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Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

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Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet

Hanseatic spirit, hanseatic inspiration, hanseatic nature, ms europa 2, review of hapag-lloyd cruises.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises (officially Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten, hl-cruises.com) is a premium travel brand a Hamburg Germany -based company part of TUI AG (via its subsidiary TUI Cruises GmbH ). Between 2017-2020, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises was fully owned by Hapag-Lloyd AG (German-Chilean shipping company, one of the world's oldest) which is currently ranked the world's 5th largest container shipping line in terms of fleet capacity.

On February 7, 2020, TUI AG (aka TUI Group) announced that Hapag-Lloyd Cruises (as of 2020 valued ~EUR 1,2 billion / ~USD 1,36 billion) becomes part of TUI Cruises (50-50 joint venture between TUI and RCCL-Royal Caribbean ). The contract was signed in Hamburg (on Feb 7), the cash transaction from RCCL (~EUR 700 million) was closed on July 6, 2020. The company's current CEO is Julian Pfitzner.

The Hanover Germany-based TUI AG (British-German multinational) is currently ranked the world's largest leisure and travel company. It was founded in 1923 and until 2002 was named "Preussag AG". TUI Group's companies specialize in hospitality and tourism services worldwide, with a portfolio including passenger airlines, cruise shipping (shipowner), package vacations, hotels and resorts, travel agencies, retail shops.

Company history

The Hapag-Lloyd company was founded in 1970 as a merger between two of Germany's oldest steamship companies - "Hamburg-Amerikanische Packfahrt-Actien-Gesellschaft" (Hapag) and "Norddeutscher Lloyd". Both companies were created in the 1840s for shipping freight and passengers via Transatlantic crossings between Germany and the USA.

On July 12, 2017, TUI AG sold its remaining 8,5 million shares in Hapag-Lloyd AG, which raised about EUR 244 million. The operation was an open market block trade (Accelerated Book Building) to a guaranteed minimum price close to the day’s market closing. Prior to this trade (March 2017), TUI AG disposed of a total of 6 million Hapag-Lloyd shares in individual open-market transactions. By disposing of all its Hapag-Lloyd shares, TUI AG concluded corporation's non-core business disposal program defined after the TUI AG and TUI Travel PLC merger in December 2014. The revenues were used for TUI's tourism business (hotel brands and cruise ships).

In 2017, the brand Hapag-Lloyd Cruises reported record average daily rates of EUR 594 (pp per day) or an increase of 2,6% over 2016. In 2017 the company also reported highest-ever customer satisfaction and quality ratings. Company's average daily ticket prices increased as follows - 2011 (EUR 399), 2012 (EUR 420), 2013 (EUR 450), 2014 (EUR 536), 2015-2016 (EUR 579), 2017 (EUR 594).

For FY2018 (fiscal year), TUI Group's earnings (from the 3 cruise brands - TUI, Marella, and Hapag-Lloyd) increased by 10,7% - to EUR 901,9 million. Company's turnover was EUR 324 million (26,8% increase over 2017). Group's average daily rates increased to EUR 178 euro (TUI, up from EUR 173), EUR 141 (Marella, up from EUR 131) and EUR 615 (Hapag-Lloyd, up from EUR 594).

From July 2020 onwards, HL's fleet will use only LS-MGO (low sulfur marine gasoil) with max S content 0,1%).

Hapag-Lloyd cruising experience

As a product, HL Cruises offers higher-end luxury travel deals, featuring:

All Hapag-Lloyd's cruise liners offer in-port and shipboard experiences ranging from zodiac expedition to luxury. Vessels are budget-wise, as fares are on the high side. Hanseatic and Bremen are expedition ships with the highest given to passenger ships E4 ice-class rating allowing year-round Antarctic and Arctic navigation. Bremen is 4-starred, while Hanseatic is 5-starred and with upgraded enrichment and cuisine, plus larger cabins.

The launch of the first Hapag-Lloyd newbuild - Europa 2 - was in May 2013. The project was aimed at the ultra-luxe market and younger, more active and less luxury-minded travellers, including families (with kids facilities for toddlers to teens). MS Europa 2 is the brand's most contemporary and chic liner, featuring dynamic and sophisticated entertainment ranging from jazz club to kitchen studio (for cooking classes). Its appeal is to younger, less luxury-minded cruisers, including families.

