Experience the unique landscapes and wildlife of Antarctica on this once-in-a-lifetime expedition. Enjoy festive celebrations and activities in the beauty of the southernmost continent.
Antarctica
Expedition Antarctica – Festive days at the end of the earth
21 Days aboard Hanseatic Inspiration. From AUD $32,123pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
Details
Overview
25% Solo Supplement – Platinum Fare (Cat. 1–8)
Prices start from the Silver Fare, but if unavailable, they may reflect Platinum or Gold fares. Contact us for a personalized quote at the best available price.
EUR 300 PP Onboard Credit
With Platinum or Gold Fare. Subject to availability. Contact us for details.
Only 4 days left!
Ending Soon!
Itinerary Highlights
- A glittering Christmas cruise: when penguins breed and fur seals care for their offspring, exploring the animals in their icy habitats promises memorable moments.
- On a flexible course through the white wonderland
- Watch penguins, whales, seals and seabirds
- Spectacular passages – along majestic glaciers and mighty icebergs
- Active experiences: numerous Zodiac rides, landings and hikes
- Captivating presentations, precaps and recaps by experts
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia/Argentina
- Day 2: Relaxation at sea
- Day 3 and 4: Falkland Islands
- Day 5 and 6: Relaxation at sea
- Day 7 and 9: South Georgia
- Day 10: Relaxation at sea
- Day 11 to 18: South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Weddell Sea, Antarctic Peninsula
- Day 19 and 20: Sailing through the Drake Passage
- Day 21: Ushuaia/Argentina
Ship Information
For more information on the Hanseatic inspiration please view the ship page.
View Hanseatic inspirationTravelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1: Charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia/Argentina
Charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia/Argentina, departure 18.00 hrs
Day 2: Relaxation at sea
Relaxation at sea
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 3 and 4: Falkland Islands
A dream destination for birdwatchers. The British Overseas Territory is home to over 60 bird species such as the endemic Falkland pipit, as well as striated caracaras, Cape petrels and king cormorants. Black-browed albatrosses and wandering albatrosses make skilful use of the wind to sail through the air without flapping their wings. Aside from the birdlife, there are also impressive traces of an eventful history to see.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 5 and 6: Relaxation at sea
Relaxation at sea
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 7 and 9: South Georgia
As soon as this subantarctic animal paradise comes into view, mighty glaciers and fjords will captivate you. Bustling colonies of king penguins carpet the coasts and steep slopes. Hundreds of thousands of animals share the island with elephant seals and fur seals. After landing on one of the black shores of South Georgia, your adventures will be filled with bellowing fur seals and squabbling penguins. You’ll keep returning to the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton, who found his final resting place on South Georgia in 1922.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 10: Relaxation at sea
Relaxation at sea
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 11 to 18: South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Weddell Sea, Antarctic Peninsula
SOUTH ORKNEY ISLANDS
The South Orkney Islands are a lonely, glaciated world of icy wilderness in the Scotia Sea. They are home to chinstrap and Adelie penguins, which can be spotted here. Find out how the polar researchers at the Argentinian Orcadas Station live when you visit by Zodiac, weather permitting (subject to authorisation). With luck, you’ll spot icebergs drifting off the rugged coast of Signy Island.
SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
The South Shetland Islands form a long chain in the ocean. The legendary Elephant Island is where Shackleton’s team held out for months. Jagged crags loom fiercely on the horizon and the evening sun casts a delicate pink glow over the snowfields. Only small expedition ships are able to sail into the flooded caldera of Deception Island. Accompanied by the creaking of the ice, venture onwards to the Antarctic Peninsula. Majestic glaciers and gigantic icebergs glint in Paradise Bay. Another impressive sight awaits in the Lemaire Channel, where mountains up to 1,000 m (3,281 ft) high line the spectacular shipping passage. Look forward to some thrilling moments.
WEDDELL SEA
A mystical icy world lies in the Antarctic Sound and at the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. There are new scenes to feast your eyes on and catch on camera every day from the deck and Zodiacs. The numerous tabular icebergs are particularly spectacular and will astound you with their size, shape and colour. In one of the world’s most remote and most challenging expedition areas, the tuya volcano (flat-topped volcano) Brown Bluff makes an amazing sight in clear weather, for example. Its brown tuff cliffs towering over 700 m (2,297 ft) tall are a formidable sight rising between two mighty glaciers.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 19 and 20: Sailing through the Drake Passage
Sailing through the Drake Passage
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 21: Ushuaia/Argentina
Ushuaia/Argentina, arrival 6.00 hrs
Charter flight to Buenos Aires
Breakfast included.
