Heritage Adventurer
Heritage Adventurer
www.heritage-expeditions.com
SHIP INFORMATION
Flag
Portugal
Group name if any
Heritage Expeditions
Shareholders
N/A
Year it was Built or refurbished
1991
Boat Brand affiliation
N/A
Captain / Skipper
N/A
Date Renewal
Dec 2023:
Complete overhaul and refurbishment in 2023 (post pandemic)
Oct 2024:
Completely redesigned in all interior and exterior areas, enhancing its positioning as the most private cruise in the bay with a new private dining venue and private services.
Latest Renovations
Heritage Expeditions has completed the first wave of its internal refurbishment of our luxurious 140-guest flagship Heritage Adventurer. This includes carpeting and flooring replaced in the Dining Room, and Bistro, as well as window dressing being updated in the Bistro. Carpeting will also be replaced in staterooms on Deck 5 and Worsley Suites on Deck 6, with soft furnishings and window dressings also part of their refurbishment. The second wave, commencing in March 2026, will see all staterooms on Decks 3 and 4 being refurbished along with new carpeting and flooring being replaced on stairwells and passageways. The Observation Lounge on Deck 7 will also be refurbished at this time. In 2027 the third wave will complete the ship-wide refurbishment with Heritage Suites on Deck 6, the Bridge and Heritage Adventurer’s Bar and Lounge on Deck 5 all being refurbished.
HIGHLIGHTS
History & Story
Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Often referred to as the ‘Grande Dame of Expedition Cruising’ due to her celebrated history and refined design, she was purpose-built for adventure in 1991 at Finland’s Rauma shipyard and specifically designed for Polar exploration.
Setting a peerless standard in authentic expedition travel, Heritage Adventurer combines the highest passenger ship iceclass rating (1A Super) with an impressive history as one of the world’s most accomplished expedition vessels. At 124 metres long she is able to visit places off limits to larger vessels and is equally comfortable cruising amid the ice of Antarctica’s Ross Sea as she is navigating the Japanese coastline and rarely-visited tiny tropical islands of the Philippines and Indonesia.
Main strengths, special touch
Heritage Expeditions are the world’s most experienced Southern Ocean operators having spent more than 35 years exploring the ‘heart of Antarctica’ the Ross and the Subantarctic Islands of Australian and New Zealand with our guests. As the original concessionaire to the world’s most remote Subantarctic Islands we have unrivalled access to these rarely-visited destinations. Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer welcomes just 140 expeditioners ensuring a spacious, stylish and comfortable voyage with an industry-leading expedition team and crew of 90, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximise their expedition adventure. All-inclusive travel with complimentary house wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner, all shore excursions (excluding optional excursions), post voyage transfers. Triple, dedicated Single and twin and double staterooms and Worsely Suites are a spacious 22 square metres while Heritage Suites are 44 square metres. Heritage Adventurer operates an Open Bridge Policy, features 270-degree views in the Observation Lounge and offers kayaking and birding excursions on select voyages and photography workshops.
Children’s Policy
There are no child-specific facilities on board, children remain the full responsibilty of their guardian for the duration of the voyage.
Key sites
Sites: Ross Sea Antarctica, Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand and Australia, coastal New Zealand, Kimberley coast, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Philippines, South Korea and Japan.
Activities: Stepping inside the historic huts of Scott & Shackleton, visiting penguin colonies, walking on the ice with Emperor penguins, polar plunge swimming with Whale Sharks, walking with Komodo Dragons, cultural encounters with remote tribes and villages, observing the ancient Rom Dance, taking part in citizen science programmes, snorkelling Pink Beach, whale watching, wildlife observations, birding, Zodiac cruising, hiking, photography, lectures by noted naturalists, snorkelling (tropical voyages), kayaking (additional cost)
Fun Facts
N/A
Unique Experiences
10-12 days exploring Ross Sea and sailing as far south as possible into the ‘heart of Antarctica’ – historic huts, research stations, penguin colonies, Ross Ice Shelf
Kayaking in the Ross Sea Antarctica
Opportunity to join the Kwaio people of Malaita in a dance so sacred you have to take part (wearing the traditional costume of one leaf and a vine belt) to observe it
Assist leading penguin researchers at the world’s oldest and largest Adelie penguin colony
Collect air flask samples assisting GNS Science in their 10-year Southern Ocean study
Help Professor Tim Flannery with the discovery of new mammal species on rarely visited islands
Contribute to conservation and support the remote villages and tribes you visit
Route(s)
Antarctica
The Ross Sea: Jan & Feb – 28 Days
Australia
Kimberley Coast: Jul & Aug – 11 Days
Japan
Coastal Japan and South Korea: Apr to May – 11 to 16 Days
New Zealand
Coastal New Zealand: Nov & Mar – 12 Days
Fiordland & Stewart Island: Dec & Jan – 6 Days
South Pacific
Philippines & Indonesia: Jun – 19 Days
Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands & Vanuatu: Oct – 17 Days
Indonesia & Papua New Guinea: Sep – 18 Days
Indonesia & Borneo: Sep – 14 Days
Subantarctic Islands
Fiordland, Snares, Auckland, Campbell: Dec – 12 Days
Snares, Bounty, Antipodes, Auckland, Campbell, Macquarie & Chatham Islands: Dec – 17 Days
Snares, Auckland, Campbell: Dec – 8 Days
Snares, Auckland, Campbell, Macquarie: Nov & Dec – 12 Days
Boat Features
Cabins and living space
Deck 3
Main Deck Single and Triple Cabins on Deck 3 are a spacious 22m2 in size and feature two porthole windows, lounge area, writing desk, private ensuite bathroom with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system. Singles have a king bed, and triples have two singles and one pullman bed.
