1991 (refurbished 2022)
6
82
100
15KN
91.4m
2
2
Often called the ‘Grande Dame of Expedition Cruising’, Heritage Adventurer is a purpose-built polar vessel of rare pedigree. Constructed in 1991 at Finland’s Rauma shipyard and significantly refurbished in 2022, she carries the passenger-ship ice-class rating (1A Super) and an extraordinary record of polar firsts, including navigations of both the Northwest and Northeast Passages.
Originally built for 184 guests, she now welcomes just 140 expeditioners, a deliberate choice that brings space, comfort and genuinely personal service. With fewer than the IAATO landing limit aboard and a fleet of fourteen Zodiacs, everyone goes ashore together, maximising time in remote and pristine surroundings. This is expedition-style cruising in its truest form, research led, focused on off ship exploration and immersive wildlife encounters.
Onboard, classic, light-filled interiors include a 270-degree observation lounge, library, two restaurants, a bar, gym, sauna, enclosed hot tub and a heated saltwater pool. An open bridge policy encourages easy contact with the captain and crew.
This is a ship for travellers who value access, substance and comfort. Zodiacs support landings and wildlife encounters, while the ship’s open bridge policy adds to the sense of being part of a real expedition rather than simply observing from the sidelines. Heritage Adventurer is especially well suited to the Subantarctic Islands, the Ross Sea, and other remote routes where capability, flexibility, and expert leadership are central to the experience.
Guests: 3 Twin + upper berth
Size: 22m2
Decks: 3
Two porthole windows , twin beds with a fold-down Pullman berth making it ideal for three travelling together. A comfortable lounge and writing desk, private en-suite includes a shower. Ample storage keeps expedition gear tidy, and a flat-screen entertainment system completes the room.
Guests: 1, King
Size: 22m2
Decks: 3
A generous solo retreat with two porthole windows framing the passing seascape. A comfortable lounge and writing desk, private en-suite with shower. Ample storage absorbs layers and equipment, and a flat-screen entertainment system rounds out a thoughtfully appointed single.
Guests: 2, King/Twin
Size: 22m2
Decks: 4
Large panoramic windows, a comfortable lounge and writing desk offer, and private en-suite with shower. Flat-screen entertainment system and storage make it a comfortable base for daily exploration.
Guests: 2, King/Twin
Size: 22m2
Decks: 5
Set higher in the ship, this cabin has large panoramic windows, a comfortable lounge and writing desk. Private en-suite includes a shower. Generous storage and a flat-screen entertainment system complete a refined, light-filled retreat.
Guests: 1, King
Size: 22m2
Decks: 5
A bright, elevated single with large panoramic windows and a king bed. A comfortable lounge and writing desk, and the private en-suite includes a shower. Storage for cold-weather layers and gear, with a flat-screen entertainment system.
Guests: 3, Twin + upper berth
Size: 22m2
Decks: 5
Large panoramic windows and an upper-deck position, with a fold-down Pullman berth alongside two singles for flexible sharing. A comfortable lounge and writing desk offer welcome breathing room, while the private en-suite includes a shower. Ample storage keeps three travellers organised, and a flat-screen entertainment system finishes the cabin.
Guests: 6
Size: 22m2
Decks: 6
An elevated Deck 6 suite with large panoramic windows and a chaise-style lounge suite. Writing desk and a private en-suite with shower, with ample storage throughout. Complimentary in-room dining, a daily-replenished minibar, complimentary laundry and a US$100 per-person spa credit complete this elegant retreat
Guests: 2, King
Size: 44m2
Decks: 6
The ship’s most spacious accommodation, with twin panoramic windows and a separate living area featuring a sofa, coffee table and chairs. A grand marble bathroom offers a double basin, separate bathtub and shower, while a large writing desk and floor-to-ceiling cabinetry provide generous storage. Complimentary in-room dining, a daily-replenished minibar, complimentary laundry and a US$100 per-person spa credit complete this elegant retreat
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Paddle quietly into sheltered coves and habitats beyond the reach of the Zodiacs, guided by an expert kayak leader. Gliding past kelp forests, rock stacks and resting wildlife, you experience the polar wilderness at its most intimate, the only sounds your paddle and the calls of seabirds overhead. A memorable way to engage directly with this vast wilderness.
Nosing into ice-filled bays and along wildlife-rich coastlines just above the waterline, you feel the cold air, hear calving glaciers and watch penguins and seals at close range, the small ship advantage that large vessels simply cannot offer in these remote, pristine waters.
Visit the bridge to watch the captain and officers at work, learn how the ship is navigated through ice and open ocean, and take in some of the finest views aboard. This relaxed access reflects the ship’s personable character and gives curious travellers a genuine sense of life at the helm of an expedition vessel.
Step onto beaches, tussock-covered slopes and historic sites accompanied by naturalists, historians and botanists who bring each place to life. Walks range from gentle strolls to longer coastal hikes, letting you set foot among penguin rookeries, seabird colonies and the relics of early explorers. Guests should be reasonably mobile to make the most of time ashore.
From the open decks and 270-degree observation lounge, scan for penguins, albatross, seals and whales as the ship moves through some of the planet’s richest waters. Expedition days begin early to catch wildlife at its most active and the soft morning light prized by photographers. Expert guides help you spot, identify and understand each encounter.
Speak with one of our polar destination specialists to begin planning your journey. With deep regional knowledge and a wealth of first-hand experience, our consultants will take the time to understand your travel style and guide you towards the voyage thats right for you.
You can also email us on hello@polarfrontiers.com.
+61 3 9640 0622Alternatively, fill out the form below.
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