Originally launched in 1991 as MS Hanseatic at a cost of USD $75 million, this ice-strengthened vessel holds the record for most northerly navigation by a non-icebreaker passenger ship (85°40.7'N in August 2014) and has completed 11 Northwest Passage transits—more than any other passenger vessel.
The ship joined Heritage Expeditions in 2022 and underwent Stage 1 refurbishment in September 2025. It features Lloyd's 1A Super / GL E4 ice class—the highest passenger ship rating—and an operating range of 25 days without refueling.
Dining Venues
The Main Dining Room (Deck 4) serves fine international cuisine with 270-degree views. The Bistro Restaurant (Deck 6) offers simple, fast meals and themed regional dinners. House beer, wine, and soft drinks are included at lunch and dinner.
Public Spaces
- Observation Lounge (Deck 7): Forward-facing 270-degree floor-to-ceiling windows, library, wildlife spotting
- Bar and Lounge (Deck 5): Social hub with full bar, panoramic windows, daily briefings
- Presentation Theatre (Deck 2): 78-80 tiered seats, state-of-the-art AV equipment
- Observation Deck (Deck 8): Open-topped 360-degree views, sun loungers
Health and Fitness
Deck 7 hosts a heated saltwater swimming pool, glass-enclosed hot tub/jacuzzi, Finnish sauna, European steam room, fitness center with cardio and free weights, and spa with massage therapy.
Cabin Categories (74 staterooms, 6 grades)
- Heritage Suite (4): 44 m², Double panoramic windows, king bed, marble bathroom with bathtub + separate shower. Perks include in-room dining, daily minibar, free laundry, $100 spa credit
- Worsley Suite (8): 22 m², Large panoramic windows, king/twin beds, chaise lounge
- Superior Cabin: 22 m², Large picture windows, king/twin beds, lounge area
- Main Deck Cabin: 22 m², Large picture windows, Deck 4
All cabins are outside-facing with en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TV, climate control, safe, mini fridge, and USB ports.
Expedition features: 14 large-capacity Zodiacs (15 passengers each), kayaking on select itineraries, expedition team includes naturalists, botanists, historians, and ornithologists.
Destinations: Ross Sea Antarctica, New Zealand Subantarctic Islands, Fiordland, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Indonesia (Raja Ampat, Komodo), Kimberley Coast, Japan, Philippines.