18 Night Cruise sailing from Ushuaia roundtrip aboard Hanseatic.

On this expedition, you will follow the trails of explorers and adventurers and set course for a boundary only very few people ever cross - the Antarctic Circle. A number of Zodiac rides will reveal to you a species-rich animal kingdom in spectacular landscapes of ice and rock - be assured of unforgettable memories.

Highlights of this cruise:

A bit of England on the Falkland Islands
Victorian houses in the middle of the South Pacific - in Stanley, you will set foot on British overseas territory. You may even find the landscape somewhat reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands. The capital of the Falkland Islands is at the same time the last outpost of civilisation on your cruise. Join the experts on a nature study hike along the coast or visit the southernmost Anglican church in the world.

Animal Observations on South Georgia
The next natural paradise awaits you. The mountaineous, jagged landscape of the island accommodates more than 100 glaciers. South Georgia is one of the most important brooding habitats of king penguins, huge colonies of which live here. During numerous Zodiac landings, amongst others in Salisbury Plain and Gold Harbour, fantastic insights into their world will be revealed to you. Elephant seals are lying in the tall tussock grass while petrels, skuas and terns populate the sky. A unique experience. The grave of the Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is to be found in the small settlement of Grytviken. You can see the memorial plaques which have been laid on his place of rest by ships' crews over the years in the little whaling church. We will subsequently sail through the Scotia Sea. Weather permitting, you will also land with the Zodiacs on the remote South Orkney Islands and visit the research station there (subject to approval).

Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands: Adventure in the Ice
On numerous Zodiac rides and landings, the miraculous world of the sixth continent will reveal spectacular insights to you. Paulet Island, for instance, was the setting of a dramatic story: In 1903, Otto Nordenskjöld and his expedition team spent ten months here waiting to be rescued in the middle of the Arctic winter - a matter of life and death. Today, the island is home to countless Adelie penguins which share the small habitat with blue-eyed cormorants. In the heart of the Antarctic wilderness, the hot springs on Deception Island invite you for a bath. Deception Island consists of the remnants of a volcanic crater which embrace a large lake.

The Magic of the Antarctic Circle
The adventure Antarctica awaits you with gigantic icebergs, exciting Zodiac rides and a breathtaking animal kingdom. The further the HANSEATIC advances southwards, the more impressive the endless white of Antarctica surrounding you - such as the gigantic fissured glacier pinnacles in Paradise Bay. Once the HANSEATIC has passed the up to 1,000 m high mountains to either side of the Lemaire Channel, everyone on board will be breathless with excitement. Listen to the cracking of the drift ice which is being pushed aside by the steel-reinforced bow of the ship. The height of excitement is reached when the sound of the ship's siren cuts through the anticipation-filled silence - you are passing
the Antarctic Circle! Now, the nautically challenging weather and ice conditions as well as the captain with his many years of experience will determine whether we will head further south for Detaille Island. Additional Zodiac landings are planned at Port Lockroy and on Cuverville Island, where gentoo penguins await you - or you may encounter whales on the way to South America at the end of this unforgettable Antarctic expedition.