Hapag-Lloyd's all-suite liners Europa 1 and Europa 2 provide the largest space-per-guest ratio of any cruise ships currently on the market. All Europa 2 staterooms have balconies. The Hapag-Lloyd has also marketed MS Europa 2 as company's "bilingual ship", reaching international customers with enhanced activities geared to English-speaking passenger sourcing.

Next is shown Hapag-Lloyd's new expedition cruise ship design. Three such Polar-Class vessels are currently under construction and scheduled for launch in 2019 - Hanseatic Inspiration (October) and Hanseatic Nature (April) and 2021 ( Hanseatic Spirit ).

The newbuilds are of the same design (sisterships), each with max capacity 230 passengers (199 passengers on Antarctic cruises), 3 restaurants, extensive wellness area, water sports marina (aft), a fleet of Zodiacs (large-capacity inflatable boats used for landings and shore tours).

On July 3, 2018, VARD Holdings Ltd and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises signed a shipbuilding contract for a 3rd HANSEATIC-series vessel (Spirit). The new ship is scheduled for delivery in 2021 Q2. All ships in the series have their hulls built by VARD Tulcea shipyard (Romania) .

In late-February 2019, Hapag-Lloyd announced a user-friendly digital concept for onboard learning never seen before on expedition vessels. The new "study wall" is available on the fleet's three new Hanseatic ships (Inspiration, Nature, Spirit).

The innovative touchscreen technology (screen size 6x1,8 m / 20x6 ft) allows passengers to research information and various topics related to the ship's current cruise itinerary destinations. The digital Study Wall was developed over a 2,5-year period via a partnership with two German ( Hamburg -based) companies - Intermediate Engineering GmbH, and mpg ErlebnisRaumDesign GmbH.

Digital content (articles, biographies, photos, videos) is divided into 5 categories. Most of the information is provided by GEOMAR ( Kiel Germany ), also by journalists, scientists, and experts. The Study Wall is located in Knowledge Studio (Wissens Atelier / Deck 8). The research facility also has four Study Seats (with touchscreens to explore the content), Study Poster (visual scientific explanations), a dedicated area for microscope research.

In mid-August 2017, MS Bremen (now Seaventure/1990-built) received "Polar Code" certificate that allows the vessel to operate in polar regions. All its fleet mates were also due to receive the certificate by Hapag-Lloyd’s 2018 Arctic season. Polar Code (adopted by IMO) contains regulations about polar cruise vessels' construction and onboard equipment, as well as crew training requirements. In 2017, as part of the HL fleet's routine drydocks , all ships were brought in line with the Polar Code's requirements. MS Bremen was scheduled to operate 3 Arctic cruises (2018-2019 season), including one Northeast Passage (summer 2018).

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, Hapag-Lloyd suspended its entire fleet's passenger shipping operations (all liners) by canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 18, 2020, through May 2021.

HL cruise operations resumed in 2021 on May 24 (Hanseatic Inspiration/Baltic), July 9 (Hanseatic Nature/Norway), August 14 (MS Europa/Baltic from Hamburg), October 2 (Hanseatic Spirit/Asia-Japan), October 3 (Europa 2/Canaries).

All affected bookings received full refunds, including on prepurchased through HL packages and services. All current voyages were completed by March 21, 2020.

Itinerary of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Currently, Hapag-Lloyd offers a wealth of "high-end luxury" cruises for well-heeled travellers. The line's signature destinations are the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, as well as the Caribbean, Asia, Australia, plus expedition itineraries to Antarctica and Alaska (Northwest Passage).

The current Hapag Lloyd cruise fleet includes the following vessels:

• ms Europa (1999)
• ms Europa 2 (2013)
• Hanseatic Inspiration (2019 October), Hanseatic Nature (2019 April) and Hanseatic Spirit (2021) are newbuilds /sisterships, each with max passenger capacity 230 (199 on Antarctic cruises), 3 restaurants, an extensive wellness complex, aft water sports Marina Platform.

On January 15, 2019, Hapag-Lloyd announced that MS Bremen was sold to Scylla Cruises and will be officially delivered to the new shipowner in May 2021. As of 2019, Scylla owned 31 riverboats, most of which are chartered to different European cruisetour companies.

