Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Plans Indian Ocean Expedition Season

#expeditioncruising .

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will operate ten expedition voyages in the Indian Ocean between October 2027 and March 2028 aboard HANSEATIC nature, focusing on the Seychelles and Madagascar.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises New EUROPA 2 Voyages for Summer 2027

#expeditioncruising .

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has unveiled four new summer cruises aboard the luxury ship EUROPA 2, scheduled between June 2 - August 3, 2027. Replacing previously planned Red Sea routes, the new itineraries will take guests from Asia across the Indian Ocean and southern Africa to the western Mediterranean, before EUROPA 2 resumes its original schedule from Civitavecchia (Rome) on August 3, 2027.

Expedition Adventures with the HANSEATIC Fleet

#expeditioncruising .

For guests seeking wild landscapes and deeper immersion in nature, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ three expedition ships, the HANSEATIC nature, the HANSEATIC inspiration, and the HANSEATIC spirit—offer thrilling voyages into the planet’s most remote corners.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises South and Central America Expeditions Aboard HANSEATIC Inspiration

#expeditioncruising .

Three Extraordinary Expeditions Aboard Their Bilingual Ship

This November and December, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises invites adventure seekers and cultural explorers alike to experience the breathtaking beauty and biodiversity of South and Central America. Aboard the cutting-edge expedition ship HANSEATIC inspiration, guests will traverse some of the world’s most stunning landscapes from Costa Rica and the Panama Canal to the remote Chilean fjords on three distinct, expertly curated journeys. The HANSEATIC inspiration caters to the international market with all itineraries conducted in both German and English.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises to visit the Weddell Sea

#expeditioncruising .

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has announced its 2025/2026 Antarctic season, highlighted by a landmark 22-day expedition into the rarely visited Weddell Sea, a first in the company’s history. The extended route aboard the HANSEATIC spirit underscores Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ leadership in luxury expedition travel and commitment to taking guests further into the most remote regions on Earth.

UPDATE: Royal Caribbean and Hapag-Lloyd in merger talks

#expeditioncruising .

Statement by Karl J. Pojer, Chief Executive Officer, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises     

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is on a growth path – mainly thanks to your commitment and support. Within the space of just a few years our company has evolved into the world’s leading provider of luxury and expedition cruises, and an organisation achieving profitable growth. Our ships are considered to be the best ships in the world today.

Hapag-Lloyd to cut heavy fuel oil

#expeditioncruising .

Low-pollutant marine gas oil will be used by all ships in the fleet from 2020

· This voluntary commitment far exceeds the minimum statutory requirements
· Emissions are to be cut by around 80 %
· Significantly lower levels of soot and particulates

Former Hapag-Lloyd BREMEN under charter to Polar Latitudes as MS Seascape

#expeditioncruising . UPDATED

Swiss shipbuilder, Scylla, is the latest operator to enter the booming expedition cruise market having announced its acquisition of BREMEN from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises in January.

The Swiss company will take delivery of the expedition vessel in May of 2021 following the delivery of H-L's third Hanseatic-class ship, the Hanseatic Spirit.

Scylla owns 31 river ships, with most chartered to various tour operators including Tauck, and is now looking to make the transition to the ocean market. It seems likely that Scylla will in turn charter this vessel to another current operator, further expanding the inventory for expedition cruising.

ExpeditionCruising.com learns the vessel will concentrate on the Antarctic Peninsula with established operator, Polar Latitudes, under a long-term charter.

"The MS Bremen is perfect for that. Our nautical and technical expertise also comes into play here. What's more, we can offer our existing customers new options in Scylla quality and expand our customer base," said Arno Reitsma, CEO of Scylla.

"Although the Bremen is a very special ship in our fleet and has been very close to our hearts for more than 25 years, we want to focus on three modern expedition ships with the latest environmental technology in the expedition arena," said Karl J. Pojer, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

Source: Cruise Industry News

Adventure and Expedition Cruising

Digital learning on Hapag-Lloyd expeditions

#expeditioncruising .

