Heritage Adventurer Prices, Itineraries, Photos, Deck Plans, Cabins & Reviews 2025-2026

Max Passengers: 140
Ship Type: Expedition Cruise Ship
Operated by: Heritage Expeditions

Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Often referred to as the 'Grande Dame of Polar Exploration' 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 (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) combines the highest passenger ship ice-class rating (1A Super) with an impressive history of Polar exploration. Having held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations, and for traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages, makes Heritage Adventurer perfect for pioneering New Zealand-based Heritage Expeditions signature experiential expedition travel.

Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 expeditions ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximize their expedition adventure. Heritage Adventurer proudly continues our traditions of exceptional, personalized expedition experiences as Heritage Expeditions flagship.

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Departures

Available Itineraries

Galapagos of the Southern Ocean: New Zealand and Australia's Subantarctic Islands

12 Days from $9,250

Take a 12-day wildlife trip on Heritage Adventurer through New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands: the Snares, Auckland, Macquarie, and Campbell. These islands' high biodiversity provides enough opportunities to observe and photograph unique Subantarctic flora and wildlife. Expert naturalists aboard the ship provide a wealth of information.

Unseen Fiordland and Stewart Island: Exploring New Zealand's Remote Backyard

6 Days from $3,750

Explore New Zealand's southernmost regions on a six-day journey aboard the Heritage Adventurer. Indulge in a rare opportunity to visit both the wildlife-rich Stewart and Ulva Islands and the glacier-cut summits only accessible by expedition ship on one voyage. This is an experience you won't want to miss out on.

Indonesian Explorer: Bali, Raja Ampat & Papua New Guinea

18 Days from $12,750

Admire Indonesia's extraordinary diversity during this unique 18-day cruise aboard the Heritage Adventurer, sailing from Manado all the way to Madang with ample opportunities to explore the stunning submarine landscape by snorkeling, kayaking and more!

In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton: Ross Sea Antarctica

28 Days from $29,450

Visit the subantarctic islands of Snares, Auckland, Macquarie, and Campbell, in the unique Southern Ocean en route your 28-day Antarctica expedition on the Ross Sea. Aboard Heritage Adventurer, spot penguins, seabirds, seals, and whales as you explore via zodiacs and on wildlife walks.

Rock formations along the coast of Kimberly

Kimberley Explorer: Expedition Cruising Australia's Iconic Kimberley Coast

11 Days from $6,550

Join Heritage Adventurer on this brand-new 11-day cruise expedition along Australia's world-renowned coast and Kimberley, one of the world's most pristine and unspoiled wildernesses. This tour highlights King George Falls, which cascades 80 meters down cliffs that are 2,000 million years old, Aboriginal rock art, World War II relics, and the history of early explorers.

Discover the Secrets of Melanesia: Papua New Guinea, The Solomon Islands & Vanuatu

17 Days from $11,995

Enjoy a 17-day expedition cruise on the Heritage Adventurer to explore the Secrets of Melanesia. Explore the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef and lush rainforests of Madang. Snorkel in pristine waters around Nissan Island and discover vibrant marine life in the New Georgia Islands. Visit the culturally rich Torres Islands and the iconic Champagne Beach in Vanuatu.

Japan's National Parks, Art and Culture

16 Days from $12,250

Join this 16-day Japan's National Parks, Art, and Culture expedition cruise from Osaka to Osaka, including South Korea, aboard Heritage Adventurer. An unforgettable circumnavigation of Japan's main island, Honshu, and exploration of its wilderness, arts, culture, and rich history.

Western Pacific Odyssey WPO

15 Days from $9,995

Embark on the 'WPO' expedition, a 15-day birder's dream cruise aboard Heritage Adventurer. Encounter rare seabirds, island endemics, and remarkable cetaceans as you sail through the pristine landscapes of the Southwest Pacific. Explore remote beaches, enjoy vibrant sunsets, and immerse yourself in diverse ecosystems.

Discover the Islands of Japan: A 12-day Voyage of Japan Between Tokyo & Osaka, Including South Korea

12 Days from $9,185

Discover hidden gems on a 12-day voyage between Tokyo & Osaka aboard Heritage Adventurer. Explore Matsue, Hagi, and Yakushima Island. Visit Uwajima's pearl farms, iconic gardens like Kenroku-en, and delve into Nagasaki's WWII history. Explore Fukuoka and discover South Korea's Gyeongju and Haeinsa Temple.

Grand Pacific Odyssey GPO

15 Days from $9,995

Embark on a 15-day cruise with Heritage Adventure, an expedition cruising reef-fringed tropical islands, visiting historic sites, and experiencing forgotten cultures and incredible wildlife encounters from New Zealand to Papua New Guinea

Eternally Sacred Japan & South Korea: Japan Voyage Between Tokyo and Osaka, incl. South Korea

11 Days from $8,395

Join this 11-day Eternally Sacred Japan & South Korea cruise from Tokyo to Osaka aboard Heritage Adventurer. Discover the historic castle town of Matsue, the ancient town of Hagi, the sacred Miyajima, historic Hiroshima, & more. Learn Japan's ancient heritage & traditional culture in contrast with the world's most advanced technological civilization.

Loboc river in the rainforest Philippines, Bohol

Asian Island Odyssey: Cruising the Remote Islands of the Philippines & Indonesia, Taipei to Darwin

19 Days from $14,550

Join this 19-day Asian Island Odyssey, cruising from Taipei to Darwin aboard Heritage Adventurer. Traverse the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator. Explore islands with blue waters, pristine coral gardens, and intriguing wildlife. Highlights include Taiwan’s Yehliu Geopark and Taroko National Park, swimming with Whale Sharks, and more.

Western Pacific Odyssey - Extension

25 Days from $11,695

Embark on the Western Pacific Odyssey, a renowned birding expedition encompassing rare seabirds, island endemics, and captivating marine life. Sail through the Hauraki Gulf to Papua New Guinea and Japan, witnessing nature's wonders in the South West Pacific.

Grand Pacific Odyssey - Extension

25 Days from $11,695

Sail on a 25-day Grand Pacific Odyssey from New Zealand to Japan with Heritage Expeditions. Experience the thrill of visiting remote islands, snorkeling in pristine coral reefs, and engaging in cultural exchanges. Highlights include exploring UNESCO World Heritage Site Norfolk Island, discovering French-infused New Caledonia, and visiting idyllic islands.

New Zealand Coastal Odyssey: The Ultimate Expedition Cruise of the New Zealand Coast

14 Days from $5,985

Join the 14-day cruise aboard the Heritage Adventurer to uncover the hidden treasures of New Zealand. From the breathtaking beauty of the North Island, South Island, and Stewart Island to the wonders of Fiordland, Rotorua's geothermal attractions, and picturesque towns.

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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.

Lisa Bridge

Heritage Adventurer