Together with the introduction of expedition cruise catalogs for the 2020-2021 season, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises also announced that low-pollutant MGO (marine gas oil) is to be exclusively used on all routes of its expedition ships (Hanseatic Nature and Hanseatic Inspiration) from July 2020. Joining the fleet in 2021, Hanseatic Spirit is also expected to use the fuel.

The use of low-sulfur fuels in the Antarctic has been mandatory for a number of years and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises already uses marine gas oil voluntarily in sensitive regions like the Arctic and Kamchatka. The low-pollutant fuel features a sulfur content of just 0.1%. In addition, the new expedition ships do not only feature an SCR catalytic converter reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by almost 95% but are also fitted out to use cold ironing.

The fleet of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is also equipped with seawater desalination technology producing clean water, and with biological sewage treatment plants. Ships' bow thrusters and stabilizers run on bio-petroleum which is environmentally-friendly.

Highlights from the routes of Hapag-Lloyd expedition fleet in 2021 include:

• Hanseatic Inspiration sets sail for the Antarctic 10 times, including on a 23-day itinerary from Tierra del Fuego to South Africa through the Antarctic. The journey stretches from Cape to Cape ( Cape Horn to the Cape of Good Hope).
• A change of travellers in Goose Bay, northern Canada is a first as Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ expeditions have never started and ended there before. It makes it possible to combine a couple of spectacular expedition destinations - the icy landscapes of Greenland and the remote region of Labrador.
• Travellers can enjoy the Arctic experience on a couple of cruises on Hanseatic Inspiration. The South Africa voyage is another first, in which Hanseatic Inspiration is due for the first time to circumnavigate “the cape of wild animals”, sailing from Cape Town to Walvis Bay .
• Hanseatic Inspiration also offers expeditions in Europe and passengers can explore the Azores, the British Isles, and the coastlines of the Baltic and North Seas.

2 ships of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises built for the international marketplace,  ms Europa 2  and HANSEATIC inspiration, are scheduled to restart the operation of bilingual sailings from January 2022. The 5-stars plus ms Europa 2 commences the  New Year  in the Indian Ocean - on  Reunion Island ,  Mauritius , and Seychelles; and heads on to South Africa,  Cape Verde , and the Canaries, visiting  Madeira  and the Azores.

For international passengers onboard expedition cruise ship HANSEATIC inspiration, the destinations awaiting in 2022-2023 include the Great Lakes of North America; Antarctica and the Arctic; South America (the  Panama Canal  and Chilean Fjords) Cape Verde, and the Canary Islands.

Northwest Passage cruises

Hapag Lloyd was the world's first cruise line with a Northwest Passage Cruise itinerary. In 2011, MS Bremen became the world's first-ever cruise ship crossing the Passage from Kangerlussuaq Greenland to Nome Alaska . In 2012, MS Hanseatic (now RCGS Resolute) made a full transit with a 25-days itinerary leaving from Nome AK (on August 14) and ending in Reykjavik Iceland (on September 7).

(animal cruelty) The Faroe Islands cruise boycott

In mid-July 2016, Hapag-Lloyd became one of the three cruise ship companies (together with Disney and AIDA ) that have banned Faroe Islands (a Danish territory) as destination part of their North European itineraries.

The boycott is due to the island nation's traditional mass slaughter of pilot whales each year. The protected by Denmark gruesome practice of killing whales is called “Grindadrap Grind". Locals use motorboats to drive a pod of whales into a harbor. The defenseless animals are dragged to the shallow water and brutally slaughtered by locals armed with knives (16-19 cm / 6-8 inches long) while their families cheer them on. The killing party even rip out baby whales from their mothers.

The Faroe Islands have a population of about 50,000 and kill each year 1000+ pilot whales. You can see the cruise ship schedule of Torshavn - Faroe's most visited port. All cruise lines with scheduled visits to the Faroes are accused of supporting the brutal whaling practices. Whaling is still officially approved and carried out by the "civilized" countries Japan, Norway and Iceland, killing over 2000 whales each year and trading in whale products.

HL's response was to the "Faroese Pilot Whaling Act" by the local government, which continues to allow pilot whales to be culled or massacred. It also empowers local authorities to imprison (for up to 2 years) people found guilty of impeding these whaling activities - despite all the international condemnations.

Sea Shepherd and Greenpeace are among the largest organizations taking direct actions against the "Faroese Pilot Whaling Act". Most of the available online haunting images of slaughtered whales lying in a sea of blood are released by these organizations.

