Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Let's not beat around the bush, Hapag-Lloyd is a German company, and - yes - the first language on board is German. Having said that, the expedition cruises on Hanseatic Inspiration are designated bilingual, and the team on board are totally committed to ensuring that you have a fantastic experience, whether your first language is German or English. From January 2026, the remaining two ships will also operate bilingually, showing Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' commitment to the English-speaking market.

Hanseatic Inspiration is one of three expedition ships which launched in 2019 and 2021, expanding the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet even further into into the expedition cruising arena, after the much-loved Hanseatic left the fleet in 2018. These 230-guest expedition ships (up to 199 guests on Antarctica voyages) combine slick design and technological innovation with a supremely well qualified marine operation, great standards of seamanship, and an expedition team which has pioneered travel way off the beaten track.

On a Hapag-Lloyd expedition you can expect an outstanding programme of lectures and presentations, and the expert naturalists and expedition leaders travel with you in the zodiacs to ensure you make the most of every moment, as you make wet landings by zodiac on remote beaches, or hike ashore to witness amazing wildlife and outstanding natural beauty. They have a fantastic selection of varied itineraries, including some lovely extended voyages, with adventures to the Arctic, South America, the Pacific Islands, Japan, and even America's Great Lakes.

Operating vessels to remote areas of the world is an expensive proposition: with expert guides and expedition leaders on board, high fuel and insurance costs, logistical challenges in terms of provisioning the ships, longer itineraries, and of course the usual expenses of maintaining a top quality operation with excellent levels of comfort, great service and appetising food, an expedition with Hapag-Lloyd therefore commands a handsome price. We think, however, that you will find it also represents excellent value for money. And for a once in a lifetime trip, you certainly can't afford to make a mistake.

Sustainability

Hapag-Lloyd are committed to environmentally responsible cruising and have implemented numerous initiatives across their fleet, including banning the use of heavy fuels and switching to marine gas oil. Optimised hull design on their newer vessels helps to reduce fuel consumption by 18% and shore-to-ship power can be used when docked to help further reduce fuel consumption. Catalysts reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by almost 95%, advanced water management means zero sewage is disposed at sea, and ballast water is treated to stop flora and fauna being introduced to foreign ecosystems. This is in addition to the use of electric Zodiacs where possible, extensive recycling of onboard waste, and smart management of energy usage (e.g. LED lighting).

To protect wildlife whilst cruising Hapag-Lloyd work with the International fund for Animal Welfare, specifically to help protect endangered Bryde's whales, and they support The South Georgia Heritage Trust, whose efforts help to preserve the native flora and fauna on South Georgia and in the surrounding waters.

Hapag-Lloyd are also members of AECO (the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators), who support responsible, environmentally friendly and safe tourism in the Arctic, and were co-founders of IAATO (the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) who advocate for and promote safe and environmentally responsible private sector travel to the Antarctic.