Exclusive to three new expedition class ships: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises introduces an innovative tool for digital learning

· Study wall: 6 × 1.8 m (19.6 × 5.9 ft) touchscreen wall
· More than 250 articles on a range of disciplines
· The Ocean Academy: Study Seats and the interactive Study Poster aid innovative learning

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is introducing a new, user-friendly concept for digital learning never seen before on board an expedition ship – the study wall, which will be found on board the new HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration, and HANSEATIC spirit expedition ships. With innovative touch technology and an attractive design, the 6 × 1.8 m (19.6 × 5.9 ft) screen allows guests to research complex topics and background information about their cruise destinations. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has been developing this concept for around two and a half years, in partnership with the Hamburg-based companies mgp ErlebnisRaumDesign GmbH and Intermediate Engineering GmbH.

Social media hysteria clouds facts in Svalbard polar bear attack

#expeditioncruising .



Social media activity generated by the recent polar bear attack in Svalbard has demonstrated a huge misunderstanding about the passive observation and conservation aims of small ship and expedition cruising in Arctic waters.

Roderick (Rod) Eime, a journalist specialising in adventure cruising who has travelled extensively in Arctic regions, would like to dispel some of this misinformation.

“While this event has had a tragic result for the polar bear it is by no means indicative of the operational procedures of any reputable adventure cruise company operating in the habitat of these majestic animals,” said Eime.

All ships operating in these waters with passengers keen to see polar bears in the wild must adhere to strict procedures before bringing guests ashore.

These guidelines are agreed upon by all operators and ratified by the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) as well as legislation laid out in Svalbard Environmental Protection Act which expressly forbids disturbing wildlife of any kind.

The widely circulated image that sparked social media outrage.
 Picture: AFP/Gustav BuschSource:AFP

“While I was not a witness to this event, I know the cruise line (Hapag-Lloyd) as being one of the most experienced, thorough and conscientious in the industry. It would seem this animal was not sighted during the preliminary survey of the area quite possibly because it was resting behind an obstruction.

“Regulations – and common sense - state clearly that if a bear is sighted anywhere in the intended landing area or the perimeter, passengers do not go ashore. Period.”

Even then, guides armed with flare guns and rifles form a wide circle around the group who stay close together at all times keeping a constant vigil. Initial, unconfirmed reports suggest all correct preventative measures (firing of flare guns, warning shots etc) were carried out but failed to deter this particularly determined animal.

“From my experience, this is the first time a rifle has even been fired by cruise ship staff, let alone with fatal results.”

Three years ago a Czech man who visited the archipelago to watch a solar eclipse was attacked in his tent by a polar bear. The man suffered injuries to his face and arm.

The last fatal attack by a polar bear in Svalbard occurred in August 2011, when a British student was killed during a field trip.


A comprehensive report will be made to the Svalbard authorities and we should avoid jumping to ill-informed conclusions in the meantime.

More: AECO Statement

More: Frigg Jørgensen, Executive director, AECO Arctic Cruise Tourism and Polar bear encounters


Rod is a regular contributor to newspapers and magazines on expedition cruising and has maintained a news blog devoted to expedition cruising for more than ten years – www.expeditioncruising.com and is available for comment on 0418 214028


Originally published as 'Expedition leader mauled by polar bear in Svalbard'

Third new expedition ship for Hapag-Lloyd

>#expeditioncruising



Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has been given approval to order a third expedition cruise ship by parent company TUI Group.

The newbuild will be a sister to the 230-passenger, ice-class ships Hanseatic Nature and Hanseatic Inspiration, which will both be delivered by Norwegian shipyard Vard in 2019. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will soon launch the planning and negotiation process for the vessel, which will be delivered in 2021.

"Thanks to its experience, competence and high-quality standards, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers great potential to attract new international customer groups and deliver stronger growth in the expedition cruise segment," said Fritz Joussen, TUI Group CEO, speaking at its annual Investors' Day onboard TUI Cruises' recently delivered Mein Schiff 1 in Hamburg, Germany on 8 May.

TUI Group opted to order the newbuild following strong growth by all three of its cruise brands. TUI Cruises grew its average passenger occupancy rate from 99.7% in 2016 to 98.9% in 2017, while Marella Cruises recorded steady 99.6% occupancy rates and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises saw its occupancy rate increase from 73.8% to 76.4%. All three brands will welcome new ships between 2018 and 2023.