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Hapag-Lloyd Unveils Preview of the 2025/26 Season

The official opening of bookings will take place at the beginning of 2024 for the 124 luxurious and adventurous cruises offered by the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet. An exceptional offer, from the most classic itineraries on board ships famous for their service and informal elegance, to the most exciting expedition cruises.

Guests can pre-register for their preferred itineraries aboard the two classic luxury ships Europa and Europa 2 , as well as on the three expedition units, Hanseatic Inspiration , Hanseatic Nature , and Hanseatic Spirit , at www.hl-cruises.de/vorschau or through travel agencies.

The diverse program of classic cruises, uncharted routes, and themed journeys for the 2025/26 season will take Hapag-Lloyd Cruises ‘ five small ships, recently voted the best fleet by Insight Guides Cruising & Cruise Ships 2024, around the world. In total, 124 routes from September 2025 to October 2026 offer exciting destinations for every type of traveler. In addition to new embarkation ports like Playa Panama/Costa Rica and the Japanese Daito Islands, the planned regions encompass vastly different climates, including the Amazon and Antarctica, as well as stops in metropolises like New York and Rio de Janeiro, or small ports like Aitutaki in the Cook Islands.

Europa 2 New York

NewYork Hapag Lloyd

What are recognized as some of the world’s best luxury ships, Europa and Europa 2, will offer a top-tier travel experience in the 2025/26 season, complete with first-class services, diverse cuisine, and exceptional itineraries worldwide.

The popular travel combinations aboard Europa, divided into a total of five itineraries ranging from 42 to 154 days, will again be an integral part of the itinerary in 2025/26. These travel combinations, which can also be booked as individual trips, will take Europa from September 2025 on an adventure along the historic sea route from Hamburg to New York, through the “Indian Summer” along the eastern coast of Canada and the United States. Already in October, the ship will return to Europe and then cross the Mediterranean and the Suez Canal before embarking on an exploration of Africa, touching places like Madagascar. At the beginning of February, it will depart from Cape Town and sail along the western coast of Africa, heading for the Canary Islands. Subsequently, it will thoroughly explore the Mediterranean before returning to Hamburg in June 2026. Starting in September, guests can enjoy short round-trip journeys, with embarkations and disembarkations taking place exclusively at German ports.

Hapag Lloyd

In addition to the informal onboard style, the 500 guests that can be accommodated by the sister ship Europa 2 will enjoy the most beautiful coasts of numerous continents, lively metropolises, and ports that have not been part of the itinerary for some time, such as the Canary Islands or Iceland. Anyone who has always wanted to admire the Christmas tree in front of Rockefeller Center and go ice skating should take note of the ten-day pre-Christmas shopping trip from New York to New York. The subsequent journey from New York to Colon combines the winter of the eastern United States with the warm temperatures of the Caribbean. Next, Europa 2 will explore Hawaii, the islands of the South Pacific, and South America before returning to Tenerife at the end of March. In May, there will be three- or fourteen-day trips along the northern and Baltic European coasts, as well as in the Mediterranean.

Three five-star ships, seven continents, 70 journeys: Hanseatic Nature, Hanseatic Spirit, and Hanseatic Inspiration will sail the world’s seas in the 2025/26 season. Equipped with the highest ice class for passenger ships and shallow drafts, these three modern sister ships will navigate both polar waters and temperate regions. The Hanseatic Nature will primarily cover European regions, with expeditions to the Northern Lights in Norway and winter adventures in Lapland, as well as expedition voyages among the British and Atlantic Islands. In the summer of 2026, it will embark on a pioneering journey circumnavigating the island of Kvitøya during the Spitsbergen expedition. The Hanseatic Inspiration will head to both Antarctica and the Pacific before crossing the legendary Northwest Passage and reaching the Great Lakes. The Hanseatic Spirit will offer expedition cruises on routes in polar regions, as well as destinations such as the Pacific Islands and Japan, as well as voyages along the Amazon River. In the Pacific routes, it will combine the vibrancy of major metropolises with the solitude of remote coasts in Micronesia, with stops in Japan up to Palau.

Asia Hapag Lloyd

Antarctica Hapag Lloyd

Hapag-Lloyd offers a truly wide and diverse range of itineraries, distinguished between a series of classic cruises, renowned for luxury and informal elegance, and a new range of expedition itineraries made possible by the expansion of the fleet with the three new units. From the most thrilling adventure to the most relaxing cruise, there are truly many opportunities to experience a journey aboard Hapag-Lloyd and its renowned ships, which will be calling at the most famous ports and the remotest lands in the world.

