By Staff Writer
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises introduces the HANSEATIC nature, the first of three ships from their new expedition class. Starting in Hamburg for its inaugural cruise, the state-of-the-art vessel will travel through the Hebrides, Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands, before finishing in Bergen. In addition to cruises to the Arctic in the European summer and to the Antarctic in the European winter, the HANSEATIC nature will offer warm-water cruises to destinations such as the Amazon, the South Seas, Chile’s fjords, the Azores and Cape Verde.
The second international ship, the HANSEATIC inspiration, will be commissioned in October 2019, followed by the HANSEATIC spirit in May 2021. All three structurally-identical ships can accommodate up to 230 guests, or 199 on Antarctic cruises and circumnavigations of Spitsbergen. HANSEATIC nature has two extendible balconies, a Nature Walk deck tour at the ship’s bow which allows for wildlife sightings, on-board kayaks and 17 on-board Zodiacs and E-Zodiacs with eco-friendly electric drive systems and a marina.
The vessels also feature cutting-edge equipment and environmental technology. All three are fitted with an SCR catalytic converter, which reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by almost 95 percent; PROMAS rudders with special propellers; and a special hull design to reduce fuel consumption. This aligns with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ recent green initiatives, including the disuse of heavy oil in areas that require particular protection and the use of low-pollutant marine gas oil for about 70 percent of its expedition cruises. From July 2020, marine gas oil will be used on all routes for the entire expedition fleet.
Further on-board offerings allow guests to have an immersive cruise experience and learn more about the nature and environment of their various destinations. Experts will give daily presentations in the HanseAtrium, a separable multifunctional lounge with state-of-the-art technology and large LED screens. Deck 8, the heart of the Ocean Academy, acts as a touchscreen study wall with four study seats, digital study posters and a microscope area. With featured content provided by the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel, as well as scientists, experts and journalists, guests can conduct individual studies and research to deepen their knowledge of the natural wonders they encounter.
The new expedition class is being financed by an investment from the parent TUI Group and all ships in the fleet are the property of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and the TUI Group.
The cruise line has also worked with the OCEANARCHITECTS architectural office to reflect their “inspired by nature” philosophy both outside and inside through the ships’ interior design.
The 120 cabins and suites on the HANSEATIC nature range from Panoramic Cabins at 21 square metres to Grand Suites at 71 square metres. There are also exclusively-outside cabins with most housing their own balcony or French balcony. Additional luxuries include spacious wellness and fitness areas and a large pool area with a counter-current system.
Dining options begin with the Hamptons speciality restaurant, which boasts 44 seats and a diverse menu, from North American specialities to the more easy-going maritime flair of the East Coast. The main HANSEATIC Restaurant seats 178 guests while the Lido Restaurant offers 184 seats, in addition to its barbecue and a show kitchen. Flexible mealtimes and free choice of seating in the restaurants ensure that guests can fit their meals around their expedition experiences, rather than vice versa.