Start by enjoying the banks of the Elbe and the first-class service provided by the crew during your first evening meal on board.

The advantages of a small ship with lots of open deck areas become apparent on the daytime passage through the Kiel Canal. After crossing Schleswig-Holstein, passing marshes, forests and hills on the way, great natural and cultural treasures await.

With steep, romantic coasts, sandy beaches and wonderful forests, Rugen has been a popular summer destination since the late 19th century. The splendid architecture in the resort of Binz dates from this period. The white art nouveau villas stand to attention along the promenade with their carved ornamental lattice work and decorative metal balconies. A journey from Binz to Putbus on the “Rasender Roland”* provides additional nostalgia: Germany’s oldest narrow-gauge railway has been traversing this route for over 100 years. In 1810, Prince Wilhelm Malte I. of Putbus made sure that the royal city was built in the classical style strictly according to plan.

One highlight that will provide the feeling of an expedition “on your doorstep” is a Zodiac ride through the canals of Copenhagen, passing the harbour district of Nyhavn, Amalienborg Palace and the Little Mermaid. You can also get a glimpse of royal life with a visit to Rosenborg Castle*. Built in 1610 as a summer palace, it served as a royal residence until the middle of the 18th century. Ride through the bicycle capital* and marvel at your new perspectives – perhaps interrupted only to stop for Danish confectionery.

On the other side of the Kattegat, Gothenburg awaits you in western Sweden, an urban insider’s tip. The city at the mouth of the Gota alv river welcomes you with idyllic parks and historic ramparts. The city centre will introduce you to the Swedish lifestyle with excellent restaurants and countless coffee shops. One authentic way to see the sights is to take a ride through Gothenburg on the historic tram*.

Immerse yourself in the unadulterated magic of southern Sweden’s world of islands and fjords when the HANSEATIC inspiration devotes plenty of time to cruising through this Nordic idyll. Might the Zodiacs come into play here, and where will you go ashore? Be surprised and marvel at the many picturesque islands and skerries, the smoothly polished granite rocks with their red boathouses, the crystal-clear water and the striking lighthouses.

Uncharted territory ahoy – stand on the deck tour at the bow and be one of the first to spot the picturesque bays, fishing villages and islands gliding past during the morning cruise on the Oslofjord. In a green natural setting lies Scandinavia’s oldest capital: Oslo. The landscape and city life provided subject matter for the famous Norwegian painter Edvard Munch, who spent his youth and the last years of his life here. Take some pictures of your own as you head out from the ship to explore the centre on foot. Trace the footsteps of Norwegian explorers* and see fascinating items from seafaring history, such as Roald Amundsen’s polar ship, on the Bygdoy museum island. A city tour* will highlight Oslo’s sense of style with the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the city hall and the magnificent buildings on Karl Johans Gate.

You’ll also find Nordic charm in the old neighbourhood of Posebyen in Kristiansand with its white wooden houses, some of which date back to the 17th century. The region is lesser known among tourists but is a popular summer paradise for Norwegians. Many small islands and picturesque strips of coastline beckon, while Kristiansand itself provides another inviting prospect. A visit to an elk farm* or a high-speed RIB boat trip* will round off your experiences in southern Norway.

Discover one of North Germany’s most imposing natural landmarks – Lange Anna on Helgoland: the red stack of rock rises 47 m (154 ft) into the air off the island’s coast, You can also enjoy one of Germany’s smallest nature reserves, the Lummenfelsen. This attracts not only day trippers but also a great number of animal inhabitants. Did you know that Germany’s largest predator lives off Helgoland? The grey seal, which shares the dunes with common seals, reaches speeds of up to 40 km/h (25 mph) in the water as it hunts for sardines and cod. You, meanwhile, will hunt for spectacular panoramas on a 2.8 km (1.7 mi.) walk along the cliffs or on a Zodiac ride. Say goodbye to the North Sea and continue your journey back to Hamburg, the metropolis on the Elbe. It’s hard to believe how many North Sea stories you’ll take home from this cruise.