Don’t miss further information and reviews on Hapag-Lloyd on Cruising Journal, with tips, photos, and special offers.

Gabriele Bassi

Hanseatic Nature

Latest reportages, azamara pursuit: the south africa intensive voyage, ponant: expedition cruising a la francais, vista’s maiden call on new york, cfc: renaissance makes its debut and impresses, on crystal symphony: the return of crystal cruises.

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Cruise Type Expedition Cruise Ocean Cruise River Cruise

Destination Africa Alaska America Antarctica Arctic Circle Asia & Far East Atlantic Islands Australasia Baltic British Isles Canada Canary Islands Caribbean Central America Europe Greek Isles Hawaii Iberia Indian Ocean Mediterranean Middle East Nile Cruise Norwegian Fjords Pacific Panama Canal River Scandinavia South America South Pacific West US/Mexico

When April 2024 May 2024 June 2024 July 2024 August 2024 September 2024 October 2024 November 2024 December 2024 January 2025 February 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 July 2025 August 2025 September 2025 October 2025 November 2025 December 2025 January 2026 February 2026 March 2026 April 2026 May 2026 June 2026 July 2026 August 2026 September 2026 October 2026 November 2026 December 2026 January 2027 February 2027 March 2027 April 2027 May 2027 June 2027 July 2027 August 2027 September 2027 October 2027 November 2027 December 2027 January 2028 February 2028 March 2028 April 2028 May 2028 June 2028 July 2028 August 2028 September 2028 October 2028 November 2028 December 2028 January 2029 February 2029 March 2029

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Duration 10 to 14 nights 15 nights or more 4 nights or less 4 to 7 nights 7 to 10 nights

Home Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is one of the world’s top cruise lines specialising in ultra-luxury voyages and expedition-style adventures.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers a range of exciting itineraries on all seven continents, from the frozen plains of Antarctica to the enchanting Far East. Regardless of which voyage you choose, you can expect to enjoy luxurious onboard all-suite accommodations, world-class dining and excellent, personable service.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Ships

There are five ships in the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet. MS Europa 2 and MS Hanseatic Inspiration are best placed for the international market, offering bilingual cruises with English shore excursions.

MS Europa 2 is a modern luxury cruise ship and has been awarded the 5-stars-plus in the Berlitz Cruise Guide since she launched in 2013, while the new MS Hanseatic Inspiration is purpose-built for expedition-style cruises in Antarctica, South America, Africa and the Arctic.

The fleet is rounded off by MS Europa (1999), with a new expedition ship, MS Hanseatic Spirit, joining MS Hanseatic Nature (2019) in offering cruises for German-speaking guests only.

Why Choose Hapag-Lloyd Cruises?

Here are just a few of our favourite reasons why Hapag-Lloyd should be high on your list of considerations for your next (or first!) cruise holiday:

1. The fleet’s versatility, especially the two expedition vessels, enables Hapag-Lloyd to offer diverse itineraries. So if there is a new place you wish to explore, you can rest assured that Hapag-Lloyd will take you there.

2. Hapag-Lloyd is famed for the world-class level of service aboard their ships, managing to be friendly yet unobtrusive.

3. Flexible durations are an attractive feature, and with voyages ranging from 3 to 35+ days, there’s a cruise to suit most time scales.

4. Hapag’s ships, particularly MS EUROPA 2 , offer an uncompromising level of onboard luxury. From the suites’ decor to the hand-picked artwork that adorns the walls, no expense has been spared in creating the ultimate six-star environment.

5. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is a fine choice for families thanks to the excellent kids/teens entertainment programme, which includes everything from 3D cinema showings, cooking classes, and various activities onboard and ashore.

Included on a Hapag-Lloyd Cruise:

When you choose to cruise with Hapag-Lloyd, the following elements are all included in the cruise fare:

• All-suite accommodation, complete with mini-bar, coffee machine and entertainment system.
• 24-hour room service
• All dining, with a choice of seven gourmet restaurants.
• Tea, coffee and other selected refreshments
• Daily entertainment programme
• Zodiac excursions (weather/itinerary permitting)

In addition, many of the Hapag-Lloyd cruises we offer include an onboard beverage credit, which you can use to put towards alcoholic drinks during your cruise.

