Heritage Adventurer

The 1991-built MS Heritage Adventurer cruise ship (fka "RCGS Resolute" and "MS Hanseatic") is a premium polar expedition vessel that used to be chartered by the now-defunct Canadian cruise company "One Ocean Expeditions" (OOE). The boat has max passenger capacity 146 (plus 11 crew) and offers comfort, luxury amenities, unique "small ship travel" vacation style, expansive educational programming and numerous onboard and ashore activities tailored to guests' individual interests.

The vessel (IMO number 9000168) is currently Portugal-flagged (MMSI 255806208) and registered in Funchal Madeira.

In mid-May 2021, the shipowner announced that starting in 2022, the vessel will be chartered to Heritage Expeditions (New Zealand-based expedition travel company) and operated under the new name "Heritage Adventurer". Originally designed with max capacity 184 passengers, Heritage Adventurer's capacity was reduced to 140 in order to create a comfortable experience and allow more personalized service.

When was chartered by One Ocean Expeditions, Resolute joined the OOE fleetmates Akademik Ioffe (One Ocean Navigator) and Akademik Sergey Vavilov (One Ocean Voyager). Both are Russian icebreakers with passenger capacity less than 100. In comparison to the icebreakers, RCGS Resolute has a bigger capacity (carries 50% more passengers), but also has increased capacity to host several itinerary programs simultaneously, in the same time ensuring the company's well-known "small group cruising" comfort and intimacy.

After ending the charter with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, RCGS Resolute was opened for sale. In June 2020, the 29-years-old vessel was sold for USD 0,6 million (~EUR 0,5 M) to an undisclosed buyer. The ship remained anchored near Ampelakia (Larissa Greece). On October 16, the ship arrived in Malta and anchored off Valletta. Later, the vessel was repositioned to Greece and remained docked in Port Ampelakia (Salamis Island).

History - construction and ownership

MS Hanseatic remained in Hapag-Lloyd's fleet 25 years (March 1993 through September 2018). Its former fleetmate MS Bremen (now Seaventure) served as transition ship to the company's new polar cruise liners (Hanseatic Nature and Hanseatic Inspiration) scheduled for launches in 2019 (April and October). Both newbuilds have the highest ice class for passenger ships (Polar Class 6 / PC6, Lloyds 1A-Super) and accommodate up to 230 passengers each (up to 199 on Antarctic cruises).

The vessel's shipbuilding order ("Society Adventurer") was placed by Society Expeditions in 1989, with scheduled delivery in June 1991. Society's fleet included World Discoverer (1975-2000) and Society Explorer (1969-2007). One week before Society Adventurer's delivery, due to shipyard issues, the shipowner Society Expeditions (Seattle-based cruise line, 1976-1992, subsidiary of Discover Reederei) canceled the vessel and Rauma Yards put it up for sale.

In 1992, Society Expeditions filed for bankruptcy, and in September "Hanseatic Tours" (now "Hapag-Lloyd Cruises") signed 2-year ship charter agreement (March 1993-1995). MS Hanseatic entered service for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises on March 23, 1993. It was sold to Hapag-Lloyd AG in 1997. For Hapag-Lloyd (25 years of service, 1993-2018), it sailed 1,932341 million miles (3,11 million km), and visited 148 countries on 677 different itineraries (including 128 Antarctica and 23 Panama Canal transits).

RCGS Resolute ship started operations for OOE-One Ocean Expeditions on November 16, 2018 (inaugural cruise), deployed on Antarctica itineraries. The ship's passenger capacity was reduced from 175 to 146. The new name honored the company's Canadian heritage. RCGS Resolute was named after the Inuit town Resolute (on Cornwallis Island, Nunavut Canada), which in turn was named after "HMS Resolute" - a Merchant Navy vessel run by Canadian settlers in the region.

The cruise ship has modern stabilizers and propulsion (providing great maneuverability and guaranteeing stability and safety). The hull's highest ice classification makes it fully compliant with IMO's new Polar Code requirements. The cruise ship has an endurance of 2 months (without refueling and reprovisioning) and operating range 8500 nautical miles (15740 km / 9780 mi).