- Day 1: Charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia/Argentina
- Day 2: Relaxation at sea
- Day 3 and 4: Falkland Islands
- Day 5 and 6: Relaxation at sea
- Day 7 and 9: South Georgia
- Day 10: Relaxation at sea
- Day 11 to 18: South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Weddell Sea, Antarctic Peninsula
- Day 19 and 20: Sailing through the Drake Passage
- Day 21: Ushuaia/Argentina
Next Departure Date: 20 Dec 2025
| Dates | Cabin | From | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Dec 2025 - 09 Jan 2026 | AUD$32123pp | Includes specials! | |
| Outside Cabin | AUD$32123pp | EUR 300 PP Onboard Credit, 25% Solo Supplement – Platinum Fare (Cat. 1–8) | |
| Panoramic Cabin | AUD$32123pp | EUR 300 PP Onboard Credit, 25% Solo Supplement – Platinum Fare (Cat. 1–8) | |
| French Balcony Cabin (Category 3) | AUD$38070pp | EUR 300 PP Onboard Credit, 25% Solo Supplement – Platinum Fare (Cat. 1–8) | |
| French Balcony Cabin (Category 5) | AUD$39067pp | EUR 300 PP Onboard Credit, 25% Solo Supplement – Platinum Fare (Cat. 1–8) | |
| Balcony Cabin (Category 4) | AUD$40734pp | EUR 300 PP Onboard Credit, 25% Solo Supplement – Platinum Fare (Cat. 1–8) | |
| Balcony Cabin (Category 6) | AUD$41388pp | EUR 300 PP Onboard Credit, 25% Solo Supplement – Platinum Fare (Cat. 1–8) | |
| Balcony Cabin (Category 7) | AUD$43398pp | EUR 300 PP Onboard Credit, 25% Solo Supplement – Platinum Fare (Cat. 1–8) | |
| Balcony Cabin (Category 8) | AUD$44705pp | EUR 300 PP Onboard Credit, 25% Solo Supplement – Platinum Fare (Cat. 1–8) | |
| Junior Suite | AUD$51786pp | EUR 300 PP Onboard Credit | |
| Grand Suite | AUD$70572pp | EUR 300 PP Onboard Credit |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Outside Cabin
Approx. 22 m2/237 ft2 cabins on Deck 4, 5 and 6
Heated wall in the bathroom
Rain shower
Free mini bar (soft drinks)
Coffee machine
Separable beds
24-hour cabin service
Panoramic Cabin
Approx. 21 m2/226 ft2 Cabins on Deck 5
Heated wall in the bathroom
Rain shower
Free mini bar (soft drinks)
Coffee machine
Separable beds
24-hour cabin service
There is one cabin with fully accessible layout and equipment (cabin 404)
French Balcony Cabin (Category 3)
Approx. 21/23 m2 (226 ft2/248 ft2) Cabins on Deck 6 and 7
Heated wall in the bathroom
Rain shower
Free mini bar (soft drinks)
Coffee machine
Separable beds
24-hour cabin service
French Balcony Cabin (Category 5)
Approx. 21/23 m2 (226 ft2/248 ft2) Cabins on Deck 6 and 7
Heated wall in the bathroom
Rain shower
Free mini bar (soft drinks)
Coffee machine
Separable beds
24-hour cabin service
Balcony Cabin (Category 4)
Approx. 27 m2/291 ft2 Cabins incl. balcony (approx. 5 m2/54 ft2) on Deck 5, 6 and 7
Heated wall in the bathroom
Rain shower
Free mini bar (soft drinks)
Coffee machine
Separable beds
24-hour cabin service
Balcony Cabin (Category 6)
Approx. 27 m2/291 ft2 Cabins incl. balcony (approx. 5 m2/54 ft2) on Deck 5, 6 and 7
Heated wall in the bathroom
Rain shower
Free mini bar (soft drinks)
Coffee machine
Separable beds
24-hour cabin service
Balcony Cabin (Category 7)
Approx. 27 m2/291 ft2 Cabins incl. balcony (approx. 5 m2/54 ft2) on Deck 5, 6 and 7
Heated wall in the bathroom
Rain shower
Free mini bar (soft drinks)
Coffee machine
Separable beds
24-hour cabin service
Balcony Cabin (Category 8)
Approx. 27 m2/291 ft2 Cabins incl. balcony (approx. 5 m2/54 ft2) on Deck 5, 6 and 7
Heated wall in the bathroom
Rain shower
Free mini bar (soft drinks)
Coffee machine
Separable beds
24-hour cabin service
Junior Suite
Approx. 42 m2/452 ft2 Suites on Deck 6 and 7
Private balcony (approx. 6 m2/65 ft2)
Separate living and sleeping areas
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
Free mini bar with a selection of spirits
Coffee machine
24-hour cabin service
Butler service
Grand Suite
Approx. 71 m2/764 ft2 Suites on Deck 6 and 7
Private veranda (approx. 16 m2/172 ft2) with space heaters
Separate living and sleeping areas
Separate dining area
Sleeping area with panoramic view
Separable beds
TV in living and sleeping areas
Daylight bathroom with two sinks, free-standing bath, rain shower and veranda access