Hapag Lloyd Cruises 2024 / 2025

In 2024, Hapag-Lloyd will deliver a year of remarkable firsts. A standout highlight will be the inaugural visit of MS Europa 2 to the west coast of North America in early spring. During the voyage, guests can travel south along the coast of California before heading to the Hawaiian Islands and South America. Furthermore, MS Europa 2 will make its debut call at the picturesque ‘Pearl of Calabria,’ Tropea, Italy, in September 2024. For expedition enthusiasts, various voyages await aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration throughout the year, including cruises to Antarctica during the Christmas and New Year periods.

In 2025, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will provide a range of new possibilities. Particularly noteworthy is the launch of a brand-new expedition program aboard Hanseatic Nature, offering a unique opportunity to explore Canada’s Hudson Strait. This is highly recommended for those seeking a cruise holiday that combines upscale luxury with in-depth, destination-led discovery. Elsewhere, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ 2025 collection features a range of itineraries to Europe, Australia, and Africa. Most notably, the voyages to Kenya and Saudi Arabia are new additions that will surely delight anyone wanting to discover the treasures of these off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Book Hapag-Lloyd Cruises with a UK agent

If you would like to book a Hapag-Lloyd cruise and would like to receive a quotation for a future sailing, please get in touch with our Voyage Consultants on 0800 008 6677 . Alternatively, feel free to browse the collection of itineraries below and make an online enquiry.

The Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Fleet of Ships

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HANSEATIC spirit - from Madeira to Porto

Expedition azores - sevenfold highs of the azores, an atlantic expedition experience: sailing to seven sun-drenched azores islands hiker’s paradise with volcanic mountains, waterfalls and charming coastal towns lush nature, tea and wine: the azores are like a gigantic greenhouse the ideal time to visit with good chances to spot whales and dolphins step back in time between colonial past, orange barons and whaling history.

e.g. cruise in a Smart Cabin from

€ 6,071 per person

cruise incl. travel packages to / from departure / arrival point from € 6,671

Extend your stay with the subsequent cruise SPI2509 and save € 700 per person (applies to PLATINUM fare). 

The highlights of this cruise

Your ship - HANSEATIC spirit

The new expedition class

The naming ceremony of the HANSEATIC spirit took place off the coast of Helgoland on 24 August 2021. Together with its structurally identically sister ships HANSEATIC inspiration (2019) and HANSEATIC spirit (2019), the small and state-of-the-art expedition ship explores remote destinations and visits the world’s most fascinating natural landscapes on challenging routes.

The new expedition class – which offers space for a maximum of 230 guests (or 199 guests on Antarctic cruises and Spitsbergen circumnavigations) – sets standards in terms of variety, comfort and personal space. This is why our ship has more open deck space than any other expedition ship. Find out more!

Your cabins & suites on HANSEATIC spirit

• approx. 22 m²/237 ft² cabins on Deck 4, 5 and 6
• Heated wall in the bathroom
• Rain shower
• Free mini bar (soft drinks)
• Coffee machine
• Separable beds
• 24-hour cabin service

• approx. 21 m²/226 ft² Cabins on Deck 5
• Heated wall in bathroom
• There is one cabin with fully accessible layout and equipment (cabin 404)

• approx. 21/23 m² (226 ft²/248 ft²) Cabins on Deck 6 and 7

• approx. 27 m²/291 ft² Cabins incl. balcony (approx. 5 m²/54 ft²) on Deck 5, 6 and 7

• approx. 42 m²/452 ft² Suites on Deck 6 and 7
• Private balcony (approx. 6 m²/65 ft²)
• Separate living and sleeping areas
• Separate dining area
• Sleeping area with panoramic view
• TV in living and sleeping areas
• Bathroom with two sinks and rain shower
• Steam sauna in shower area
• Free mini bar with a selection of spirits
• Butler service
• Fixed table reservation in the main restaurant, if desired

• approx. 71 m²/764 ft² Suites on Deck 6 and 7
• Private veranda (approx. 16 m²/172 ft²) with space heaters
• Daylight bathroom with two sinks, free-standing bath, rain shower and veranda access
• Separate toilet
• Free choice of Zodiac group

Scheduled flight from Germany to Funchal

Funchal/Madeira/Portugal, departure 19.00 hrs

Relaxation at sea

Southern Azores (Santa Maria)

