Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has announced its summer 2027 expedition programme, featuring itineraries across European islands, the High Arctic, Greenland and Alaska, as well as North America's Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. The voyages will be operated by the company's three expedition ships, HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit, each accommodating a maximum of 230 passengers.
The programme combines Zodiac excursions, guided hikes and expert-led exploration, with itineraries designed to provide access to remote coastal areas, wildlife habitats and destinations of natural and cultural significance. Routes may be adjusted in response to weather, wind and ice conditions, with the captain and expedition team determining the most suitable course according to prevailing circumstances.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Managing Director Isolde Susset explained that the company's expedition concept focuses on exploring remote regions and reaching locations that are difficult to access by land. She highlighted the role of Zodiac operations in providing access to secluded bays and uninhabited areas, as well as opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural habitat, while maintaining the onboard comfort and service associated with the company's ships.
The importance of operational flexibility was demonstrated during a recent voyage of HANSEATIC spirit in the Canadian Arctic. While navigating along Ellesmere Island, the vessel reached Eureka and entered Eureka Sound at a latitude of 80 degrees north. The expedition included polar bear sightings, evidence of Arctic wolf activity and observations of musk oxen. According to the company, it was only the second time since 2015 that one of its ships had reached this remote area.
The European programme includes itineraries combining island landscapes, wildlife observation and historical sites. HANSEATIC nature will operate a 17-day voyage from São Miguel in the Azores to Hamburg from 12th to 29th May 2027. The itinerary includes Porto, Brittany, the five Channel Islands and Helgoland, with opportunities for whale watching and exploration of volcanic landscapes. Fares in the PLATINUM category start at GBP 10,750 per person, based on double occupancy and including the specified travel package and early booking discount.
HANSEATIC inspiration will operate a 13-day voyage from Hamburg to Reykjavík from 10th to 23rd June 2027. The itinerary covers the Orkney and Shetland Islands and the Outer Hebrides before reaching Iceland, combining visits to historically significant locations with exploration of volcanic landscapes. PLATINUM fares start at EUR 9,550 per person, based on double occupancy and including the applicable travel package and early booking discount.
The Arctic programme includes a 12-day expedition aboard HANSEATIC inspiration from Kangerlussuaq to Qaanaaq and Old Thule, returning to Kangerlussuaq, from 8th to 20th July 2027. The voyage focuses on northwest Greenland, with Zodiac excursions, hiking and exploration of the region's polar expedition history. Fares start at EUR 14,070 per person in the PLATINUM category, based on double occupancy and including the specified travel package and early booking discount.
HANSEATIC nature will sail from Longyearbyen to Hamburg from August 17th to September 1st 2027 on a 15-day itinerary combining Svalbard and the Norwegian coast. The route includes glaciers, walrus habitats, the North Cape and the Lofoten Islands, with the possibility of observing the Northern Lights, weather permitting. PLATINUM fares start at EUR 10,990 per person, based on double occupancy and including the applicable travel package and early booking discount.
HANSEATIC spirit will operate a 19-day expedition from Kangerlussuaq to Hamburg from 8th to 27th September 2027, linking western Greenland with the less frequently visited eastern coast and the fjords of Northeast Greenland National Park. The itinerary is intended to showcase the region's varied landscapes and cultural heritage. Fares start at EUR 17,040 per person in the PLATINUM category, based on double occupancy and including the specified travel package and early booking discount.
In North America, HANSEATIC spirit will operate a 16-day Alaska Inside Passage expedition from Seward to Vancouver from 12th to 28th July 2027. The itinerary includes Kodiak Island and Katmai National Park, where passengers may have opportunities to observe bears, whales, orcas and bald eagles. Fjords, glaciers and communities including Kake, Petersburg and Ketchikan will also feature along the route. PLATINUM fares start at EUR 14,650 per person, based on double occupancy and including the applicable travel package and early booking discount.
The programme also includes a 22-day voyage aboard HANSEATIC inspiration from Halifax to Milwaukee, scheduled from September 10th to October 2nd, 2027. The itinerary follows the St. Lawrence River through Quebec and Montreal, continues via the Thousand Islands and the Great Lakes, and includes passage through the Welland Canal and its locks. Zodiac excursions, hikes and wildlife observation will complement the voyage, which combines inland waterway navigation with visits to urban and natural destinations. PLATINUM fares start at EUR 17,430 per person, based on double occupancy and including the specified travel package and early booking discount.
An early booking discount is available on selected summer 2027 itineraries for reservations made by October 31st 2026.