Heritage Expeditions Reviews - 5

This was an unforgettable journey.

This was an unforgettable journey. While Heritage could have easily taken a more laid-back approach since they are the only ones offering trips to Wrangel Island, they didn’t. They truly invest themselves in the journey and in creating memorable experiences for everyone. It starts with the team, who are all deeply passionate about the wildlife, the landscapes, and the culture of Chukotka and Wrangel. They are experts in the region, and their enthusiasm is so contagious that you can't help but be drawn into it. I was especially moved by Randy, the owner, and his genuine love for the place. As for the ship - it was perfect for an Arctic adventure. With just 50 passengers, it was easy to connect with others and have plenty of time during landings. There were moments where I could simply relax, explore, and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. The ship’s design was straightforward but practical for polar cruising. I didn’t need luxury – I was looking for a functional vessel with exceptional experiences, and that's exactly what we got. The food was amazing – I’m still in awe of what they managed to prepare in that tiny kitchen with so few resources.

This expedition offers a chance to visit islands, Snares

This expedition offers a chance to visit islands, Snares, Campbell Island, and Auckland Islands group, which are usually off-limits to the public, with knowledgeable guides. We enjoyed great weather and calm seas. The megaherbs were blooming beautifully, and we could see albatrosses, various sea and land birds, sealions, seals, and penguins without trouble. We landed and explored Auckland and Campbell Islands – the Snares are not open to visitors. The voyage emphasized the natural life – plants and animals – of these distant islands, along with some insight into human history. The guides were very skilled and kind. The lead guide, Alex, was particularly good at keeping us organized with a constant sense of humor and common sense. The ship crew mostly did not speak English but worked effectively behind the scenes to transport us to these sites with a minimum of fuss and maximum of comfort. Overall a great experience that was better than we expected.

The journey went from the deep south of NZ to the Fiordlands

The journey went from the deep south of NZ to the Fiordlands National Sanctuary, Ulva Island, and then up the East side of both Islands with 10 stops along the way. The cabins were nicely furnished and the food was pretty tasty. Unfortunately, our part of the trip ended when my husband hurt his ankle and was airlifted to the nearest hospital. The cruise line was very supportive and caring for us. They gathered all our things and took them to a hotel close to the hospital. The cruise director Suzanne was very nice. She kept in contact with us until we could meet, helped me find a place to stay, called our son to come and help us get back to the United States, and checked in with us the day before the end of the cruise to update everyone on how we were doing. I can't suggest this cruise line enough.

We recently returned from the "In the wake of Scott and Shackleton"

We recently returned from the "In the wake of Scott and Shackleton" expedition, and it was an unforgettable adventure. The landscapes and wildlife were beyond anything we had imagined. There was always something to do, whether on the deck, exploring islands, attending fascinating lectures, or enjoying the delicious meals. While the ship had some movement, it was still quite cozy, and the Russian crew were very nice. A special thanks to the Captain for going out of his way to follow orcas and whales, giving us a closer view. The Heritage team was always there, kind, attentive, and focused on our safety. Thank you, Heritage, for this amazing journey of a lifetime.

The Heritage Expeditions team and the crew

The Heritage Expeditions team and the crew of the ship were all great. The ship had two main areas of responsibility. The captain and his crew took care of the ship and all related services. The expedition team handled the daily sightseeing and were friendly, informative, and approachable.