"Forecasts for cruising are excellent," said Joussen. "German and European holidaymakers are beginning to embrace this way to travel. Due to demographic change, traditional target groups are growing. At the same time, sea voyages are becoming increasingly popular among families and younger people. The convergence of these two very promising trends will further accelerate growth over the next five to 10 years. And we are only at the beginning of this trend."

Source: Cruise and Ferry

[updated] What does the new Polar Code mean for expedition cruising?

#expeditioncruising .

Update: see below

The introduction of the new Polar Code requirements for all maritime traffic in the regions of the Arctic and Antarctic waters is about to have a much greater impact on expedition cruising than many people in the industry may realise, claims longtime cruise professional, Gerd Wilmer of Sydney’s Landmark Travel.

“Many ships currently operating on polar cruises and more intending to may not have fully realised the implications of the Polar Code on their forward plans,” says Wilmer, whose specialist cruise agency has operated for almost 40 years in the Sydney suburb of Manly.

Hapag-Lloyd's Bremen is one of the first vessels to become Polar Code compliant.

The Polar Code in its entirety is a complicated technical document, but the most relevant section as far as expedition cruising is concerned means that vessels that do not currently have an Ice Rating of either 1A or 1A Super (see comments below) will not be permitted to operate below 60deg south or above 60deg north latitudes (with the exception of Iceland and Norwegian coast). Specifically this means Svalbard, Greenland and all of the Northwest Passage will require Polar Code compliant vessels. In the south, the entire Antarctic continent, including the Peninsula, requires this.

“There are one or two cruise lines who are advertising departures that, according to the code, will not be permitted on the dates advertised,” says Wilmer, “this may well cause some customer confusion and disappointment down the line.

“What is also most interesting is that many of these new, supposedly hi-tech ships under construction will not be certified under the Polar Code because of their light Ice Rating.”

Northern Polar Zone

Southern Polar Zone

The first implementation of the Polar Code came into force in January this year (2017) and second phase comes into force in January 2018. It states:

• Ships constructed on or after 1 January 2017 shall comply with the safety part of Polar Code at delivery.
• Ships constructed before 1 January 2017 shall comply with the safety part of the Polar Code by the first intermediate or renewal survey, whichever occurs first, after 1 January 2018. (renewal surveys take place at 5 year intervals)

So, from January 2018, Wilmer says we can expect to see some major reassignment of vessels currently enjoying their last taste of the ice.

NOTE: There is some discussion about whether an upgraded vessel can be deemed to be ‘new’ at time of application, plus there are also discussions about permitting certain non-compliant vessels into areas deemed ‘low risk’ around the Antarctic Peninsula. This article will be updated when these matters are clear.

Update 16 Oct 2017

Amanda Lynnes, MCIPR, Head of Communications and Environment IAATO comments:

"We (IAATO) have been involved right from the beginning of the code’s development and have held workshops for our members to get them ‘Polar Code Ready’."

Lynnes includes these notes for reference.

There is no restriction in the polar code requiring a 1A or 1A super - even if you look at the Polar Code which defines three categories of vessels (type A, B en C).

• Type A means designed for operation in Polar Waters in at least medium first-year ice, which may include old ice inclusions
• Type B means designed for operations in Polar waters in at least thin first-year ice, which may include old ice inclusions
• Type C is designed to operate in conditions less then Type A / B.

Type C would be the category where most Expedition vessels would fall under, although some are type B.

So no ship is excluded if it’s less than a 1A or 1A super, as long as the procedures and documents and certification are being met.

Operating in the Polar Waters depends on the Operating Envelope for the vessel, the operational assessment and an ice-risk system to be used, together with the PWOM (Polar Waters Operation Manual).

For existing ships there is no requirement to upgrade hull construction. The Polar Code Chapter 3, ships structure, clearly states “a category C ship need not be ice strengthened if, in the opinion of the administration, the ship’s structure is adequate for its intended operation.”

In response, Gerd Wilmer remains unconvinced.

"[IAATO] seems to think that some cruises will be able to use this clause* to operate inferior ships.
This will be very risky. As you know, cruises are planned 18 - 24 months before departure. I read the clause that Cat C ships will be allowed on an ad-hoc basis, taking into consideration current conditions."

* "These ships may be intended for open water or very light ice conditions and don’t necessarily need to be ice-strengthened."

Ref: Polar Code Guide

Polar Code: MS BREMEN receives Polar Ship Certificate

#expeditioncruising .

