Cruise fans had to have particularly strong nerves over the last few months. But little by little, this industry is also making a comeback with sophisticated safety concepts. In November Hapag-Lloyd will be setting course for the South Pole again with two small ships. With the start of the Antarctic expeditions, part of the fleet resumes its original schedule. 

Winter in white

It is the two identical and ultra-modern expedition ships HANSEATIC nature and inspiration that will kick things off. They will depart from Ushuaia in Argentina from the coming winter season. The HANSEATIC spirit, which will enter service in the summer of 2021, will set off for the Northern Lights in the far north. To ensure that the voyages are as safe as possible, a consistent safety concept has been pursued since summer 2020. Since this summer, work has been ongoing to bring the entire fleet back to sea in stages. 

The special travel experiences during Antarctic expeditions are now possible again. Guests set off in a small circle with a maximum of 199 passengers on their way through the polar ice, to penguins and icebergs. Captain Thilo Natke will steer the HANSEATIC nature to Ushuaia on 9 November 2021, where she will arrive at the end of November. Then it will continue on an 18-day Antakrtis expedition with further destinations in South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. His colleague Roman Obrist is in command on the bridge of the HANSEATIC nature. Both captains look back on over 20 years of expedition experience. "Our Antarctic routes are demanding in terms of both nautical and content. It is the nature, weather and ice conditions that determine the schedule of each voyage," says Obrist.

Expedition experts on board

So that the guests can get up close and personal with the eternal ice during the voyage, experienced experts are present on every expedition. Biologists, glaciologists and geologists share their knowledge with the guests during lectures on board. They pay attention to the correct behaviour in the sensitive regions and prepare the shore excursions. Penguin sightings, whale watching, elephant seal sightings and impressive encounters with fur seals, snowshoe hikes and Zodiac rides create unforgettable memories for the guests. 

Expedition examples

HANSEATIC inspiration: Pioneering Days in the Realm of the Penguins - Great Expedition Route
From Ushuaia to Ushuaia, 05.12. - 21.12.2021 (16 days), incl. arrival and departure package in a balcony cabin from 17,080 EUR per person (double occupancy). 

HANSEATIC nature: Explorers' Adventure in the Ice - Classic Antarctica with Cape Horn
From Ushuaia to Ushuaia, 04.01. - 16.01.2022 (12 days), incl. arrival and departure package in a balcony cabin from 13,510 EUR per person (double occupancy). 

Further information and booking: hl-cruises.com