"Aaron and I grew up exploring the Southern Ocean and it is an incredible privilege to once again share these very special places with adventurous New Zealanders," said Nathan.
Last year, Heritage was one of the few cruise companies able to sail to New Zealand's South Sea Islands due to Covid travel restrictions. These have been tightened under the current framework, meaning that all crew and guests will have to be fully vaccinated to sail this season.
"Our proven health and safety protocols had seen it successfully and safely operating expedition voyages in the COVID environment since November 2020, including our recent incredible Russian Far East season," said Aaron.
In February the Enderby will be returning to the Ross Sea in Antarctica, as one of the few ships to return to the area since the beginning of the Covid pandemic.
On the other side of Antarctica polar tourism has restarted in earnest, after a 20 month freeze. Since the beginning of November the ships have begun sailing from Chile And Argentina for South Georgia the Sandwich Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
After zero sailings last summer, cruise companies have worked to knit together South Seas itineraries steering clear of the Falklands and the Covid related restrictions of more populated islands.
There are plenty of factors bringing tourists back. Culminating in a total eclipse visible from the Antarctic peninsula and South Shetland Islands occurring on 4 December.
Last Week South Georgia welcomed its first cruise ship since March 2020, Le Lyrial.
Operated by Ponant, Le Lyrial is the sister ship Le Laperouse which was denied entry to New Zealand in January due to visa processing issues.
