Swan Hellenic has included its brand new 2027 Grand Voyage in its Elevated Expeditions offer, enabling enthusiasts who book before the end of March 2026 to enjoy big savings and perks on this special voyage. The offer package comprises an inclusive, plus onboard credit of up to USD 500 per guest and a free wi-fi upgrade. Ultimate Antarctica Adventure: From Ushuaia to Dunedin
The exceptional new itinerary showcases Ultimate Antarctica as the journey begins in Argentina’s dramatic southern frontier, where Ushuaia’s colourful streets rise beneath snow-capped peaks. From there, guests will sail towards the breathtaking wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula. Towering glaciers and brilliant blue icebergs create an otherworldly landscape here, while the astonishing wildlife includes gentoo and chinstrap penguins, Weddell seals and migrating whales. The narrow Lemaire Channel nicknamed the “Kodak Gap” offers one of Antarctica’s most spectacular passages when clear of Antarctic sea ice for navigation. Its mirror-calm waters reflect sheer ice cliffs and offer shore landings that may include the serene and wildlife-rich Mikkelsen Harbour.
Sailing deeper into rarely visited territory south of the Antarctic Circle, SH Minerva will reach the remote volcanic Peter I Island, one of the least accessible islands on Earth. Claimed by Norway and almost entirely ice-covered, this isolated outpost is surrounded by immense drifting icebergs and provides refuge for elephant seals and seabirds such as Cape petrels and southern fulmars.
Among the voyage’s historical highlights is the Bay of Whales, once the closest navigable point to the South Pole and the base camp of legendary explorer Roald Amundsen during his successful 1911 expedition. Although the original bay vanished when the massive B-9 iceberg broke away in 1987, the area remains a powerful symbol of human endurance, ambition and discovery.
Guests will also experience the rare thrill of crossing the International Date Line, where time itself shifts. SH Minerva will then continue into the legendary Ross Sea, often described as “the last ocean” and one of the most pristine marine ecosystems on the planet. This remote protected region hosts Antarctica’s largest and most southerly Adélie penguin colonies, along with orcas, emperor penguins and huts from the heroic age of early 20th-century exploration. When the weather and ice conditions permit, guests will be able to visit the historic huts of Shackleton’s, Scott’s and Borchgrevink’s expeditions.
Further along the route, the dramatic volcanic Balleny Islands will emerge from the Southern Ocean, their jagged silhouettes, a reminder of nature’s raw power. Discovered in 1839 and still rarely visited, these striking islands are the summer feeding grounds of humpback, fin and minke whales, as well as crabeater, Weddell, elephant and leopard seals.
The final leg of the voyage will offer the opportunity to participate in Zodiac expeditions and explore the Sub-Antarctic islands south of New Zealand. These include Campbell Island, the habitat of royal albatross and giant petrels. Visit Enderby Island, where it’s possible to spot unique wildlife such as Hooker’s sea lions and yellow eyed penguins, and the island’s rich flora features the world’s southernmost Rata “forests”with stunted trees tough enough to survive the harsh climate. Finally, arrival to Snares Island, home to the Snares Crested Penguin, before the SH Minerva arrives in Dunedin, a charming coastal city known for its heritage, spectacular scenery, and vibrant cultural life.
Both 32 night voyages follow the same breathtaking itinerary aboard boutique ice-class expedition ship SH Minerva, departing Ushuaia in South America to explore across the most remote, pristine and awe inspiring regions of Antarctica to New Zealand. The first voyage – Ultimate Antarctica Adventure: From Ushuaia to Dunedin – sails from February 3rd to March 8th 2027 (inclusive price from £21,620 pp, Extended Offer by 31st March 2026), while the second is Ultimate Antarctica Adventure: From Ushuaia to Dunedin, departing on February 4th, 2028, to reach New Zealand on March 7th, 2028 (inclusive price from £22,975 pp).
The 2027 departure can also be seamlessly combined with the 13-night New Zealand in Depth from Dunedin to Auckland (inclusive price £8,325 pp), a rare opportunity to discover the astonishing natural and cultural wonders of New Zealand from the sea. Highlights from South to North along the coasts of all three of its biggest islands include Dusky, Doubtful and Milford Sounds, Oban and Golden Bay on Stewart Island, Akaroa, Kaikoura, Picton, the Abel Tasman National Park, Wellington, Tauranga, the Bay of Islands and of course Aukland itself.
Presenting the many discovery opportunities offered by this outstanding new voyage, Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito commented: “This remarkable journey is one of the most comprehensive and exclusive Antarctic expedition voyages ever offered. At 32 nights long, it really is a Grand Voyage, seamlessly blending scientific discovery, natural beauty and historic exploration in a single unforgettable crossing of the White Continent.”
Throughout the voyage, guests will savour the onboard experiences for which Swan Hellenic has won an outstanding 4.7 out of 5 rating from Cruise Critic Members. Particularly commended are the refined accommodation and state-of-the-art wellness facilities on its luxury boutique ships, the insightful lectures by polar experts, and immersive expeditions that deepen understanding of Antarctica’s fragile ecosystems, wildlife and exploration heritage.
