Heritage Expeditions & Antarctic Heritage Trust Launch Ross Sea Cruise

Heritage Expeditions is excited to announce a new partnership with the Antarctic Heritage Trust, launching a unique voyage through the Ross Sea in 2025. This special cruise, titled “In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton,” commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Antarctic Heritage Trust’s Inspiring Explorers program, which offers young individuals the chance to experience the polar regions firsthand.

The “In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton” cruise is scheduled to depart on January 7, 2025, from Queenstown, New Zealand, and will return on February 3, 2025. This 28-day expedition to Antarctica provides travelers with an extraordinary opportunity to explore the historic expedition huts of famed explorers Ernest Shackleton and Robert Scott. Guests will step inside these iconic structures, gaining a deeper appreciation for the challenges and triumphs of early Antarctic explorers.

In celebration of the Inspiring Explorers program’s decade-long success, Heritage Expeditions is inviting young people aged 18 to 35 from New Zealand and Australia to apply for positions in the 2025 program. Eight selected applicants will join the cruise, allowing them to connect intimately with Antarctica’s rich exploration history. This initiative aims to inspire the next generation of explorers by providing immersive experiences that go beyond traditional storytelling, enabling participants to engage directly with the landscapes that once tested these legendary figures.

Francesca Eathorne, Executive Director of the Antarctic Heritage Trust, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration. “This is the first time we’ve taken a group of young explorers to visit the historic huts. The opportunity to step inside them will allow the Inspiring Explorers to intimately connect with the legacy of Antarctica’s early explorers, not just through stories, but by experiencing the very landscapes that challenged and inspired them,” she said.

The partnership between Heritage Expeditions and the Antarctic Heritage Trust highlights a shared commitment to preserving Antarctic heritage and fostering educational opportunities for young adventurers. By marking the milestone anniversary of the Inspiring Explorers program, the cruise emphasizes the importance of experiential learning and the preservation of historical sites in promoting a deeper understanding of Antarctica’s exploration history.

Throughout the cruise, participants will engage in a variety of educational and interactive activities designed to enhance their knowledge of Antarctica’s unique environment and the significance of the expedition huts. The itinerary includes guided tours, expert-led discussions, and hands-on experiences that delve into both the scientific and cultural aspects of the polar region.

Heritage Expeditions is renowned for its bespoke travel experiences, and this collaboration with the Antarctic Heritage Trust exemplifies the company’s dedication to offering meaningful and impactful journeys. The Ross Sea voyage not only provides an exceptional travel opportunity but also contributes to ongoing efforts to honor and preserve the history of Antarctic exploration.

As Heritage Expeditions and the Antarctic Heritage Trust embark on this commemorative journey, they invite adventure enthusiasts and aspiring explorers to join them in celebrating the spirit of discovery and the enduring legacy of those who pioneered Antarctic exploration.