Antarctica Ross Sea Cruises 2024-2025

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Antarctica's Ross Sea Cruises

Nature so grand there are no words to describe it!

One of the most remote places on Earth and one of the last pristine ecosystems. Wildlife abounds during these brief summer months: expedition cruise from New Zealand and encounter Emperor and Adélie penguins, Snow Petrels, Southern Fulmars and many more species of bird; and enjoy magnificent whale watching opportunities including Minke, Orca, Southern Right that feed in these nutrient-rich waters. Discover massive penguin rookeries and colossal ice shelves, visit McMurdo Station and Scott Base, and venture to the historic huts of Shackleton and Scott. Each day is an epic adventure of discovery - as seen on documentary travel shows Go Further South and Antarctica from Above.

Citizen Science opportunities: Join marine biologist, naturalist and seabird guide extraordinaire Kate Sutherland taking samples and assisting with research at some of the world's largest Adelie Penguin colonies.

Whether you’re a birder, photographer, wildlife enthusiast, or simply an adventurous spirit, these expeditions offer an unparalleled travel experience.

SUITE DEALS PROMOTION: Save 20% on Heritage Suites and 15% on Worsley Suites on our 9 Jan 2024 and 4 Feb 2024 Ross Sea expeditions.

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Antarctica Season 2024-2025

Join us in Antarctica's extraordinary Ross Sea

In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton: Ross Sea Antarctica

28 DAYS

9 Jan – 5 Feb 2024
4 Feb – 2 Mar 2024
7 Jan – 3 Feb 2025 NEW VOYAGE
2 Feb – 1 Mar 2025 NEW VOYAGE

Queenstown-Bluff, New Zealand and return

  • Walk in Sir Ernest Shackleton’s footsteps at his hut at Cape Royds
  • Venture back in time at Borchgrevink’s Hut at Cape Adare 
  • Be welcomed ashore at research stations in Terra Nova Bay
  • Visit Enderby Island in sea lion breeding season
  • See the Royal Penguins on Macquarie Island at their peak
  • Emperor Penguins, Royals, Kings, Adelie Penguins, whales, seals...
  • Adelie Penguins are flourishing with chicks about to start fledging  
  • Catch the peak flowering of the Megaherbs in the Subantarctic 
  • 24-hour sunlight in the Ross Sea
  • Orca feeding amongst the ice, especially in McMurdo Sound
  • Navigate through pack ice that guards the entrance to the Ross Sea

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What our travellers are saying:

We are overwhelmed by the excellence of absolutely every aspect of this trip. The staff were so professional, engaging, helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. We felt safe and well looked after at all times. I doubt having that level of experience and knowledge about Antarctica in one place has not been done before! We were amazed by the quality of the meals, and the cabins and life on board were also more than expected. Please DO NOT CHANGE ANYTHING. It was worth every cent... We truly believe you guys are one of the best travel companies we have ever dealt with...

Ben and Ros

We had such a wondrous time on the ship... still reeling from it all, it was just fabulous and the thousands of penguins we saw were just amazing and exceeded all our expectations! Four new species for us seen was just amazing...Snares, Royals, SIX EMPERORS and an Erect-crested! We were in penguin heaven! We've now seen 15 of the 18 penguins in the wild! Thanks to wonderful Heritage – you have all made dreams come true for us. We loved the islands, the ice, all the birds, whales, seals, ice, crazy sea, calm sea, bergs, sky, peace, beauty and wonder of so far south. We loved the walks on land, all the landings, Zodiac cruises, food, crew, staff, passengers. It was all just fantastic.

Julie and Tim

A fantastic time! Trip of a lifetime and memories to last for ever. To experience the historic huts and especially to go into Scott's hut at Cape Evans where my grandfather had been in the early 1900s and 60s... Rodney kept on saying "You don't know how blessed you are..." and he was so right. Thank you for your help, advise and assistance you gave me in the months leading up to my departure.

Robin

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Expeditions:

For all voyages, exact landings depend on weather and ice conditions and wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed; however, our 35+ years of experience in operating expeditions mean that we are well equipped to make the most of the conditions at the time. Past trip logs and species lists are available for all expeditions.