A new wave of expedition cruises poised to inspire passengers
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ stunning itineraries highlight ultra-luxury exploration
A few years ago, river cruises were the hot trend in the cruise industry. While their unprecedented growth still continues, a new wave of cruise ships are hitting the high seas and, in doing so, are creating one of the hottest trends around. I’m talking, of course, about luxury expedition cruises.
Over the next two years, 17 small-ship expedition vessels are scheduled to enter service. That’s huge. To put things in perspective, you need to understand that, traditionally speaking, most expedition cruise ships travelling to places like Antarctica or the Arctic are older, heavily refurbished ships. But a new wave of luxurious and eco-friendly explorers are on their way, with two in particular poised to make a grand entrance.
Hamburg, Germany-based Hapag-Lloyd Cruises (hl-cruises. com) will debut their new ultra-luxury exploration twins, Hanseatic Inspiration and Hanseatic Nature, in 2019. Hanseatic Nature will offer cruises for the German-speaking market, while Hanseatic Inspiration will cater to international and Englishspeaking guests on every sailing.
Of the two, it is the 230-guest Inspiration that you should be most excited about.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises CEO Karl J. Pojer recently revealed new details about Hanseatic Inspiration and her sister at a media event in New York, including detailed renderings of the ship and her accommodations, as well as a full overview of her inaugural 2019-20 voyages.
I’m particularly impressed with Hanseatic Inspiration’s sailing schedule which is, well, inspiring. It’s probably no surprise that the ship will offer expedition cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica, but the rest of her itineraries are absolutely stunning.
In March and April 2020, for example, Hanseatic Inspiration sails two 17-day Belem-Iquitos cruises through the heart of the Amazon. In April, she cruises from Belem to Nassau for 15 days, and then onward to Boston on a rare, five-day Atlantic cruise.
The itineraries that are going to sell out faster than even Antarctica are Hanseatic Inspiration’s two Great Lakes runs. The first departs from Toronto on June 3, 2020, and continues on to Chicago, sailing to Windsor, Tobermory, Little Current, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, Duluth, Mackinac Island and Traverse City. The return voyage from Chicago to Toronto, departing Wednesday, June 17, 2020, offers a similar itinerary. And because Hanseatic Inspiration is an expedition ship, expect plenty of immersive, educational and fun excursions ashore.
Great Lakes cruises are very rare, and these close-to-home journeys are some of the best ways to experience this ship without the added cost (or hassle) of international airfare.
Another itinerary that’s going to get snapped up quickly: the 20-day Toronto to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, voyage that departs (conveniently) on Canada Day 2020. This is my favourite itinerary. It spends a day cruising Lake Ontario before arriving in Montreal, then calls on Tadoussac and sails up the St. Lawrence River for explorations off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. After that, it’s off to the Hudson Strait and the west coast of Greenland before ending in Kangerlussuaq. There’s literally nothing else like this afloat.
The same could be said for Hanseatic Inspiration. The all-luxury ship will feature three on-board restaurants with international gourmet cuisine, offered up with flexible meal times and open-seating arrangements.
An all-new concept has been rolled out for the Hanse Atrium, which combines a cool cocktail bar and lounge with an informative, technologically advanced lecture hall where guests can further their knowledge of the natural world they’re sailing through. Plenty of open-deck space aids in that exploration, along with a fully accessible bow area for passengers to enjoy great views during scenic cruising.
There will be six different types of accommodations offered aboard Hanseatic Inspiration, with standard cabins coming in at 226 square feet. All cabins are oceanview, and nearly all will feature their own private French or full step-out balcony.
In keeping with Hapag-Lloyd’s style, Hanseatic Inspiration will be thoughtfully designed. Drawing inspiration from nature, she’ll feature a soothing colour palette and an on-board centre, the Ocean Academy, dedicated solely to education. She’ll be fitted with the highest ice-class hull and environmentally responsible waste treatment facilities.
Hanseatic Inspiration’s maiden voyage takes place in October 2019, when the ship sails from Antwerp, Belgium to Tenerife, Spain.
Bookings for Hanseatic Inspiration’s inaugural 2019-20 season are now open.
Happy cruising.
Visit portsandbows.com, sponsored by Expedia CruiseShipCenters, 1-800-707-7327, www.cruiseshipcenters.com, for daily updates on the latest cruise news, best deals and behind-the-scenes stories from the industry. You can also sign up for an email newsletter on the site for even more cruise information. Aaron Saunders may be contacted directly at portsandbowsaaron@gmail.com.