Terra Nova Expeditions has introduced a world-first hybrid cruise-sailing Antarctica expedition that blends the scale and capability of a purpose-built expedition vessel with the intimacy of a polar yacht experience. The new itinerary brings together two distinct platforms to deliver an immersive, flexible journey into Antarctica’s wildest reaches.
St Helena © Terra Nova Expeditions
Guests will explore remote Antarctic waters aboard both the St Helena and the Icebird yacht, vessels designed to access coastlines and anchorages that are often out of reach for larger ships. The combination allows travelers to experience broad expedition capabilities alongside intimate sailing moments among ice and wildlife.
“This is about returning to the true spirit of exploration,” said Greg Carter, CEO and founder of Terra Nova Expeditions. “Sailing among icebergs with just a handful of guests, feeling the wind and hearing the ice shift around you, is profoundly personal. We’re proud to create a world-first experience that reflects our independent spirit and invites guests not just to visit Antarctica, but to truly participate in it.”
© Terra Nova Expeditions
The 20-day voyage is crafted to evoke authentic exploratory travel, led by an experienced expedition team offering expert presentations and guided activities. Highlights include seabird and whale watching, kayaking and snowshoeing where conditions permit, up-close iceberg viewing, and wildlife encounters with penguins and other Antarctic species. With access to more than 500 potential landing sites, the itinerary is adaptable and responsive to weather and sea-ice conditions, enabling the team to steer guests toward quieter, less-visited locations.
By combining a larger expedition vessel with a small polar yacht, the program balances safety, comfort and range with the atmosphere of an intimate sailing adventure. Travelers can expect a high level of onboard expertise, personalized exploration ashore, and opportunities to engage directly with the environment through active excursions.
Bookings for the 2026/2027 Ultimate Antarctica Adventure are now open. Scheduled departures include Dec. 28, 2026; Jan. 6, 2027; Jan. 16, 2027; and Jan. 25, 2027. Prospective travelers are encouraged to reserve early, as the limited-capacity yacht segments and specialized nature of the voyage make spaces finite.