Polar Code: MS BREMEN becomes one of the first passenger ships in the world to receive the Polar Ship Certificate

· It will be mandatory for ships operating in the polar regions to have the certificate from January 2018
· The extensive preparatory phase lasts two years
· All other ships in the fleet will receive the certification in future

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ 4-star expedition cruise ship, the 155-passenger MS BREMEN has become one of the first passenger ships in the world to receive the Polar Ship Certificate which will be mandatory for ships operating in the polar regions. Following a two-year long phase of intense preparation, finally the Polar Code certification has been awarded. All of the other ships in the fleet are also due to meet the requirements of the Polar Code by the Arctic season in 2018.

The International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code) – adopted by the International Maritime Organisation – contains regulations concerning the ships’ construction, equipment and training and their crews that intend to operate in the polar regions. Issued by the classification society DNV GL, the Polar Ship Certificate confirming compliance with the Polar Code will be mandatory for all ships from January 2018. The Polar Code is intended to increase the safety of ships and pay greater attention to environmental protection.

“The Polar Code will improve the safety of navigation in polar waters significantly. We have taken a pioneering step in certifying the BREMEN and paved the way for the other ships in the fleet of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises to comply with the Polar Code. I am happy to have contributed”, says Captain Thilo Natke, who oversaw the certification process for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Natke prepared a Polar Water Operational Manual that will, in particular, familiarise younger officers with the ship-specific particularities of navigating in ice.

Certain technical modifications have to be carried out on board the ships in order for them to meet the requirements of the Polar Code. For instance, fire lines located on deck were fitted with additional insulation and an additional ice spotlight was installed when the BREMEN was in dock in October 2016. A wide range of extra equipment has also been sourced in order to ensure the survival of passengers and crew members in potential emergencies in the polar regions. During 2017, as part of their routine dry-dock periods in the shipyard, the other ships in the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ fleet will also be brought in line with the criteria of the certificate in order that they meet the requirements of the Polar Code at the latest by the Arctic season in 2018 and are able to operate in the regions successfully.

BREMEN will be operating three international cruises during the 2018/2019 season, including sailing to the North East Passage in the Summer of 2018.

Reservations: phone +61 (0)2 99 77 71 00 or mail@landmarktravel.com.au

Keel laid for HANSEATIC nature

#expeditioncruising .

Marks start of the next construction stage

· Publishing of cruise overview in August 2017
· First brochure coming out in January 2018
· Christening and maiden voyage in April 2019

On June 20th, 2017 the next construction stage of HANSEATIC nature, the first of two expedition new-builds, has begun with the keel laying. At the VARD shipyard in Tulcea, Romania, Karl J. Pojer, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, placed a coin inside the steel block; the coin was welded into the block and will accompany the ship on all its future cruises. This ship-building tradition is believed to bring luck to new ships.

HANSEATIC nature‘s keel consists of two steel blocks: each block is 9 meters long, 11 meters wide, 1,5 meters high and weighs 33 tons.

“It is a great pleasure to watch the development of our first expedition new-build. In the shipyard, as well as in the Hamburg office, many experts in their specialist field, are working daily on completing the two vessels. With our new expedition vessels, we will soon be able to offer very unique travel experiences” says Karl J. Pojer, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

Tudorel Topa, svp/yard director VARD (left), watches as
Karl J. Pojer, ceo of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises places a
lucky coin inside the keel of Hanseatic nature

The christening and maiden voyage of HANSEATIC nature are planned for April 2019. The second ship, HANSEATIC inspiration, which will serve the international markets, will launch six months later in October 2019. As soon as August 2017, interested guests will receive a cruise overview featuring the upcoming expeditions of both new ships and they will be able to place reservations. The bookings can be confirmed after the publishing of the first official brochure in January 2018.

The new expedition ships, which will be positioned in the five-star-segment, are being built by Norwegian company VARD Group, which is a subsidiary of the Italian shipbuilding group Fincantieri. The ships’ hulls will be constructed in the Romanian shipyard location of Tulcea and afterwards be towed to VARD Langsten in Norway, where the outfitting and the finishing of the interior will take place. Both HANSEATIC nature and HANSEATIC inspiration will be fitted with cutting-edge equipment and environmental technology and will each accommodate up to 230 guests (or up to 199 guests on Antarctica cruises). PC6, the highest ice class for passenger ships, makes it possible to conduct expeditions far into Polar waters, with tropical destinations such as the South Seas and the Amazon. Sixteen on-board Zodiacs and E-Zodiacs with eco-friendly electric drive systems allow for landings in remote expedition areas, regardless of the vicinity to a port.

