The Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree often referred to as the ‘Grande Dame of Polar Exploration’.

Purpose built for adventure in 1991 at Finland’s Rauma shipyard, and specifically designed for Polar exploration, the Heritage Adventurer (formerly known as MS Hanseatic, then RCGS Resolute) is 124-metres long. The ship boasts the highest ice-class rating (1A Super) for a passenger vessel, and an impressive history of Polar and remote region exploration. Equally at home in tropical waters, she is perfect for Heritage Expeditions signature voyages.

Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, we now welcome just 140 expeditioners to create a spacious and comfortable on board experience: a continuation of the exceptional, personalized expedition experience synonymous with the Heritage Expeditions. A fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximize their expedition experience. On board, enjoy stylish, sophisticated accommodations spanning 4 decks, visit the captain and crew in the Bridge with our Open Bridge Policy and dine on gourmet fare from leading Australasian chefs.

Exceptional views

Watch your adventure unfold from numerous spectacular indoor and outdoor viewing locations. The Observation Lounge/Library is located on Deck 7, directly above the Bridge, and features sweeping 270-degree views through floor to ceiling windows. This is the perfect spot for wildlife spotting and quick access to the outer decks. Bring your binoculars to spot wildlife and observe the ever-changing landscapes, write in your journal or relax with a book.

The open-topped Observation Deck is the highest point on the ship, with 360-degree views. Stretching the full width of the vessel, this is the perfect spot to take in the surrounding land and seascapes. Perfect on a sunny day, recline in the comfortable sun loungers protected from the wind and elements and watch your voyage unfold.

No Expedition is complete without visiting the Bridge - the busy nerve center of the ship. Located on Deck 6, Heritage Expeditions’ Open Bridge Policy means you are welcome to observe the Captain and crew at work while enjoying some of the ship’s best views. It’s a fascinating place to learn about navigation and vessel operations, however please note the Bridge is closed when departing and arriving in ports.

Wining and Dining

The Dining Room on Deck 4 is where you can indulge in fine international cuisine from our talented chefs. Sensational 270-degree views provide a stunning backdrop to meals here along with an international wine list featuring many outstanding regional wines. With relaxed seating arrangements, all guests can enjoy dining in a single sitting from hearty breakfasts setting you up for the day’s adventures, to sumptuous lunches and multi-course evening dining.

The Bistro, on Deck 6, is perfect for fast and delicious meals and snacks. Early risers enjoy tea, coffee and light breakfast options, all with great views. The Bistro opens directly onto a covered and heated teak-deck outdoor dining area.

The Bar & Lounge, on Deck 5, is the social hub of the Heritage Adventurer. With seating for all guests, enjoy a beverage at the bar, sink into an armchair, relax on one of teh many spacious loungers and watch the world go by through the panoramic windows. This multi-tasking space also doubles as teh location of daily briefings and evening recaps with the expedition team.

Relaxation and Lectures

A Presentation Theater is located on Deck 2. Enjoy informative and entertaining lectures on history, biology, wildlife, and ecology in comfort. With state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment the world-class expedition team will bring your adventure to life through interactive presentations and discussions.

The well-equipped Gym is adjacent to the pool, hot tub, and sauna - Deck 7’s wellbeing zone. Maintain your routine with an elliptical cross trainer, treadmill, rowing machine, stationary bikes, TRX as well as free weights, yoga mats and fitness balls.

True to her Nordic origins, the Heritage Adventurer features a dry-heat Finnish sauna and European steam room. Perfect for warming up post Polar plunge, or unwinding after a day’s adventures.

An open-air saltwater pool can be heated, or chilled, depending on the voyage destination. Encased in glass the hot tub ensures all-weather use, perfect for those who like to relax with a view following a day of exploring.

Towels are provided in the wellbeing zone with change room and shower amenities nearby.

Stability and Strength

Heritage Adventurer was purpose built for polar expedition cruising with the highest ice class (Lloyds 1AS). Equipped with propellers of stainless steel, high density steel plating and small frame spacing on her hull, the Heritage Adventurer continues into the ice, when others simply cannot. This stability and strength are features greatly appreciated in ice laden large waters. The superior speed capabilities allow for more time at your destination and more flexibility with itinerary planning.

Five Different Cabin Categories

All cabins feature outside views ranging from deck three (single and triple cabins) each with double port holes, to decks 4 through 6 offering expansive panoramic windows. Cabins all have lower berths that have the ability to be single beds, or 1 king bed depending on our guests desires. Extensive renovations in 2018 have provided new carpets, high quality cabinetry with soft close drawers, contemporary and spacious bathroom design, all paired with soft accent lighting offering options dependent on our guests daily activities and mood. All cabins offer modern sectional lounge quarters, providing a quiet nook to read or catch up on journalling. Space is exceptional as each cabin offers 235 square feet (22 meters) living space, whilst the Heritage Suites are absolutely palatial offering double that, with enough room to entertain!

Resolute Bistro Bar & Lounge — Bistro Bar & Lounge

Join us on the Bridge

There is an open-bridge policy and guests are welcome to meet the navigating crew at virtually any time of day; there’s always something to learn from the officers on watch and the bridge is one of the best places on the ship for spotting whales and sea birds. The bridge is closed during times of tricky navigation, pilotage, or weather.

Cabin info:

Heritage Suites are are double suites, at 475 square feet (44m2). All other cabins are half that size, or 235 square feet / 22m2. Suites on decks 4, 5 and 6 have picture windows. Cabins on deck 3 have large portholes.

[rose] Heritage Suites
Located on Deck 6, Heritage Suites are expansive in size and feature large double panoramic windows, king bed, large living area with a sofa, coffee table and chairs and grand marble bathroom with a double basin, bathtub and shower, large writing desk, floor to ceiling cabinetry for storage and a flat screen entertainment system. The panoramic observation lounge and recreation facilities are located nearby on Deck 7, and the bridge is just down the hall from your suite.

[blue] Worsley Suites
Located on Deck 6, Worsley Suites are a spacious and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable chaise- style lounge suite, writing desk, private en-suite bathroom with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.

[lime & fern] Superior Double Cabins
Superior Cabins (double cabins) are located on Decks 4 & 5, and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, lounge area, writing desk, private en-suite bathroom with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.

[lemon & purple] Single Cabins are available on Decks 3 & 5. The Superior Singles on Deck 5 have large panoramic windows, while the Deck 3 Singles feature two porthole windows. On both decks the amenities include a comfortable lounge, writing desk and chair, ample storage and private washroom facilities with shower. A flat screen entertainment system is also included.

[light blue & orange] Triple Cabins are a popular choice for solo travellers willing to share, a family, or a group of friends traveling together. Located on Decks 3 & 5, cabins feature two single beds and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall. Other cabin features include a writing desk and chair, ample storage and private washroom facilities. A flatscreen entertainment system is also included.