Europe’s westernmost islands in the Atlantic – volcanic and lovely, wild and dreamy. When spring revitalises the coastlines, your small expedition ship transforms the Azores into fascinating new territory. Get to know the varied faces of the archipelago intensively when the HANSEATIC spirit calls at seven of the nine islands. Lush, green vegetation, fascinating volcanic landscapes and hikers’ paradises: on impressive excursions, from deck or from the Zodiac – experience a taste of summer in the mild Azores climate. This expedition starts in Santa Maria . The most southern island is famous above all for its sandy beaches. With idyllic views over green mountain ridges and the blue ocean, take a hike to Formosa beach *, where you can enjoy the spring sunshine on the fine sand.

Central Azores (Pico , Faial)

Deep-black rocks, rugged volcanic cones and Portugal’s highest mountain: welcome to Pico . A scenic tour * across the crater island reveals bizarre rock formations and lava fields. With its walls of volcanic rock and the craftsmanship of its cultivation practices, the island’s wine region has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover more when you explore Pico’s vineyards on foot *. The history of whaling is still present today. But the only hunt is for the best photos, for which there are good chances on a whale- and dolphin-watching trip *. With enriching presentations from your experts on board, you will delve deep into the world of the ocean giants. Horta’s harbour on Faial is steeped in the stories of people who have circumnavigated the globe and who meet in Peter Cafe Sport. Listen to their tales of the high seas and try the Atlantic’s best gin and tonic. You have lots of time, as the HANSEATIC spirit will moor here overnight. Share the passion of volcanologists on a panoramic trip through the volcanic landscape * or on a hike around the Faial Caldera *. On a walk around the crater’s edge, admire the natural sight of the crater, which is around 2 km (1.2 miles) in diameter and 400 m (1,300 ft) deep.

Western Azores (Corvo, Flores)

Corvo , the smallest of the Azores, is a paradise for seabirds and marine mammals. The weathered slopes rise up to a mighty volcanic crater that shapes the landscape. On an independent shore visit, your experts will explain the origins of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the history of the Mediterranean windmills. With a bit of luck, you might spot sperm whales, Risso’s dolphins and large porpoises in the waters off the coast of Flores . The marvellous marine spectacles do not stop ashore with the seas of vibrant flowers. Nature in the purest sense. The wild and lovely flower island with charming waterfalls invites active discovery and hiking in abundance.

Central Azores (Sao Jorge)

Your route also includes Sao Jorge , whose expansive plateaus and volcanic cones are reminiscent of a dragon. Particularly stunning are the many fajas – lush, green stretches of land formed by cooled lava that spread out at the foot of the steeply sloping coasts. Tropical fruits and even coffee are cultivated here. Get a taste on an excursion with fajas and coffee tasting *. Thousands of cows graze on the evergreen pastures of the highlands. This idyllic landscape and the products of the dairy farmers are the focus of a tour with cheese tasting *.

Southern Azores (Sao Miguel)

A hint of the colonial past can still be sensed on the islands today. The capital of the archipelago, Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel , symbolises vibrant history. Churches, squares and the city hall exude baroque flair that you can soak up on a stroll at your own pace. The green island also enchants visitors with fertile valleys, thermal springs and Europe’s only tea plantation. A jeep tour to the crater lakes of Sete Cidades * – which range from deep blue to turquoise depending on the light – will bring you closer to the creative power of nature. The joys of spring will keep pace with the fantastic panoramas when you discover the hiker’s paradise of Sao Miguel * on foot – with its river valley, waterfalls and beaches. Afterwards, the HANSEATIC spirit sets course for the Portuguese mainland – enough time to relax and reflect on your experiences and enjoy the service on board. Now is the time to decide which of the Azores is the most beautiful. Or was it the exhilarating all-embracing experience that moved you?

Leixoes (Porto)/Portugal, arrival 7.00 hrs

Scheduled flight from Porto to Germany

* The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change. The itinerary depends on the weather conditions. The natural experiences and wildlife sightings described are possibilities on this expedition and are not guaranteed.

Pre-cruise and post-cruise programmes for your trip

The following programmes can be booked.

Please note that our pre- and post-cruise programmes are conducted in German. For individual programmes kindly consult your travel agent.

