Mountaineer and philanthropist Peter Hillary will join selected National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions voyages to Alaska and Antarctica in May and December 2027.
Peter Hillary will bring a lifetime of exploration to selected National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions voyages in 2027. Guests will have the opportunity to travel alongside the renowned mountaineer and philanthropist in Alaska and Antarctica.
A returning guest of the expedition company, Hillary will share stories and insights from his remarkable adventures. Through dedicated onboard conversations, he will discuss the lessons he has learned throughout his life.
However, the experience will extend beyond formal talks. Hillary will dine with guests, explore alongside them and join the spontaneous conversations that make expedition cruising distinctive.
A Lifetime of Exploration
Peter Hillary is the son of legendary mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary. In 1953, his father and Tenzing Norgay made the first confirmed ascent of Mount Everest.
Peter has since established his own impressive record of exploration. He has participated in more than 50 mountaineering expeditions, including five to Mount Everest.
He has also completed the Seven Summits challenge and skied to the South Pole. His adventures include a 5,000-kilometre, ten-month high-altitude traverse of the Himalayas.
Furthermore, Hillary joined his father and astronaut Neil Armstrong on an aviation expedition to the North Pole.
His experience across the world’s great mountain ranges and polar regions makes him a compelling companion for expedition travellers.
Peter Hillary’s Scheduled Voyages
Hillary will join three selected voyages during May and December 2027. Each offers opportunities to explore remarkable landscapes and encounter wildlife.
Alaska’s Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier — May 2027
This voyage explores the spectacular scenery of Southeast Alaska. Guests can discover secluded coves, mist-covered fjords and lush temperate rainforests.
Wildlife encounters may include brown bears and bald eagles. The journey also features Hubbard Glacier, an immense wall of ice rising above the surrounding waters.
Alaska’s Inside Passage — May 2027
This itinerary explores glacier-carved landscapes across Alaska and British Columbia. Guests can navigate dramatic fjords and wildlife-rich waters while discovering communities with strong cultural connections to their surroundings.
Hillary’s presence will add a personal perspective to these journeys. His experiences as an explorer will complement the landscapes and destinations encountered along the way.
Antarctica Direct — December 2027
The Antarctic expedition aboard National Geographic Explorer offers an alternative way to reach the White Continent.
Guests will sail across the Drake Passage in one direction and fly back across it. This approach reduces the need for a return sea crossing.
Once in Antarctica, travellers can explore channels and sheltered coves beneath towering mountain peaks. Opportunities may include whale watching, iceberg viewing and Zodiac excursions.
Depending on conditions, guests can also explore by kayak and on foot. Meanwhile, Hillary will share insights from his own experiences in the polar regions.
The Hillary Legacy
Hillary’s adventures have featured in several National Geographic productions. His 2002 Everest expedition appeared in Everest: 50 Years on the Mountain, marking the anniversary of his father’s historic ascent.
He has also appeared in National Geographic films exploring Everest, Antarctica and polar exploration.
The family’s mountaineering legacy continues to attract international attention. In October 2026, the feature film Tenzingwas released, chronicling the lives and achievements of Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary.
Consequently, the 2027 expeditions offer guests an opportunity to hear these remarkable stories directly from a member of the Hillary family.
Peter Hillary on the Spirit of Discovery
Hillary believes exploration creates connections between people, places and generations.
“The spirit of discovery is something that has shaped my life, from the mountains of the Himalayas to the polar regions,” said Peter Hillary.
“I look forward to sharing some of those experiences with guests and hearing about their own connections to, and passions for, exploration as we travel together.”
These informal encounters will complement the expeditions’ wildlife experiences, landscapes and educational programmes.
Continuing the Himalayan Trust’s Philanthropic Work
Beyond mountaineering, Hillary continues his family’s philanthropic work in Nepal.
He chairs the Himalayan Trust, which supports education, healthcare and environmental services in the Mount Everest region.
The organisation develops programmes in response to local communities’ needs and works alongside them to deliver support.
His involvement continues a longstanding connection between the Hillary family and National Geographic. Together, their shared commitment to exploration and understanding connects travellers with some of the world’s most extraordinary environments.
Guests joining the selected 2027 voyages will have the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from an explorer whose life spans the Himalayas and the polar regions.
To discover more about National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions and its upcoming Alaska and Antarctica voyages, visit expeditions.co.uk.