial claims, moved to initiate an Ushuaian penal colony, establishing the permanent settlement of its most southern territories and, by implication, everything in between.When the prison closed in 1947, Ushuaia had a population of about 3,000, made up mainly of former inmates and prison staff. Today the Indians of Darwin's "missing link" theory are long gone—wiped out by diseases brought by settlers and by indifference to their plight—and the 60,000 residents of Ushuaia are hitching their star to tourism.The city rightly (if perhaps too loudly) promotes itself as the southernmost city in the world (Puerto Williams, a few miles south on the Chilean side of the Beagle Channel, is a small town). You can make your way to the tourism office to get your clichéd, but oh-so-necessary, "Southernmost City in the World" passport stamp. Ushuaia feels like a frontier boomtown, at heart still a rugged, weather-beaten fishing village, but exhibiting the frayed edges of a city that quadrupled in size in the '70s and '80s and just keeps growing. Unpaved portions of Ruta 3, the last stretch of the Pan-American Highway, which connects Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, are finally being paved. The summer months (December through March) draw more than 120,000 visitors, and dozens of cruise ships. The city is trying to extend those visits with events like March's Marathon at the End of the World and by increasing the gamut of winter activities buoyed by the excellent snow conditions.A terrific trail winds through the town up to the Martial Glacier, where a ski lift can help cut down a steep kilometer of your journey. The chaotic and contradictory urban landscape includes a handful of luxury hotels amid the concrete of public housing projects. Scores of "sled houses" (wooden shacks) sit precariously on upright piers, ready for speedy displacement to a different site. But there are also many small, picturesque homes with tiny, carefully tended gardens. Many of the newer homes are built in a Swiss-chalet style, reinforcing the idea that this is a town into which tourism has breathed new life. At the same time, the weather-worn pastel colors that dominate the town's landscape remind you that Ushuaia was once just a tiny fishing village, snuggled at the end of the Earth.As you stand on the banks of the Canal Beagle (Beagle Channel) near Ushuaia, the spirit of the farthest corner of the world takes hold. What stands out is the light: at sundown the landscape is cast in a subdued, sensual tone; everything feels closer, softer, and more human in dimension despite the vastness of the setting. The snowcapped mountains reflect the setting sun back onto a stream rolling into the channel, as nearby peaks echo their image—on a windless day—in the still waters.Above the city rise the last mountains of the Andean Cordillera, and just south and west of Ushuaia they finally vanish into the often-stormy sea. Snow whitens the peaks well into summer. Nature is the principal attraction here, with trekking, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife spotting, and sailing among the most rewarding activities, especially in the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego National Park).
About Falkland Islands
About South Georgia Island
South Georgia is a breathtaking destination of towering snow-covered mountains, mighty glaciers, and low-lying grasslands that attract an astounding concentration of wildlife. It is possible to find Southern fur seals, Southern elephant seals and a variety of albatross species including Black-browed, Light-mantled Sooty, Grey-headed and the spectacular Wandering Albatross, plus thousands of King and Macaroni Penguins. South Georgia is also linked to the early Antarctic explorers. Captain James Cook first stepped ashore in 1775, but perhaps more famous is Ernest Shackleton’s arrival in 1916 following the sinking of his ship Endurance. Shackleton’s grave and the whaling museum at Grytviken are highlights, as would be a visit to one of the King Penguin colonies at Salisbury Plain or Gold Harbour.
About South Orkney Islands
Hidden in the Southern Ocean close to the Antarctic Peninsula and discovered by seal hunters in 1821, these far-flung mountainous islands have more than 85% of their surface glaciated. Despite the ravages caused by whale and seal hunting, today a sizeable leopard seal population can be found there, along with chinstrap penguins and snow petrels. One of its four main islands, Laurie Island is home to an old scientific station that is still in operation.
