'Our guests discovered 11 new mammal species on an expedition cruise'

How many ships do you have and where do they go? 

Heritage Expeditions operates two purpose-built luxurious expedition vessels – our 140-guest flagship Heritage Adventurer and 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer.

Heritage Adventurer, aka the ’Grande Dame of Exploration Cruising’, marries the spacious, refined sophistication and romance of authentic expedition travel with the highest passenger iceclass rating (1A Super) and an impressive pedigree of expedition firsts.

She sails around the remote islands of Japan, Philippines and Indonesia, through the South Pacific paradises of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, along Australia’s iconic Kimberley coast, around New Zealand and down to the wildlife havens of Australia and New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands and into the heart of Antarctica and the Ross Sea.

Heritage Explorer, built in New Zealand by one of the country’s leading boat builders, sets a new standard for discovery travel in New Zealand combining the ultimate in comfort with unique, intimate explorations of Marlborough Sounds and Abel Tasman, Stewart Island and through the world-famous sounds, fiords and waterways of Fiordland.

You lead expeditions yourself... what’s been your favourite voyage? 

I have been fortunate enough to explore the seven seas as an expedition leader over the last 20 years so there is a long list of favourite memories. A couple that stand out in the memory include leading the first visit with the Kawio people of Malaita in the Solomon Islands, the opportunity to spend time with Chief Esau and the community hearing their stories and understanding their way of life is a true privilege.

Earlier this year I was leading our January expedition to the Ross Sea region of Antarctica and late one evening the pack ice opened to allow us access to Scott’s Hut at Cape Evans. We then spent a magical night in the footsteps of Captain Scott and his men before returning to the ship for breakfast. 

How are your Antarctica cruises different to other operators?

We are currently the only expedition cruise company sailing into the Ross Sea – heart of Antarctica – from New Zealand. As its name suggests, our In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton voyage follows in the footsteps of these heroic explorers and is the ultimate in bucket list travel. Due to impenetrable pack ice guests can only visit during January and February, sailing through the roaring forties, furious fifties and screaming sixties crossing the Antarctic Circle and into the silent seventies and realm of 24-hour daylight.

Guests travel with our team of expert biologists, geologists and historians as we spend 12 days exploring the Ross Ice Shelf, Zodiac cruise icebergs, visit research stations, observe whales and seals, visit some of Antarctica’s largest penguin colonies, walk on the ice with emperor penguins and step inside the preserved historic huts of Scott and Shackleton. This voyage also includes the wildlife havens of New Zealand and Australia’s Unesco World Heritage-listed Subantarctic Islands, which break up our voyage down to and back from the ice. 

Which part of the world do you think has real potential for expedition cruising? 

We have just finished our first Japan season and it really is quite extraordinary – it has the world’s sixth longest coastline and more than 6,800 islands and islets. Add its seamless blend of ancient customs, ultramodern living and neon-lit cities, temples, rich culture and wildlife-filled national parks to the mix and its a perfect destination for exploration by expedition ship.

Similarly the islands of Indonesia continue to surprise – this season we were the first expedition ship to visit Taliabu Island, last season were the first to visit Buru Island and season prior guests discovered 11 new mammal species, including eight species of bat, on Kofiau Island alongside acclaimed author, scientist, conservationist and explorer Professor Tim Flannery.

Who is your typical client?

There is no typical guest, Heritage Expeditions’ unique itineraries, destinations and experiences attract guests from all walks of life, however all share a common sense of adventure and interest in the natural world. The very nature of expedition cruising to far-flung destinations and one-of-a-kind cultural, wilderness and wildlife encounters invites adventurous spirits and intrepid explorers. This makes it perfect for groups, those travelling with family and partners and for solo travellers, with incredible friendships forged over shared life-changing experiences.