National Geographic Endurance, which berthed in Dunedin yesterday, is a little different from those cruise ships that usually stop in the city.
It is purpose-built for exploring Antarctic waters, carrying only about 128 guests.
It started its cruising season in Ushuaia, Argentina, and made a few stops along the way before reaching Dunedin.
The ship cruises back and forth, exchanging passengers as it stops in Dunedin and Argentina.
The ship was built in 2021 at a cost of $US135 million ($NZ208 million).