About Ushuaia
At 55 degrees latitude south, Ushuaia (pronounced oo-swy-ah) is closer to the South Pole than to Argentina's northern border with Bolivia. It is the capital and tourism base for Tierra del Fuego, the island at the southernmost tip of Argentina.Although its stark physical beauty is striking, Tierra del Fuego's historical allure is based more on its mythical past than on rugged reality. The island was inhabited for 6,000 years by Yámana, Haush, Selk'nam, and Alakaluf Indians. But in 1902 Argentina, eager to populate Patagonia to bolster its territorial claims, moved to initiate an Ushuaian penal colony, establishing the permanent settlement of its most southern territories and, by implication, everything in between.When the prison closed in 1947, Ushuaia had a population of about 3,000, made up mainly of former inmates and prison staff. Today the Indians of Darwin's "missing link" theory are long gone—wiped out by diseases brought by settlers and by indifference to their plight—and the 60,000 residents of Ushuaia are hitching their star to tourism.The city rightly (if perhaps too loudly) promotes itself as the southernmost city in the world (Puerto Williams, a few miles south on the Chilean side of the Beagle Channel, is a small town). You can make your way to the tourism office to get your clichéd, but oh-so-necessary, "Southernmost City in the World" passport stamp. Ushuaia feels like a frontier boomtown, at heart still a rugged, weather-beaten fishing village, but exhibiting the frayed edges of a city that quadrupled in size in the '70s and '80s and just keeps growing. Unpaved portions of Ruta 3, the last stretch of the Pan-American Highway, which connects Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, are finally being paved. The summer months (December through March) draw more than 120,000 visitors, and dozens of cruise ships. The city is trying to extend those visits with events like March's Marathon at the End of the World and by increasing the gamut of winter activities buoyed by the excellent snow conditions.A terrific trail winds through the town up to the Martial Glacier, where a ski lift can help cut down a steep kilometer of your journey. The chaotic and contradictory urban landscape includes a handful of luxury hotels amid the concrete of public housing projects. Scores of "sled houses" (wooden shacks) sit precariously on upright piers, ready for speedy displacement to a different site. But there are also many small, picturesque homes with tiny, carefully tended gardens. Many of the newer homes are built in a Swiss-chalet style, reinforcing the idea that this is a town into which tourism has breathed new life. At the same time, the weather-worn pastel colors that dominate the town's landscape remind you that Ushuaia was once just a tiny fishing village, snuggled at the end of the Earth.As you stand on the banks of the Canal Beagle (Beagle Channel) near Ushuaia, the spirit of the farthest corner of the world takes hold. What stands out is the light: at sundown the landscape is cast in a subdued, sensual tone; everything feels closer, softer, and more human in dimension despite the vastness of the setting. The snowcapped mountains reflect the setting sun back onto a stream rolling into the channel, as nearby peaks echo their image—on a windless day—in the still waters.Above the city rise the last mountains of the Andean Cordillera, and just south and west of Ushuaia they finally vanish into the often-stormy sea. Snow whitens the peaks well into summer. Nature is the principal attraction here, with trekking, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife spotting, and sailing among the most rewarding activities, especially in the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego National Park).
- Separate living/sleeping area
- Separate dining area
- Sleeping area with panoramic view
- Separable beds
- TV in living and sleeping areas
- Veranda with space heaters
- Daylight bathroom with two sinks, free-standing bath, rain shower and veranda access
- Steam sauna in shower area
- Heated wall in bathroom (e.g. for towels and wet parkas)
- Separate toilet
- Free mini bar
- Coffee machine
- Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more
- Binoculars from SWAROVSKI OPTIK in the cabin
- Nordic walking poles
- 24-hour cabin service
- Butler service
- Table reservation in main restaurant
- Free choice of Zodiac group
- Separate living/sleeping area
- Separate dining area
- Sleeping area with panoramic view
- Separable beds
- TV in living and sleeping areas
- Bathroom with two sinks and rain shower
- Separate toilet
- Steam sauna in shower area
- Heated wall in bathroom (e.g. for towels and wet parkas)
- Free mini bar
- Coffee machine
- Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more
- Binoculars from SWAROVSKI OPTIK in the cabin
- Nordic walking poles
- 24-hour cabin service
- Butler service
- Table reservation in main restaurant
- Heated wall in the bathroom (e. g. for towels and wet parkas)
- Rain shower
- Free mini bar (soft drinks)
- Coffee machine
- Separable beds
- Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more
- Binoculars from SWAROVSKI OPTIK in the cabin
- Nordic Walking poles
- 24-hour cabin service
- Heated wall in the bathroom (e. g. for towels and wet parkas)
- Rain shower
- Free mini bar (soft drinks)
- Coffee machine
- Separable beds
- Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more
- Binoculars from SWAROVSKI OPTIK in the cabin
- Nordic Walking poles
- 24-hour cabin service
The French Balcony Cabins in Category 3 on Deck 6 are approximately 23 m² (248 ft²) in size, and those in Category 5 on Deck 7 approximately 21 m² (226 ft²). The Balcony Cabins at the stern have a slightly different floor plan.