The following programmes are offered in German:

Private pre- and post-cruise programmes

Explore your cruise destinations on a more personal basis as a couple – ideal for all those who don’t want to be part of a group. The excursions in the programmes are accompanied by a local tour guide who will be happy to attend to your individual wishes. There will also be enough time and space for your own activities. Transfers are exclusively by private car with private drivers. Prices for solo travellers or groups of three or more are available on request.

Our proven pre- and post-cruise programmes

Our popular pre- and post-cruise programmes include a broad spectrum of excursions and are usually accompanied by experienced Hapag-Lloyd Cruises tour guides. Recommended for guests who like to share their experiences with a group of like-minded travellers. Explore specially selected highlights of your holiday destination and enjoy the convenience of group travel – we will take care of the transfers, excursions and overnight stays.

Individual travel arrangements

Our travel concierge would be happy to put together travel arrangements tailored to your very own preferences. Whether you’re interested in boutique hotels, luxurious beach resorts, theatre-ticket reservations or restaurant recommendations in the most exciting cities, you can find exclusive tips here and by visiting www.hl-cruises.com/travel-concierge . Our travel concierge will be at your service before the cruise and when on board, of course.

HANSEATIC spirit - The new expedition class

Hanseatic spirit.

How do you combine exciting adventures with the utmost comfort? Our new expedition class has the answers. Enjoy first-class service and unforgettable moments in the world’s most spectacular regions – in the company of a small group of no more than 230 guests (or 199 guests for Antarctic expeditions and circumnavigation of Spitsbergen)./

Cabins & Suites

In the HANSEATIC spirit cabins and suites, curved lines, natural colours and premium materials come together in a harmonious room concept that promises – and delivers – pure relaxation.

Restaurants & Bars

Come with us on a culinary voyage of discovery around the globe: on board, three spacious first-class restaurants create a unique and indulgent combination of expedition spirit and international gourmet cuisine. Spend your days and evenings however you wish thanks to flexible mealtimes, a free choice of seating and attentive 24-hour cabin service.

Fitness & Wellness

A breathtaking Zodiac ride, a challenging hike, a day in the Arctic ice – then close your eyes, feel the heat and indulge your senses. Align your inner compass with total well-being – whether in the ocean-view sauna of the OCEAN SPA, with a relaxing massage or with a workout in the Sports Club.

Knowledge on board

Your shore excursions and Zodiac rides will be accompanied by countless natural wonders that will leave you speechless. But to see the bigger picture, you need to understand the background. The HANSEATIC nature & HANSEATIC inspiration takes your expedition to the next level with fascinating presentations, personal studies in the Ocean Academy and the perfect equipment for the research trip of your life.

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Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has released its new cruises for the 2024/2025 season before the launch of its main catalogs for the first time ever.

The German luxury cruise line has this month unveiled its expedition fleet program, along with that of its international ship, EUROPA 2 – all of which are bookable online at hl-cruises.com . Details of EUROPA will be released today [28 March 2023].

Guests who already made reservations when preview programs were released last November can now convert those into bookings. Interested parties can get an impression of the main catalogs on the website, where they are published simultaneously as digital flip catalogs. The new Hapag-Lloyd Cruises program for autumn 2024 to autumn 2025 season offers a total of 122 luxury and expedition trips to all seven continents.

Subscribe to LATTE Cruise’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury cruise space.

This year, the leading provider of luxury and expedition cruises will first publish the new trips for the 2024/2025 season online, thereby determining the start of bookings.

“Our main catalogs remain the heart of our global route planning for the individual ships, as they are much more than a presentation of the voyages. Now they are appearing in print for the first time at different times. We reserve the right to reduce the print run, which will go hand in hand with our sustainability goals,” said Julian Pfitzner, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises .

With the new travel program, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises says it is demonstrating its expertise in route diversity and uniqueness. “Whether connoisseurs, adventurers or sports enthusiasts, the varied program of the 2024/2025 season takes the five small ships around the world and offers exciting destinations for every type of travel,” the ultra-luxe cruise line said.

The 500-passenger EUROPA 2 will visit numerous new ports, and some favourite routes, which are represented twice in the program due to the demand. Guests benefit from double calls in Australia and New Zealand, the South Pacific, China or Japan during the cherry blossom season.

EUROPA 2 will also head to the west coast of the USA/Canada for the first time. Port calls include Vancouver and Vancouver Island as well as Seattle.

View the full program online at hl-cruises.com .

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Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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