Reservations: International guests, as well as travel agencies, can now make use of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ free-of-charge phone numbers when requesting or booking a cruise. United Kingdom: 0800 0513 829, United States & Canada: 877 445 7447 or 800 334-2724, Belgium: 0800 79 421, the Netherlands: 0800 0220 459; all other countries, please call +49 40 30703070 (English-speaking hotline) – or - send an e-mail to salesteam@hl-cruises.com or visit www.hl-cruises.com/contact-services for local agents.

For more information on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ exciting destinations and itineraries, visit www.hl-cruises.com.

New expedition cruises from Hapag-Lloyd

#expeditioncruising .

• Expedition highlights: travelling through the Northeast Passage
• Selected international cruises on board BREMEN
• New: camping in the Antarctic

With the announcement last year that expedition ship HANSEATIC is to remain in the fleet until September 2018, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has introduced a new catalogue for the 2018/2019 season which features two international cruises aboard HANSEATIC and also three on board BREMEN. The cruises on the BREMEN are intended to serve as a transition until the launch of the new international expedition ship ‘HANSEATIC inspiration’ in October 2019.

The five English-speaking cruises include expeditions to the popular destinations of Antarctica and the Arctic, with BREMEN sailing through the North East Passage in the summer of 2018.

Both small ships – the 5-star*, 175-passenger HANSEATIC and 4-star*, 155-passenger BREMEN – are extremely manoeuvrable, with the highest ice class for passenger ships; sailing spectacular routes, which larger ships just cannot access.

The Antarctic is home traditionally to the HANSEATIC and BREMEN expedition ships in the winter months – the best time to traverse the world's southernmost waters. Guests can enjoy an unforgettable experience here: in select spots, they have the opportunity to camp ashore for the night. The adventure begins with a Zodiac landing, before passengers pitch their tents and spend the night surrounded by a world of ice (weather permitting). A total of two ‘international cruises’ will be offered to the Antarctic on board BREMEN in early 2019.

Hapag-Lloyd names new expedition cruise ships

#expeditioncruising

The new expedition ships have been named HANSEATIC nature and HANSEATIC inspiration.

Karl J. Pojer, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, said: "The potential in the expedition ship segment is more than three times higher than supply. By virtue of the comfort and luxuriousness of our state-of-the-art new vessels, we will appeal to even more customers in the luxury segment in future. At the same time, authentic, natural spectacles that convey the feeling of a personal expedition have always been the basis for our decision-making."

"With our choice of names, we are continuing the success story of today's HANSEATIC – the only 5-star expedition ship** – retaining the popular and well-known brand name and establishing a new and separate class within our fleet."

HANSEATIC nature
Commissioning: April 2019
Ship category: 5-stars-expedition segment
Max. passenger capacity: 230 (199 for Antarctic expeditions)
Passenger decks: 7
Market: Germany, Austria and Switzerland

HANSEATIC inspiration
Commissioning: October 2019
Ship category: 5-stars-expedition segment
Max. passenger capacity: 230 (199 for Antarctic expeditions)
Passenger decks: 7
Market: German and English speaking markets, e.g. UK, Belgium, Netherlands, Australia/New Zealand and U.S.A.

The design concept, "inspired by nature", reflects the expeditionary spirit and is the creative idea underpinning both ships.

Nature is not only experienced outside, but also is reflected in the interior design. This comes to the fore in the choice of materials, colours and forms, as well as in the contours and lines of walls and surfaces, the lines of sight and therefore the interplay between the interiors and the world outside.

A genuine expeditionary feeling ensures the all-round deck in the forecastle. Here, passengers can experience the action at close quarters – closer even than the captain. This contributes to the expeditionary character, especially when the ships embark on journeys to the Arctic, Antarctic or Amazon. The on-board design highlights include also the two extendible glass balconies. Passengers standing on these balconies can experience the unique feeling of floating over the ocean.

