Heritage Adventurer
Spacious cabins, panoramic public areas, high ice-rating and outstanding expedition staff make this 140-guest ship a fabulous base for exploration.
Discover More
New Zealand-based Heritage Expeditions were the first expedition cruise operator to run trips to the Ross Sea, having first pioneered the route to Scott and Shackleton’s huts in 1994. Since then, they have remained the specialists in sailing to this little-visited part of the White Continent, along with New Zealand and Australia’s Subantarctic islands.
Swoop have partnered with Heritage Expeditions since we began operating in 2015, with our relationship centred on the trust we have in their ability to consistently deliver extraordinary experiences in one of the remotest and most challenging destinations in the world.
Proudly working with every operator in the industry
Swoop says
I've sailed multiple times with Heritage Expeditions—to the Ross Sea and the Subantarctic Islands—so I know just how much I can trust their experience when it comes to sending Swoop guests to the farthest flung reaches of Antarctica.
Cassia Jackson Antarctica Specialist
Who are Heritage Expeditions?
Heritage Expeditions were founded in Christchurch by the Russ Family in 1988 as Southern Heritage Expeditions, specialising in expedition cruises to New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands. In 1994 they became the first cruise operator to sail to the Ross Sea, to visit Scott and Shackleton’s huts. Since 1997, they have operated as Heritage Expeditions, but remain the same family owned and run company they were when they started out.
As Ross Sea specialists, they maintain the closest of relationships with the New Zealand and Australian authorities who oversee the historic sites. They also run their True Young Explorer Scholarships to give support to 18-30 year olds in experiencing Antarctic and Subantarctic expedition cruising.
Why Swoop loves working with Heritage Expeditions
- Heritage Expeditions' reputation as the pioneers of expedition cruising to the Ross Sea means we know they’ll always deliver for our guests.
- Swoop’s Ross Sea specialist Cassia worked for Heritage Expeditions for X years before joining us, so we know their operations inside out.
- Their specialisation as operators in one of the most remote and challenging parts of the planet makes their team some of the most experienced polar cruise experts in the field.
- The Heritage Adventurer carries just 140 passengers, giving a cosy onboard experience in a ship built in classic maritime style.
- The extended time at sea required to visit the Ross Sea and Subantarctic Islands means more time for educational programmes – with Heritage Expeditions attracting a particularly high calibre of guest lecturers on board their cruises.
- Heritage Expeditions’ close relationships with the New Zealand and Australian polar programmes mean they have always in the front of the line to receive permits to visit the Ross Sea’s historic sites like Scott and Shackleton’s huts.
- Access to science and education are close to Heritage Expedition’s heart – we love their commitment to polar citizen science, plus their scholarship scheme that helps young people experience Antarctica firsthand.
What Swoop travellers think about Heritage Expeditions
Heritage Expeditions trips scored 3.6/5 from 9 reviews
Swoop's trips with Heritage Expeditions
Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip
Heritage Expeditions' ships
Swoop works with every major Antarctic operator
Swoop’s unrivalled network of trusted partners across the polar fleet make it easy to find your dream Antarctic adventure.
Our expertise means we can offer impartial advice on which operator, ship, and departure is best for you.
And our Price Match Promise means that we’ll always match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
1. Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2. Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3. Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