The boat also features large-sized indoor and outdoor 360-degree viewing platforms (perfect for wildlife viewing and nature photography), 14x Zodiacs (large-capacity boats used for passenger tendering and landings) and 4 lifeboats (enclosed type). Shipboard facilities include 3x bar lounges, Fitness (gym room), Sauna Room, swimming pool, whirlpool, Library, Boutique Shop.

On each voyage, One Ocean Expeditions provided professional services by guest tour guides for the itinerary's region (ports and destinations).

Decks and Cabins

Heritage Adventurer has a total of 74 staterooms (in 6 grades) all of which are outside and include 12x Suites (located forward and midship on Deck 6).

The boat has 8 decks, of which 7 are passenger-accessible and 4 with cabins.

All Ocean Suites feature a Queen-size double bed with upgraded linen/pillows. Included is a comfortable sectional lounge with club chairs, a large desk, expansive floor-ceiling cabinetry, and spacious washroom facilities with both a shower and bathtub. The Shackleton Suites include a sectional lounge, writing desk, and washroom facilities with shower, sleeping quarters (optional double bed or two single beds), premium linen pillows. These Suites provide easy access to the Navigation Bridge/Wheelhouse, the Bistro and outdoor observation spaces. The forward panoramic observation lounge and recreation facilities are also located nearby on Deck 7.

Superior cabins (forward on Deck 5) and Superior Plus cabins (midship on Deck 5) have the option of a double or two single beds and feature a large picture window, writing desk with chair, floor-ceiling cabinet cabinetry, ensuite washroom with shower and provide easy access to Deck 5's aft-located bar lounge. Forward stairs lead up to the Navigation Bridge and Deck 7's forward observation lounge.

Twin Private Cabins (located on Deck 4) have the option for either a double or two single configured beds. Features include a comfortable lounge adjacent to the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample storage and private washroom facilities with a shower. These cabins provide easy access to the main restaurant and the gift shop.

Triple Occupancy Cabins (located on Deck 3) feature three twin beds, with two lower and one upper berth. They provide ample storage and private washroom facilities. They provide easy access to the ship's gangway and expedition room.

All staterooms are spacious (22 m2 / 235 ft2, One Ocean Suites are sized 44 m2 / 475 ft2), with new carpets, high-quality cabinets (soft-closing drawers), spacious en-suite bathrooms (soft lighting), sectional lounge areas, writing desk with smart TV (infotainment system), mini-bar fridge and glassware.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Meals are offered within open seating during the day, dinner is served in the main dining room restaurant (Deck 4). Dining options include the Dining Room (Main Restaurant named "Marco Polo" on MS Hanseatic) and the Bistro Restaurant (Deck 6, named "Lemaire" on Hanseatic). At the Bistro is offered themed food for dinner, featuring itinerary-based (regional) specialties.

The bistro dining room (and lounge) provides early-breakfast with light snacks. Full meal dining options include buffet breakfast and lunch (international flare). Special dietary requirements are also catered for.

Dinner is served, with 5-course (a la carte) menu and open-seating in the casual dining room. At dinner is offered a fine wine list with international wines and other alcoholic beverages.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The ship offers a sophisticated atmosphere and the chance to visit exotic destinations ports. Each voyage is accompanied by guest lecturers. The liner features 2 dining rooms (main and bistro-lounge), Finnish Sauna, steam room, well-equipped gym, spa (massage therapy), heated swimming pool (seawater), hot water jacuzzi (freshwater), Presentation Theatre (multimedia / expedition room), aft- and fore-located bar lounges, mobile laboratory.

The company's open-bridge policy allows passengers to visit the Navigation Bridge and meet the ship's officers and crew at any time of day. The ship's Navigation Bridge is closed during pilotage (in ports), and also during tricky navigation or bad weather.

On Deck 2 there is a private multimedia room (Presentation Theatre) accessible via both stairs and an elevator. The theatre has capacity 80 seats, tiered seating and is equipped with large digital screen and stereo surround system. Here can be held small group media presentations, as well as expedition briefings.

The vessel is well-equipped for expedition cruise travel activities. All guests enjoy customized travel experiences through a wide range of price-inclusive onboard activities and an extensive list of in-cabin amenities. One Ocean Expeditions' hallmark "Adventure Concierge" service was available to guests in all cabin categories. All travelers also receive in-room service menu and complimentary in-cabin minibar.