Outstandig route concept and modern environmental technology

The current and successful route concept, which focuses on untouched and unspoilt regions, will be continued and expanded. PC6, the highest ice class for passenger ships, makes it possible to conduct expeditions far into Polar waters, with tropical destinations such as the South Seas and the Amazon remaining on the itinerary.

HANSEATIC nature and HANSEATIC inspiration have been fitted with cutting-edge equipment and environmental technology: the hulls of the two ships have been optimised to achieve the maximum reduction in fuel consumption for the propulsion system. Additionally, PROMAS rudder with a special propeller also reduce fuel consumption and therefore lower emissions anda SCR catalytic converter reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by almost 95 per cent.

The IR ice detectors are a further highlight, with the infrared camera making it possible to spot ice at night and in misty conditions. Cold ironing is also envisioned.

16 on-board Zodiacs and E-Zodiacs with eco-friendly electric drive systems allow for landings in remote expedition areas, regardless of the vicinity to a port. The ships also have a marina for water sports.

For the movie click here.

** According to Berlitz Cruise Guide 2017


Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten GmbH
www.hl-cruises.com

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises: MS HANSEATIC To Stay in Fleet Longer

#expeditioncruising .




· The MS HANSEATIC will remain in the fleet until the end of September 2018
· The new international English-language cruises will be published in mid-December 2016
· Three international cruises are currently scheduled on the BREMEN

The popular five-star expedition ship, the MS HANSEATIC is set to remain in the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet for six more months, until the end of September 2018. The first of the Germany-based cruise provider’s two new expedition ships will be launching in April 2019. The international preview brochure, due to be published in mid-December, will contain two international cruises on board the HANSEATIC, as well as three international expedition cruises on board the BREMEN. The cruises on the BREMEN are intended to serve as a transition until the launch of the new international expedition ship, which will offer bilingual (English/German) cruises.

“We are preparing our fleet for the future with our two new expedition ships. We are very happy to have largely bridged the gap before the launch of the first ship, by extending our charter for the HANSEATIC. This is the best decision in terms of both cost-effectiveness and offering availability to our guests,” says Karl J. Pojer, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will launch two new five-star expedition ships in April 2019 and October 2019. The two new ships are being built by the Norwegian shipyard VARD and will have the highest ice class for passenger ships (PC6). They will both accommodate up to 230 guests, and up to 199 guests on Antarctic cruises.

Reservations: International guests, as well as travel agencies, can now make use of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ new free-of-charge phone numbers when requesting or booking a cruise. United Kingdom: 0800 0513 829, United States & Canada: 877 445 7447 or 800 334-2724, Belgium: 0800 79 421, the Netherlands: 0800 0220 459; all other countries, please call +49 40 30703070 (English-speaking hotline) – or - send an e-mail tosalesteam@hl-cruises.com or visit www.hl-cruises.com/contact-services for local agents.

For more information on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ exciting destinations and itineraries, visit www.hl-cruises.com.

World's best expedition cruise lines

#expeditioncruising .

In recent years, urban fugitives have used the world’s growing fleet of modern expedition cruise vessels to set out and cross seas and oceans to unexplored lands in search of adventure. Such has been the surge in interest that great effort and expense has been employed to design a new breed of luxury ship to cater for the growing legions of travellers craving life’s big adventure. 

Read Full Story at Vacations & Travel

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ HANSEATIC completes second Northeast Passage

#expeditioncruising .

For the second time Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ HANSEATIC navigates the Northeast Passage successfully

· Expedition ship HANSEATIC braves the legendary sea route again
· 4,577 nautical miles between Murmansk/Russia and Cape Dezhnev
· Route: from Tromsø/Norway trough the Northeast Passage to Nome/Alaska/USA
· Wildlife observations: 86 polar bear sightings

In the early morning of September 7th, 2016, MV HANSEATIC, one of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises‘ two expedition vessels, has once again navigated successfully the Northeast Passage. In 2014, the HANSEATIC was the first non-Russian cruise ship to navigate this legendary sea route. After sailing a total of 5,542 nautical miles, the ship will arrive in Nome on September 10th and officially end its cruise.