Deck 4 & 5
Superior Deck 4 and 5 cabins on Deck 4 and 5 and Superior Single cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, lounge area, writing desk, private en-suite bathroom with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system. Superior cabins have a king or two single beds, and singles have a king bed.
Deck 6
Located on Deck 6, Worsley Suites are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable chaisestyle lounge suite, writing desk, private en-suite bathroom with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system. Receive complimentary in-room dining, minibar replenished daily, US$100.00 per person SPA credit, Heritage Expeditions keep cup, notebook and pen.
Deck 6
Located on Deck 6, Heritage Suites are an expansive 44m2 and feature large double panoramic windows, king bed, large living area with a sofa, coffee table and chairs and grand marble bathroom with a double basin, bathtub and shower, large writing desk, floor to ceiling cabinetry for storage and a flat screen entertainment system. Receive complimentary in-room dining, minibar replenished daily, free laundry, US$100.00 per person SPA credit, Heritage Expeditions keep cup, notebook and pen.
Chef, Meals, Meals facilities, bars
Dining Room
Indulge in fine international cuisine from our talented chefs in the lavish surrounds of our Dining Room on Deck 4. Sensational 270-degree views provide a stunning backdrop to meals here along with an international wine list featuring many outstanding regional wines. With relaxed seating arrangements, all guests can enjoy dining in a single sitting from hearty breakfasts setting you up for the day’s adventure to sumptuous lunches and multi-course evening dining. House wine, beer and softdrinks included with lunch and dinner.
Bistro
Simple fast and delicious meals and snacks are on offer in our relaxed Bistro on Deck 6. Perfect for early risers to enjoy tea, coffee and light breakfast options the Bistro provides great views and opens directly onto a covered and heated teak-deck outdoor dining area perfect for BBQs. House wine, beer and softdrinks included with lunch and dinner.
The Bar and Lounge
The social hub of Heritage Adventurer, the Bar and Lounge on Deck 5 features seating for all guests. Enjoy a beverage at the bar, sink into an armchair, relax on one of the many spacious loungers and watch the world go by through the panoramic windows or make new friends at the communal seating. This multi-tasking space also doubles as the location of daily briefings and evening recaps with the expedition team.
Wellness
The Gym
Featuring spectacular ocean views, the well-equipped gym is adjacent to the pool, hot tub and sauna in Deck 7’s wellbeing zone. Maintain your routine with an elliptical cross trainer, treadmill, rowing machine, stationary bikes, TRX as well as free weights, yoga mats and fitness balls. Towels are provided with change room and shower amenities nearby.
Sauna and Steam Room
True to her Nordic origins, Heritage Adventurer features a dry-heat Finnish sauna
and European steam room on Deck 7. Perfect for warming up post Polar plunge or unwinding after a day’s adventures, the sauna and steam room include change room facilities, showers and towels.
Swimming Pool and Hot Tub
Surrounded by relaxed teak seating including sun loungers, the open-air saltwater pool can be heated or chilled. Encased in glass the hot tub ensures all-weather use, perfect for those who like to relax with a view following a day of exploring.
Lectures and Presentations
Enjoy informative and entertaining lectures on history, biology, wildlife, and ecology in the comfort of the Presentation Theatre. With state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, our world-renowned expedition team will bring your adventure to life through interactive presentations and discussions.
Special Events & Celebration opportunities
Crossing the Antarctic Circle, Tropic of Capricorn, Equator and Tropic of Cancer
Extra Notable Features
N/A
Awards:
N/A
