Heritage Expeditions is sending its newest expedition ship to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, on an exclusive preview voyage, with discounts of up to 40 per cent on offer.
The New Zealand-based small-ship operator has released The Ultimate South Georgia, Falklands and Antarctic Peninsula Cruise, a 21-day return voyage from Ushuaia sailing 19 November – 9 December 2026 aboard their new ship Heritage Discoverer. The ship begins her maiden voyage in 2027, making this voyage a rare opportunity to experience the vessel in one of the world’s most demanding expedition environments before the broader market gets onboard.
South Georgia to Antarctica is one of the world’s great expedition routes
The itinerary is structured around three distinct wilderness zones. Two days in the Falkland Islands gives passengers time to move between East and West Falkland, where five penguin species share the landscape with Southern Sea Lions, South American Fur Seals, Southern Elephant Seals and what is reportedly the world’s largest Black-browed Albatross colony. The capital, Stanley, adds a layer of colonial and military history.
South Georgia follows, with four days in what is known as the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean. Penguins, seabirds and Antarctic Fur Seals number in the millions here. The voyage includes a visit to Grytviken, the former whaling station and site of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s grave.
Five days on the Antarctic Peninsula close out the expedition, timed to coincide with early breeding season when penguin colonies are at their most chaotic and productive, icebergs carry passengers of their own – Chinstrap, Gentoo and Adélie Penguins riding the ice – and Weddell, Leopard and Crabeater Seals, Humpback and Minke Whales, and Orca work the same feeding grounds. Possible landing sites include Cuverville Island, Paradise Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Cierva Cove, Whalers Bay, Brown Bluff and Elephant Island.
Commercial Director and Expedition Leader Aaron Russ said the timing and vessel combination were deliberate.
“Heritage Discoverer was purpose-built for authentic adventures like this and I can think of no better first voyage than navigating and exploring the rich history, astounding wildlife and frozen landscapes of these wild and remote parts of the world,” he said.
Heritage Discoverer was built for polar voyages
Built at the same Finnish shipyard as sister vessel Heritage Adventurer, Heritage Discoverer is a seven-deck, 108-metre expedition ship refurbished in both 2023 and 2026. She carries a maximum of 130 expeditioner cruisers alongside an expedition team of 15, with 14 Zodiacs to take advantage of maximum excursions.
Key ship specifications at a glance:
- 70 ocean-view accommodation options including 12 suites ranging from 37 to 67 square metres, each with a private balcony
- Dining Room, Outside Grill, Bar and Lounge, Observation Lounge, Presentation Lounge
- Fitness Centre, two outdoor Jacuzzis, Gift Shop
- Panoramic Bridge with Heritage Expeditions’ open bridge policy
- Fully equipped Medical Centre
Discounts for early booking commitments
The voyage was released 30 April 2026 with time-limited early booking discounts:
- Returning Heritage Expeditions guests: 40 per cent saving
- First-time travellers with Heritage: 30 per cent saving
- Booking deadline for both discounts: 30 June 2026
At those rates, and on a 21-day voyage to one of the most remote itineraries available in the expedition market, this is a meaningful incentive. Heritage Expeditions is a family-owned operator, and this is a preview season – so inventory on a 130-berth ship at a significant discount will not last long.
