Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Launches Its 2015-2016 HANSEATIC Brochure/NEW ROUTE: Cruising the World’s Largest Fjord System

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Launches Its 2015-2016 HANSEATIC International Expedition Cruises Brochure

                • Eleven international (English/German) expedition itineraries

                • Exceptional expedition voyages to Antarctica, Chile, Greenland, Arctic and the Amazon

                • NEW ROUTE: Greenland: Cruising the Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord system

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has launched its 2015-2016 HANSEATIC Expedition Cruises brochure, offering eleven adventurous and enriching itineraries operated in English and German on board the world’s only 5-star* expedition ship.  From 2015/16 Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will offer international expedition cruises on board the HANSEATIC only. The sister expedition ship the BREMEN, 4-stars plus*, will be marketed in the German-speaking markets only (charter on request).

In 2015-2016 the HANSEATIC will be travelling on routes to Antarctica, Chile, Greenland, the Arctic and the Amazon with voyages ranging from 15 to 20 days. All cruises in the English brochure are guaranteed to be operated in English and German, ensuring English-speaking passengers feel comfortable from the moment they step on board.  All documentation will be in English in advance of the cruise and on board the crew are fluent in English. Daily programs, menus, lectures, announcements and zodiac tours will be conducted in English, and English shore excursions can be arranged at ports of call.

The 5-star* HANSEATIC was built to provide intensive exploration in the most elegant surroundings for a maximum of 175 guests.  The design of the ship – with a low draught of just 4.8 meters, maximum length of 122.8 meters, and the highest ice class for passenger ships – allows HANSEATIC to travel to destinations previously inaccessible to a cruise ship.

Discovering Antarctica

The Earth’s Most Southern Continent: Glaciers, icebergs, deep fjords and bays offer the setting for an unforgettable Antarctica expedition.  In addition to observing bird colonies, seals and thousands of penguins, guests will also have the opportunity to explore the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, bathe in the hot springs on Deception Island and sail through Drake Passage:

“Antarctica Expedition – the Miracle of Life in a Cold Wasteland”: This 18-day itinerary on the HANSEATIC is from January 22 – February 9, 2015, round-trip from Ushuaia/Argentina, with stops at the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, and Antarctic mainland, rates start at $13,700 per person, including charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, cruise-only.  Cruise No. HAN1502.

Expedition Chilean Fjords: A Land of Contrasts

Snow-covered peaks, imposing glaciers and bizarre volcanoes, the Chilean fjords are one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world and a dream destination.

“Majestic Nature at the end of the World”: This 17-day itinerary is from February 28– March 17, 2015, from Ushuaia/Argentina (includes a charter flight from Buenos Aires) to Callao/Lima/Peru, sailing through the Strait of Magellan and calling at capital Valparaiso, rates start at $10,180 per person, including charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, cruise-only.  Cruise No. HAN1504

Traveling on both sides of the Arctic Circle

An intensive expedition between the shores of Iceland to Greenland’s wild fjords and mountainous coastline.  Guests can view captivating colonies of birds and diverse plant species, call at informative museums while ashore in Greenland, enjoy natural history walks and see the impressive show of gigantic, towering ice masses in Disko Bay.

“Fire and Ice in the Arctic Circle” Trip Details: a 15-day itinerary departing Reykjavik/Iceland on June 30, 2015, concluding in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland on July 15, rates start at $10,730 per person, cruise-only.  Cruise No. HAN1513

“Welcome to the World of the Inuit”: This 17-day itinerary is from September 13– 30 September, 2015, from Kangerlussuaq/Greenland to Hamburg/Germany, sailing through Prince Christian Sound and the Skjoldungen Sound.  A true Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ premiere, this cruise heads to the Scoresby Sound, the world’s largest fjord system: The HANSEATIC promises unforgettable panoramas with mountains more than 2,000 m/ 6,561 ft. high and calving glaciers.  Rates start at $11,550 per person, cruise-only. Cruise: HAN1518

The Amazon – Expedition cruise “On the River of Life”

Unforgettable impressions await guests in the awe-inspired nature of the greatest rainforest in the world, the Amazon.  Guests will step into the zodiacs of the HANSEATIC and discover, along narrow and winding waterways, the power and magic of the gigantic river, which defines the rhythm of South America.  HANSEATIC’s small size and shallow draught enables her to travel the more than 4,000-kilometre-long passage from the mouth of the Amazon in Belem/Brazil to Iquitos/Peru and back.

This expedition features passing through the Breves Channels in the Amazon Delta.

                • Cruise Details: This 16-day itinerary is from April 10-26, 2016, from Iquitos/ Peru (includes a charter flight from Lima) to Belem/Brazil, rates start at $11,040 per person, including charter flight from Lima to Iquitos, cruise-only. Cruise No. HAN1606

Expedition Travel At Its Best

Both expedition ships HANSEATIC – and BREMEN – are well equipped for travel in difficult waters, holding the highest ice class ranking for passenger vessels (E4).  Also, shallow drafts and high maneuverability allow the ships to enter waters larger cruise vessels cannot reach.  Guests explore the world’s best-kept secrets in zodiacs (small motorized boats) which hold only 10-12 guests each.  On-board experts include a team of experienced scientists, expedition leaders and specialists who guide landings and offer guests the rare opportunity to observe plant and animal life up close.  However, what makes these expedition adventures standout for guests is the security of knowing that highly experienced captains are guiding the vessels and have together already travelled to the Arctic and Antarctica more than 200 times.

* According to the Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships 2014