Hapag-Lloyd launches main catalogue for expedition ship

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has presented its first English-language main catalogue for its new expedition class, together with announcing more specific details.

The HANSEATIC inspiration, the bilingual expedition ship, will launch in October 2019 and its structurally identical sister ship, aimed exclusively at the German-speaking market, will launch in April 2019.

The main catalogue for the HANSEATIC inspiration includes 22 expedition routes from October 2019 through to September 2020 that take in polar expedition regions, such as the Arctic and Antarctic, as well as warmer destinations, such as the Amazon and the Great Lakes of North America.

On board, in the Ocean Academy, guests can use interactive technology to discover background information on the regions they are visiting. The speciality restaurant offers Peruvian and Japanese cooking.

Between cruises to the Arctic during the European summer and expeditions to the Antarctic in the European winter, the HANSEATIC inspiration will also offer visits to the Amazon, Chile’s fjords, the Azores and Cape Verde. The company will also return to the Great Lakes in North America with.

The cruises range from short four-day cruises to the Frisian Islands to 23-day expeditions to the Antarctic. The maiden voyage will take place in Europe when the ship begins a 15-day cruise from Antwerp to Tenerife in October 2019.

The new expedition class
The new ship can accommodate up to 230 guests, or just 199 guests on Antarctic cruises. Retractable glass balconies on the sun deck give guests the feeling of hovering directly above the water and they can stand on the circuit on the bow of the ship to be closer to the action.

On-board centres of knowledge: HanseAtrium and Ocean Academy
The HanseAtrium, a separable multifunctional lounge with state-of-the-art technology, hosts daily presentations by experts. In the evening, it transforms into an atmospheric bar. In the Ocean Academy, guests can conduct individual studies and research to deepen their knowledge of the natural wonders they encounter on shore excursions and Zodiac rides.

Gastronomy concept: the speciality restaurant with 44 seats  will offer Japanese and Peruvian cooking.

The expedition ship has two further restaurants: a main restaurant with 178 seats and a bistro restaurant with 184 seats (indoor and outdoor), a barbecue and a show kitchen. There are flexible mealtimes and free choice of seating.

Wellness and fitness
The Ocean Spa spans 235 m2 (2,529 ft2) and features a Finnish sauna, steam sauna, relaxation area, hairdresser, beauty treatments and massages. Guests can make use of a 100 m2 (1,076 ft2) fitness area with sport hosts and a separate course room – both with a view of the natural panorama. The sports facilities are rounded off by a large pool area with counter-current system which has a canopy.

Six types of suite and cabin
The 120 cabins and suites range from the Panoramic Cabin at 21 m2 (226 ft2) to the Grand Suite at 71 m2 (764 ft2). There are outside cabins, almost all of which have their own balcony or French balcony.