8 Night Cruise sailing from Port Vila to Hobart aboard Heritage Adventurer.

Join expedition cruise pioneers Heritage Expeditions onthe ultimate voyage of discovery as we sail remote, uncharted waters in the search for rare and elusive pelagic seabirds and cetaceans from Port Vila to Hobart. Specially designed with birders, whale, dolphin and cruise enthusiasts and adventurers in mind this pelagic voyage offers a rare opportunity to sample an extraordinary cross section of the southwestern Pacific and contribute to citizen science. Our 9-day sea journey begins in Port Vila, Vanuatu, from where we will sail immediately offshore, crossing to the north of New Caledonia, past the super remote Chesterfield Reefsand from there towards Australian waters and southbound, far offshore, all the way to Hobart, Tasmania.

In areas with promising oceanographic features, or that we feel may be home to particularly desirable species, we will pause along our journey to try and obtain better observations of some of the seabirds which frequent these remote sections of ocean.

As we transit far offshore through the deep waters of the Coral Sea south to the edge of the Southern Ocean we will be able to witness an astounding diversity of sea birds and, hopefully, cetaceans as well. Much of our journey will be through waters poorly, or never before surveyed, for seabirds and marine mammals so we expect to make some intriguing discoveries for citizen science. By logging and sharing our sightings we will be able provide a better understanding of the incredible wildlife that is out there at this time of year.

With much of the voyage being in rarely explored Australian waters this expedition is a must-do for any Australian birders and naturalists wishing to visit some of the most far-flungand rarely visited areas of Australia. With such a diversity of species possible, including many rarely seen ones, it is sure to have wider appeal among anyone with an interest in pelagic birding or cetacean watching.

Join us as we chart new waters on an authentic expedition cruise and experience the thrill of sailing through unknown waters observing and recording poorly known birds and marine mammals.

Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Often referred to as the 'Grande Dame of Polar Exploration' due to her celebrated history and refined design, she was purposebuilt for adventure in 1991 at Finland's Rauma shipyard and specifically designed for Polar exploration.

Setting a peerless standard in authentic expedition travel, Heritage Adventurer (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) combines the highest passenger ship iceclass rating (1A Super) with an impressive history of Polar exploration. Having held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations, and for traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages, makes Heritage Adventurer perfect for pioneering New Zealand-based Heritage Expeditions signature experiential expedition travel.

Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 expeditioners ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximise their expedition adventure. Heritage Adventurer proudly continues our traditions of exceptional, personalised expedition experiences as Heritage Expeditions flagship.

Every year Heritage Expeditions voyages with small groups of between 18 and 140 intrepid travellers to some of the most unique and remote islands, coasts and shorelines on earth aboard their expedition ships Heritage Adventurer and Heritage Explorer on voyages ranging from 5 – 28 days.

Founded in 1985 by the Russ family in Christchurch, New Zealand, Heritage Expeditions is still proudly family-owned and operated. Contributing to conservation through experiential learning and providing funds for research and management, they are pioneers in environmentally-responsible expedition travel offering intimate group excursions to Antarctica and the Subantarctic Islands, through the Pacific, and around New Zealand on their purpose built expedition ships.

Each expedition is meticulously planned and led by a team of botanists, ornithologists, naturalists and experts in their field, ensuring guests maximise every opportunity to learn, discover and experience as much as possible, while minimising the impact of their visit and returning as ambassadors for these very special places.