- Heated wall in the bathroom (e. g. for towels and wet parkas)
- Rain shower
- Free mini bar (soft drinks)
- Coffee machine
- Separable beds
- Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more
- Binoculars from SWAROVSKI OPTIK in the cabin
- Nordic Walking poles
- 24-hour cabin service
- Heated wall in the bathroom (e. g. for towels and wet parkas)
- Rain shower
- Free mini bar (soft drinks)
- Coffee machine
- Separable beds
- Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more
- Binoculars from SWAROVSKI OPTIK in the cabin
- Nordic Walking poles
- 24-hour cabin service
Hanseatic Inspiration
Searching for the unknown and finding your inner self in the process. Respectfully encountering nature and perceiving yourself as part of it. Appreciating foreign cultures and gaining profound insights. For more than 30 years, we have been offering expedition cruises that touch your soul.
Whether you’re heading to the Hebrides or the Azores, to Antarctica or the South Seas, intensive adventures on spectacular routes both near and far await you with the HANSEATIC inspiration – and you’ll share your personal expedition with a small group of no more than 230 passionate explorers. Welcome on board!
Please note: The HANSEATIC inspiration is an international ship, with all cruises conducted in both English and German.
Ship Facts
| Speed | 16 | ||||||
| Width | 22 | ||||||
| Length | 138 | ||||||
| Capacity | 230 | ||||||
| Currency | EUR | ||||||
| Language | de+en | ||||||
| Crew Count | 175 | ||||||
| Deck Count | 7 | ||||||
| Refit Year | |||||||
| Cabin Count | N/A | ||||||
| Launch Year | 2021 | ||||||
| Gross Tonnage | 15650 | ||||||
| Electrical Plugs |
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| Large Cabin Count | N/A | ||||||
| Wheelchair Cabin Count | N/A |
Deck 9
- Zodiacs
- Flexible canopy
- Sun Deck
Deck 8
- Sun Deck
- Ocean Academy
- OCEAN SPA
- Course room
- Sports Club
- Hairdresser
- Pool
- Whirlpool
- Glass Balcony
- Pool bar
- Observation Lounge
Deck 7
- Bridge
- Balcony Cabins
- Grand Suites with veranda
- Junior Suites with balcony
- French Balcony Cabins
Deck 6
- Tender
- Deck tour
- Balcony Cabins
- Grand Suites with veranda
- Junior Suites with balcony
- French Balcony Cabins
- Outside Cabins
Deck 5
- Lido Restaurant
- Balcony Cabins
- Panoramic Cabins
- Outside Cabins
Deck 4
- HANSEATIC Restaurant
- Specialty restaurant
- Invisible Lounge
- HanseAtrium
- Reception
- Boutique
- Bar
- Cruise sales
- Panoramic Cabin
- Outside Cabins
Deck 3
- Changing room
- Hospital
- Marina
A new kind of freedom between adventure and pleasure.
Come with us on a culinary voyage of discovery around the globe: on board, three spacious first-class restaurants create a unique and indulgent combination of expedition spirit with international gourmet cuisine. Spend your days and evenings however you wish thanks to flexible mealtimes, a free choice of seating and attentive 24-hour cabin service.