The Northeast Passage is the legendary sea route in the Arctic Ocean, which runs along the north coasts of Asia and Europe, from the Bering Strait to the White Sea. The HANSEATIC expedition voyage departed from Tromso/Norway on August 16th, 2016. The first port of call was Murmansk/Russia, where the adventure of the Northeast Passage started officially. After cruising through the Barents Sea/Arctic Ocean, HANSEATIC stopped at anchor in Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land, before the ship went on through the Kara Sea to Severnaya Zemlya. Other stops at anchor took place off Siberia, Wrangel Island and Chukchi Island. The Northeast Passage officially ended at 06.00hrs on September 7th, when the ship rounded Cape Dezhnev.



The cruise was fully booked. The crew organized 20 landings and tours with the 14 on-board Zodiacs, rubber boats, which are well suited to expeditions. During spectacular wildlife observations, guests saw walruses and polar bears. On one island, 16 polar bears at the same time were seen, some even mothers with their babies. In total 86 polar bears were counted from the bridge.

Captain Natke summarizes the cruise: “The Northeast Passage is a spectacular voyage and always will be. This route is not comparable to a regular cruise. Nature impresses with unique and exciting insights. On this cruise we have seen a high number of polar bears. I have never before seen so many polar bears on an Arctic cruise. Furthermore, we have seen the fantastic Northern Lights and enjoyed three sunny days with blue skies at Wrangel Island”.



Reservations: International guests, as well as travel agencies, can now make use of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ new free-of-charge phone numbers when requesting or booking a cruise. United Kingdom: 0800 0513 829,United States & Canada: 877 445 7447 or 800 334-2724, Belgium: 0800 79 421, the Netherlands: 0800 0220 459; all other countries, please call +49 40 30703070 (English-speaking hotline) – or - send an e-mail tosalesteam@hl-cruises.com or visit www.hl-cruises.com/contact-services for local agents.

For more information on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ exciting destinations and itineraries, visit www.hl-cruises.com.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises announces two new expedition vessels

#expeditioncruising .

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ fleet grows. TUI Group, the world’s number one tourism group, will invest in two new-builds for its Hamburg-based subsidiary Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. The two, new, 5-star expedition vessels are scheduled for launch in April and October 2019, respectively, following 20 months of construction. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

New 5-star vessels announced for Hapag-Lloyd

Sebastian Ebel, member of the Executive Board of TUI Group in charge of Cruises: “The cruise business is one of the key elements of TUI’s growth strategy. Our ambitions are underpinned by our investment in the two new ships for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ luxury and expedition cruise segments serve as world-class benchmarks.”

New 5-star vessels announced for Hapag-Lloyd

Karl J. Pojer, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises: “The former director Albert Ballin invented the modern cruise concept 125 years ago. We are perfectly positioned in the luxury market with our cruise ships “EUROPA” and “EUROPA 2”. In this anniversary year, we are charting the course for the future. Already we operate successfully in our expedition segment, which offers growth potential for 5-star cruises. Our new-builds will help us to develop further the expedition segment and offer a modern interpretation. They will also serve to strengthen our leading position in this market, in particular at the international level.”

The two ships will be built at the Norwegian Vard shipyard of Vard Holdings Limited, a shareholding of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard. The vessels will be equipped with state-of-the-art technological features and environmental technology. With PC6, the highest Polar Class designation for passenger ships, they will be able to cruise not only in polar regions in the Arctic and Antarctica but also in warm water destinations such as the Amazon. On-board Zodiacs will allow landings in otherwise inaccessible expedition areas. The ships will also feature a water sports marina.

Further information on the newbuilds

• 5-star expedition segment
• One new-build to serve German-speaking markets (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)
• Other new-build to serve German-speaking markets and in addition Belgium, the UK, Netherlands and the US.

Identical ships, data for each ship:

• GT 16,100
• Length: 138 metres
• Width: 22 metres
• Draught: 5.4 metres
• Passenger decks: 7
• Cabins and suites: 120
• Maximum passenger capacity: 240 persons
• Crew: Up to 170 crew members
• High ratio of balcony cabins
• Restaurants: 3
• Modern spa and fitness area
• Interior design: Architecture firm Oceanarchitects

Reservations: Landmark Travel, phone (02)99 77 71 00, email gerd@landmarktravel.com.au

For more information on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ exciting destinations and itineraries, visit www.hl-cruises.com.