Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has completed a significant maritime expedition with the semi-circumnavigation of Antarctica aboard HANSEATIC Inspiration.
The voyage, which commenced on January 28th from Ushuaia (Argentina) concluded in Christchurch (New Zealand) on March 2nd, following historic polar exploration routes and offering encounters with Antarctica’s diverse wildlife under favorable conditions.
The expedition included a notably smooth crossing of the Drake Passage before reaching the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. From there, HANSEATIC inspiration continued to Peter I Island and the Ross Sea, where passengers observed emperor penguins in their natural habitat. Key highlights of the journey included a landing at Cape Bird near Mount Erebus and a visit to Ernest Shackleton’s historic expedition hut (Ross Island), coinciding with the explorer’s birthday.
Hapag-Lloyd has confirmed that its next Antarctic semi-circumnavigation жоъаге is scheduled for February 1st to March 5th, 2027. It will be undertaken by HANSEATIC Spirit, the sistership to HANSEATIC Inspiration, following the same Ushuaia-to-Christchurch route.