Shackleton’s Quest: A Once-In-A-Lifetime Antarctic Cruise
The mighty tale of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his men is one you will often hear about when learning about the polar regions. It doesnât matter if you are new to learning about polar exploration or if itâs something youâve been fascinated by for years, there is a name you will come across time and again and that name is Ernest Shackleton.
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the life and passing of Sir Ernest Shackleton, and in this, the year his lost ship Endurance was miraculously found, we are embarking on an immersive journey unlike any that has come before or will ever come again.
Here are 10 Reasons To Follow In Shackletonâs Footsteps on an Antarctic cruise with us this season.

1. More Time to Discover
Weâve decided to design a rarely offered twenty-two-day itinerary for this cruise to Antarctica via the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) and South Georgia. This will give us ample time for an extraordinary exploration of the life and legacy of the man widely acknowledged as Antarcticaâs greatest explorer.
2. Reception in Stanley
We will spend some time visiting Stanley in East Falklands (Malvinas) where youâre free to explore. Here weâll host a reception on board for the Governor of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Ms. Alison Blake CMG.

3. Visit Point Wild
Youâll count yourself among the very few to visit Point Wild on Elephant Island, where the crew of the Endurance miraculously survived for four-and-a-half months.
4. A Land Like No OtherÂ
Youâll enter the rarely seen King Haaken Bay, where Shackleton and the James Caird finally reached land after their death-defying open water journey in search of rescue.
5. Walk in Shackletonâs footstepsÂ
The last steps of Shackletonâs desperate search for help carried him from Fortuna Bay to Stromness Bay. There is an optional hike that will follow those same final steps, with a chance to imagine what it was like to look upon the first sign of civilization and hope after 497 days.Â

6. Poignant MomentsÂ
There will be a celebratory gathering in the South Georgian town of Grytviken, including a unique service at the Whalerâs Church. Youâll enjoy music arranged especially for the occasion, and hear readings chosen by descendants of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration.
7. A Toast to âThe Bossâ
After the ceremony, everyone will take the short walk to Shackletonâs historic gravestone to raise a glass in honor of Sir Ernest Shackleton.
8. Sea and Sights
There will be many opportunities to set your sights on wildlife and seabirds, staying on the lookout for whales, as we make our way across the Antarctic Convergence. Shipboard presentations by our on board experts will continue to inspire and amaze you.

9. Explore the Southern Ocean
We will officially enter Antarctic waters where there will be opportunities to hop into Zodiac boats and spend as much time as possible intimately exploring the many bays and harbors.
10. Special Guests
Weâve saved the best for last, for once you are on board, youâll hear from an impressive roster of renowned Shackleton historians and biographical writers, the Chairman of the James Caird Society, and even the Hon. Alexandra Shackleton, granddaughter of The Boss himself.
Special Guests include:
Hon. Alexandra Shackleton
The granddaughter of Ernest Shackleton and President of The James Caird Society
Rear Admiral Nick Lambert
Former Chair of the Friends of SPRI and current Chairman of the James Caird Society, as well as a Master Mariner, he commanded the ice patrol ship HMS ENDURANCE in Antarctica
Ms. Alison Blake CMG
We will be hosting a reception on board while we are docked in Stanley for the Governor of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas).
Seb Coulthard
Seb is one of our staff Historians, and was part of the âShackleton Epicâ team, which became the first expedition in history to faithfully recreate Sir Ernest Shackletonâs small boat voyage across the Southern Ocean â with precisely the same equipment and clothing as Shackleton himself.Â
Caro MantellaÂ
Caro has sailed the most extreme Polar Regions and is a renowned expedition guide.
Angie Butler
The author of âIce Tracks â Todayâs Heroic Age of Polar Adventureâ and âThe Quest for Frank Wild.â
Brad Borkan, FRGS
Author of âWhen Your Life Depends on Itâ and âAudacious Goals, Remarkable Results,â which explore the lives and lessons of courageous decision-makers. Â
Anne Straithie
Writer, researcher, and author of several deeply researched polar books.
Helen Brown
Daughter of Frank Brown, who served as Whaling Inspector at Leith Harbor Whaling station in the 1960s.
Anthony Shields
Owner, Shields Stamps and Coins. Heâs an avid collector of all things Antarctic and will share some of his most prized memorabilia.
Susan Rose
Artist, designer, and founder of Susan Rose China, who will unveil a special range of china honoring Shackletonâs Final Quest.
Shackletonâs Quest promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, which seems only right, since there will never again be an explorer like Sir Ernest Shackleton, in this lifetime or any other.
Come with us on this journey into the life, legacy and unparalleled polar experience of Antarcticaâs greatest explorer. Please contact our team to learn more or to book your spot. We hope to see you on board!