Heritage Expeditions has expanded its sailing calendar with seven new itineraries for Heritage Discoverer’s maiden 2027–2028 season. The program will take the expedition ship from the Atlantic coast of Europe to the islands of the High Arctic and the wildlife-rich waters surrounding Antarctica.
Formerly known as Silver Explorer, Heritage Discoverer will allow the New Zealand-based cruise company to resume its High Arctic and Antarctic Peninsula expeditions while introducing new journeys along the coasts of Portugal, Spain, France and the British Isles.
The ship is scheduled to begin sailing with Heritage Expeditions in May 2027, marking what company directors Aaron and Nathan Russ describe as a new chapter in the family-owned operator’s more than 40-year history.
“This is the beginning of a new era, and the arrival of a truly global expedition cruise offering for Heritage Expeditions and our guests,” said Nathan Russ.
From Europe’s Atlantic coast to the polar regions
The seven new voyages combine expedition cruising with cultural exploration, wildlife encounters and visits to remote islands that are often difficult to reach by conventional cruise ships.
European itineraries will introduce travellers to coastal communities, archaeological sites, historic ports and celebrated food and wine regions. Farther north, Heritage Discoverer will explore Iceland, Greenland and Svalbard before heading south for a series of Antarctic voyages later in the season.
The expanded program follows the previously announced addition of the vessel to the company’s fleet. Readers can learn more about the ship’s background in DRIFT Travel’s earlier report on Heritage Discoverer joining Heritage Expeditions.
Atlantic Shores Odyssey
The maiden season begins with a 12-day sailing from Lisbon to Portsmouth, departing May 2, 2027.
The Atlantic Shores Odyssey follows the western edge of Europe through Portugal, Spain, France and the Channel Islands. Along the way, passengers will encounter a combination of maritime heritage, regional cuisine, historic architecture and less-visited coastal destinations.
The itinerary concludes in Portsmouth after calls in Guernsey and Sark, offering an alternative perspective on Europe beyond its major cities and traditional cruise ports.
British Isles, Ireland and Scotland
Departing Portsmouth on May 12, 2027, this 12-day expedition travels through the Channel Islands and along the coastlines of England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland.
The itinerary is designed around the region’s remote islands, wildlife habitats, gardens and historic sites. Planned destinations include the Isles of Scilly, the Isle of Man, the Hebrides and the Scottish islands of Skye, Rùm, Iona and Islay.
St Kilda, an isolated archipelago recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both its cultural and natural significance, is another highlight of the voyage. As with any expedition itinerary, landings and island visits will depend on local weather and sea conditions.
Scotland, the Faroe Islands and Iceland
Heritage Discoverer will continue north from Glasgow on May 22 for a 13-day journey to Reykjavík.
The voyage explores the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland before crossing to the Faroe Islands and Iceland. It will be particularly appealing to travellers interested in seabirds, Viking history, archaeology and the dramatic landscapes of the North Atlantic.
Remote cliffs, prehistoric monuments and island communities provide the focus as the ship follows historic maritime routes between Scotland and Iceland.
Iceland’s Fire and Ice Circumnavigation
Beginning and ending in Reykjavík, the 11-day Iceland circumnavigation departs June 2, 2027.
Sailing during the period of extended summer daylight, the voyage will showcase Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, glaciers, fjords and geothermal features. Zodiac excursions and shore landings will provide opportunities to explore coastal wilderness and look for wildlife while learning about Icelandic history, folklore and geology.
Because the itinerary circles the island, it also provides access to remote regions that many land-based visitors do not reach during a conventional Iceland vacation.
Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland
The season’s 15-day High Arctic expedition begins July 21, 2027. The journey includes a pre-voyage stay in Paris before continuing to Svalbard and ending in Reykjavík.
Guests will cross the Arctic Circle and explore a region characterized by sea ice, tundra, glacier-carved fjords and towering bird cliffs. Potential wildlife sightings include polar bears, walruses, musk oxen and Arctic foxes, although encounters in these remote environments can never be guaranteed.
The voyage represents Heritage Expeditions’ return to the High Arctic and expands the company’s sailing program beyond its established Southern Ocean routes.
Antarctic Peninsula expedition
Heritage Discoverer will head south later in 2027 for several voyages to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.
Departing round-trip from Ushuaia, the 11- and 12-day expeditions are scheduled for November and December 2027 and January 2028. After crossing the Drake Passage, travellers will enter a landscape of icebergs, glaciers and wildlife colonies.
Daily activities may include Zodiac cruising, shore landings, wildlife observation and presentations from the expedition team. The exact route will be determined by ice, weather and wildlife conditions.
DRIFT Travel has also covered the ship’s earlier Antarctic preview voyage aboard Heritage Discoverer.
South Georgia, the Falklands and Antarctica
The longest of the new itineraries combines three of the Southern Ocean’s most celebrated expedition destinations.
The 22-day voyage is scheduled to depart Ushuaia on November 2 and December 21, 2027. It first visits the Falkland Islands and South Georgia before continuing to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Timed around the Southern Hemisphere’s breeding season and longer daylight hours, the voyage is expected to offer opportunities to observe large colonies of penguins and seabirds, along with seals and other marine wildlife.
South Georgia also brings a strong historical dimension to the journey. The island is closely associated with the era of Antarctic exploration and Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose grave is located at Grytviken.
A ship designed for small-group exploration
Heritage Discoverer is a seven-deck, 108-metre expedition ship that underwent upgrades in 2023 and 2026. It accommodates a maximum of 130 passengers and carries an expedition team of 15.
The ship features 70 ocean-view accommodations, including 12 suites with private balconies. Onboard spaces include a dining room, outdoor grill, presentation lounge, observation lounge, fitness centre and two outdoor Jacuzzis.
A fleet of 14 Zodiacs will support shore landings and wildlife excursions. The ship also has a panoramic bridge and continues Heritage Expeditions’ open-bridge policy when navigational and safety conditions permit. Heritage Expeditions’ ship profile provides additional details.
Voyage routes, landings and wildlife experiences remain subject to weather, sea and ice conditions. Travellers should confirm current schedules and availability directly with Heritage Expeditions before booking.
