Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has announced a deliberate expansion of its winter 2027-2028 expedition program to include routes in the western Indian Ocean, complementing its traditional polar itineraries.
Under the revised deployment plans, the expedition ship HANSEATIC nature will undertake a series of 10 cruises (between October 2027 and March 2028) that extend beyond polar regions to remote island groups, with Madagascar and the Seychelles highlighted as principal areas of interest.
This adjustment marks the first time the company has positioned tropical and subtropical routes as a principal seasonal focus alongside Antarctic operations.
The new routing enables passengers to choose between classic Antarctic expedition voyages and extended exploration in the Indian Ocean, both conducted to the same expedition standards upheld across the fleet. The western Indian Ocean itineraries will see HANSEATIC nature navigating nearshore waters off West Africa, South Africa, Madagascar and the island chains of the Seychelles.
These areas are selected for their biological diversity and remoteness, with landings facilitated by onboard Zodiac craft that permit access to conservation zones, atolls, lagoons and coral reefs inaccessible to larger vessels. Landings and excursions are supported by interdisciplinary expert teams, with briefings and on-board interpretation addressing ecological, cultural and geological contexts.