HANSEATIC Restaurant
The spacious HANSEATIC Restaurant of the new expedition class redefines on-board cuisine. From breakfast to dinner, experience our endless variety of creative cuisine at any time of day. Where your ship drops anchor, our top chefs will look to local specialities and conjure up for your plate the aromas of South Africa, the far north, or Europe. Daily changing menus will send your taste buds on a global tour of discovery – accompanied by a selection of wines to suit every palate.
Specialty restaurants
Our speciality restaurants will take you on a culinary voyage of discovery: explore exquisite Japanese creations and Peru’s modern and fashionable cooking at the Nikkei on the HANSEATIC inspiration. The Hamptons offers new culinary highlights of the North American east coast on the HANSEATIC nature. Enjoy french cuisine in the specialty restaurant l'esprit on the HANSEATIC spirit. Exploring the world has never tasted so good!
Lido restaurant
Expeditions bring you particularly close to the elements. The same applies to our Lido Restaurant. Have breakfast under an open sky, or enjoy a juicy steak cooked to perfection on the large outdoor barbecue – garnished with breathtaking panoramic views. Watch our gourmet chefs at work in the open show kitchen or head straight to the ice cream station for dessert. And why not? After all, the daily grind is far away.
That special touch
Land on a secluded island in a Zodiac and enjoy barbecued fish and chilled drinks with your feet in the sand. Or celebrate with a glass of champagne against a stunning icy backdrop. Our service and ingenuity continue ashore – with a barbecue on the beach, a reception in the ice or exotic delicacies in the depths of the rainforest. This is the feeling of true expedition. This is the taste of true delight.
Open to new discoveries, the magic of our natural surroundings and the unique experience of a true expedition: the new expedition class. No other expedition ship has so much open deck space. What does this mean? Freedom, wind, broad horizons – and getting up-close to nature.
Glass Balconies
The glass balcony beneath your feet allows you to hover above the water and reveals the endless expanse and beauty of the ocean. Watch whales and large porpoises as they follow the ship, thrilling you as they leap and swim. Being so close to creation is an indescribable feeling.
Inspiration Walk
The deck tour at the bow offers extraordinarily intensive experiences: when whales jump for joy and polar bears take an icy bath, you will be the first to see these fascinating natural spectacles.
Observation Lounge & Library
Stroll the spacious decks and feel the stars almost within reach – the terraced Observation Deck with a panoramic view is but one place to fulfil your dream. You can also quench your thirst for adventure in the comfortable surroundings of the Observation Lounge. The large full-glass windows provide a 180-degree view of the moon and sea while you reflect on your unforgettable travel days over a glass of wine.
Library
You are welcome to borrow a book on board at any time. Our library is located in the Observation Lounge (Deck 8) and is stocked with a selection of the latest fiction books, travel literature and information about the cruising area.
Hanse Atrium
Draw on our experts’ wealth of knowledge during their daily presentations in the HanseAtrium, the new multifunctional lounge with state-of-the-art technology. Visit the lounge to prepare for upcoming excursions and shed more light on impressions gained (so-called precaps and recaps). Discuss your latest discoveries, enjoy fascinating, relaxed film evenings or listen to our experts’ enthralling travel reports. In the evening, the HanseAtrium is transformed into an atmospheric bar where you can see out the day and reflect on your experiences.
Invisible Lounge
Located on Deck 4.
Reception
Post
The Reception staff will post your postcards and letters from all ports where this facility is available. Your onboard account will be debited with the appropriate charges.
Announcements
To create the full expedition experience, commentaries are provided for interesting passages during the cruise and special animal sightings are reported. The ship’s position is reported in the morning on days at sea. We will also announce via the loudspeakers when the local authorities have cleared the ship and we can go ashore. The volume can be controlled individually in each cabin/suite.
Means of payment
The on-board currency is the euro. An account will be set up for you so that you can make cashless payments during the cruise. You can find out your current account balance at any time using the infotainment system in your cabin/suite. You can then settle the entire account at Reception at the end of your cruise. We accept German EC/Maestro cards and the following credit cards: Mastercard, American Express and Visa. You can also pay in cash. Please note that, in general, foreign currencies cannot be changed on board.
reception@hanseatic-nature.com