One Ocean Expeditions was the only cruise company providing a complete expedition gear package for complimentary use during the voyage. The package included weather-proof jacket and pants, rubber boots, Nordic trekking poles, waterproof dry-bag and binoculars.

Itineraries

Heritage Adventurer's maiden voyage departed from Benoa (Bali Indonesia) on October 11, 2022. The 15-day roundtrip itinerary visited destinations in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, including Raja Ampat, Komodo NP, Liki Island. The inaugural season also had scheduled visits to the South Pacific Islands, New Zealand, NZ's Subantarctic Islands and via Ross Sea - the Antarctic Peninsula.

MS Hanseatic itinerary program was based on South American cruises (Amazon River and Antarctica), and also in Europe (the British Isles, Iceland and Greenland, Canary Islands), with Transatlantic repositioning crossings.

RCGS Resolute's itinerary program offered voyages in South America (Chilean Fjords), European and Canadian Arctic (Nunavut / Northwest Territories) and Antarctica during Winter-early Spring. Warm water destinations were operated in Summer-early-Fall, among which Central America, Caribbean, Europe (UK, Faroe Islands, Iceland).

• In late-June 2019, One Ocean Expeditions announced new itineraries and programs for RCGS Resolute's Antarctica 2020-2021 winter season from homeport Ushuaia Argentina. Fly-cruises from Chile ranged from "Quest for the Antarctic Circle" (direct private plane charter from Punta Arenas to Antarctica / 2.5 hours flight) to "Ultimate Antarctica" (Weddell Sea cruising). In 2018, OOE launched private charter flights from Valparaiso-Santiago to Port Stanley (Falkland Islands / Islas Malvinas), saving cruise tourists 4,5 hours flight and transition time.
• OOE's 2020-2021 Antarctic program (December through February) included a 19-day itinerary to The Falklands, South Georgia Island, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula and Port Stanley.

Heritage Expeditions' itinerary program (for "Heritage Adventurer") had to start in May 2022, with voyages in Russia's Far East and Arctic regions (including Wrangel Island, Siberian Coast, Chukotka). Then the boat was to be deployed in the South Pacific Ocean, visiting ports in New Zealand, NZ's Subantarctic archipelagos (Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands, Bounty Islands, Snares Islands, Campbell Island), also Macquarie Island Tasmania and mainland-Antarctica (Ross Sea navigation). A new 17-day itinerary (themed "Discover the Secrets of Melanesia") visited Indonesia Raja Ampat Archipelago), Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu.

However, the Russian Arctic program was canceled due to the EU's restrictions (following the Ukraine-Russia military conflict) and the ship underwent refurbishment (drydock in Greece and wetdock in Turkey) and was rescheduled to start operations for Heritage Expeditions in June 2022. The refurb project included hull cleaning and repainting (new livery, blue hull, new logo on the funnel), renovated teak decks, fully refurbished interior spaces.

Heritage Adventurer's 2023-2024 "Southern Ocean" program also included South Pacific island destinations, Subantarctic Islands, Antarctica, Ross Sea, New Zealand. New for Heritage Expeditions destinations (Komodo National Park, Wakatobi National Park/Raja Ampat, Kwatisore Bay) were included in the 17-night "Indonesian Explorer Cruise" from Bali to Madang PNG.

In addition to the 2022-2023 Subantarctic and Antarctic program, Heritage Adventurer had scheduled 3x NZ itineraries:

• 11-day "New Zealand Coastal Odyssey: The Ultimate Expedition Cruise" (November 14-24, 2022) from Auckland to Queenstown, prices started from US$6875 per person with double occupancy.
• 15-day "The Best of New Zealand: An Intimate Exploration Cruise" (March 6-20, 2023) from Queenstown to Auckland, prices started from US$9475 pp/double occupancy.
• 8-day "Unseen Fiordland, Stewart Island and The Snares" (February 28 - March 7, 2023) roundtrip from Queenstown, prices started from US$6250 pp/double occupancy.

Heritage Expeditions' Heritage Adventurer 2023 schedule featured the introductory "South Pacific Sojourn" voyage (departure November 7th) with prices from US$ 4895 pp. The 10-day itinerary visited Port Vila (Efate Island, Vanuatu), Lifou Island (New Caledonia), Norfolk Island (Australia) and Bay of Islands (New Zealand).