Hapag-Lloyd Cruises announced bookings will open January 23 for its 2 new expedition ships expected next year.
Line's 230-passenger Hanseatic Nature is due to launch in April followed by sister ship Hanseatic Inspiration, in October. The Nature ship will be devoted to German-speaking markets, while the Inspiration will serve an international clientele.
Hulls for both ships are being built at Vard shipyard, Romania and will be then relocated to Norway for interior finishing.
The company currently offers expedition voyages on the 27-year-old Hanseatic, which is expected to be returned to its owner when it comes off charter this October.
Hanseatic Inspiration will carry 25% more cruise passengers and will feature a more modern design. Its features will include a bow promenade that will let guests get close to icebergs and wildlife. Also new will be the ship's retractable glass observation balcony about 50 feet above waterline.
The vessel will be constructed for all-weather operations, able to cruise both in Antarctica and on Amazon River. Its hardened hull will breake through 3 feet of ice.
Shore excursions will be included in the cruise price and the ship comes equipped with a couple of tenders and a total of 17 Zodiac-style inflatable boats.
Ship's dining venues will include a 44-seat specialty restaurant offering Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, a 178-seat bistro with indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a 184-seat main restaurant.
In addition to Antarctica and the Amazon, itineraries will include Greenland, the North Sea, the Canadian Arctic, the U.S. Great Lakes, a Caribbean itinerary, Canada and New England.