Separate toilet
Steam sauna in shower area
Heated wall in bathroom
Free mini bar with a selection of spirits
Coffee machine
24-hour cabin service
Butler service
Outside Cabin (Smart Category 1-2)
Approx. 22 m2/237 ft2 cabins on Deck 4, 5 and 6
Heated wall in the bathroom
Rain shower
Free mini bar (soft drinks)
Coffee machine
Separable beds
24-hour cabin service
Panoramic Cabin (Smart Category 1-2)
Approx. 21 m2/226 ft2 Cabins on Deck 5
Heated wall in the bathroom
Rain shower
Free mini bar (soft drinks)
Coffee machine
Separable beds
24-hour cabin service
There is one cabin with fully accessible layout and equipment (cabin 404)
Hanseatic Inspiration Deckplan
Specifications
- Start of construction: May 2017, October 2017, 2019
- Shipyard: VARD Group AS, Norway
- Commissioning: May and October 2019, August 2021
- Ship category: 5 stars*
- Segment: Expedition
- Gross Tonnage (GT): 15,650
- Length/Beam/Draught: 138 m=452 ft/22 m=72 ft/5,6 m=18 ft
- Ice classification: PC6 – the highest ice class for passenger ships
- Propulsion: Diesel-electric
- Passenger decks: 7
- Cabins and suites: 120
- Cabin and suite types: 7
- Passenger capacity/Crew: 230 (199 for Antarctic expeditions and cruises around Spitsbergen)/approx. 175
- Marina: 1
- Restaurants: 3
- Bars, Lounges: 2
- Zodiacs: 17
- Extendible glass balconies: 2
- On-board language(s): German and German/English
- On-board currency: EUR
What's included?
- All landings and rides in the ship’s own Zodiacs (Use of the Zodiacs depends on the destination and on official permits)
- Experienced experts from various disciplines accompany every cruise, give presentations and multimedia lectures, provide well-informed answers to questions about the cruising area and take part in the Zodiac landings/rides
- Use of the interactive Ocean Academy with individual knowledge formats
- Comprehensive information before the cruise – for example about the Arctic, Antarctic, the South Seas and the Amazon, as well as expedition maps
- International gourmet cuisine – full board: early-bird breakfast, breakfast, bouillon, afternoon coffee/tea time, lunch and dinner (three restaurants to choose from in the evening with flexible opening hours)
- Extensive sports programme: fitness area with ocean view, course programme, additional sports activities on shore depending on the destination (Personal training for an additional charge)
- OCEAN SPA with Finnish sauna with an ocean view, steam sauna, indoor and outdoor relaxation area (spa treatments and hairdresser at a surcharge)
- In every cabin: champagne to welcome you, mini bar restocked daily with non-alcoholic beverages (additional selection in Grand Suites and Junior Suites), coffee machine (tea on request), 24-hour cabin service
- Equipment for loan: one pair of binoculars and two sets of Nordic Walking poles in the cabin itself, furthermore warm parkas, rubber boots, snorkelling equipment
- Flat-screen TV with information and entertainment programme, personal email account and Internet access via Wi-Fi (free of charge for one hour per guest and day, satellite-dependent especially in polar areas)
- Information about harbours and destinations (where available) in the cabin
- German- and English-speaking ship and expedition management as well as mostly German- and English-speaking service crew
- Harbour and airport fees
- Cancellation fee insurance (20% excess) in the fares PLATINUM and GOLD
What's not?
- International Airfares
- Internal airfares
- Airport entrance/departure taxes
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
- Additional hotel nights
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Travel Protection Plan
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Antarctica
On any cruise to Antarctica you can expect to experience a wide variety of landscapes, unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities and a healthy mix of historic landing sites. Be astounded by the sensory overload of the huge amount of ice-bergs, glaciers, high mountains and the abundant and tame wildlife.
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