With the highest ice class for passenger ships and a crew with polar experience, the HANSEATIC nature sets a flexible course for unique terrain for explorers: Spitsbergen. Exhilarating expedition moments await you in the home of Arctic foxes and whales. The polar bear reigns here as the king of the Arctic and with a little luck, you’ll be able to spot these creatures from the deck or from a Zodiac at a respectful distance. Watch sparkling ice formations as they drift past the ship, and not only on the mighty Liefdefjord. They are evidence of the active Monacobreen, which calves into the inlet. A reverent silence will accompany your visit to the Magdalenefjord with its historic whalers’ graves framed by an awesome backdrop. In the small city of Ny-Alesund, you can feel the history of past adventures in the air – and questions of what the future will bring, as scientists are researching the consequences of climate change here. Marvel at the tongue of ice against dark mountains as you reach the 14th July Glacier – another of the destinations on this explorer route determined by the ice conditions. Unforgettable wildlife sightings also await you on the small island of Prins Karls Forland, where walruses like to relax on the gently sloping coastline and provide you with more great photographs.

Nowhere else in Europe is the power of the earth more evident than in Iceland. Saudarkrokur is a premiere destination for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, where you can explore individually with your experts. A visit to the fishing town of Isafjordhur transports you into the harshly beautiful Westfjords with deeply carved coasts and steep table mountains. Explore the Dynjandi waterfall* hidden in the mountains or embark on a hike to the Troll’s seat*, the striking ridge above the city. The time cruising off Latrabjarg will be accompanied by thousands of puffins and guillemots that live on the bird-inhabited cliffs.

Leave Reykjavik and experience the power of nature with some active exploration. The adventure on the Langjokull* is a fascinating insight into Iceland’s second-largest ice cap and the hot springs of Deildartunguhver. Take a flight over the island of fire and ice* with glaciers and volcanoes at your feet or explore the surreal lava fields and hilly green landscape while riding Icelandic horses*.

You have never seen the world like this: it’s as if the small, manoeuvrable HANSEATIC nature were made especially for the breathtaking natural backdrops of Greenland. As you follow the siren song of the Arctic, you’ll start by heading to the remote east. Endemic vegetation and magnificent panoramic scenery welcome you to the shores of Skjoldungen Sound as you gaze out from the Zodiac. The experts will draw your attention away from the scenery of impressive mountain ranges to point out special features in the blossoming tundra.

As you cruise through the ice-covered Prince Christian Sound, colourful fishing huts will be reflected in the waters fed by the glaciers – signs of the Inuit people’s life of simplicity. It’s a good idea to keep your eyes and ears open during the expedition. A cry of “Whale up ahead!” could sound from the bridge at any time and the many open deck areas provide the best opportunities for sightings.

In Arsukfjord, weathered houses recall bygone times: this small mining settlement has been abandoned but provides a home to musk oxen which, with a little luck, you will see. After tranquillity and remoteness, Nuuk reveals its almost European flair between its modern centre and historic colonial harbour. The national museum paints a vivid picture of Inuit history in interactive exhibition spaces. Back in the polar expanse, one of your Zodiac rides will present what is perhaps Greenland’s greatest natural spectacle in icy Disko Bay. The remarkable old town of Sisimiut provides a variety of insights. A “museum village” with Inuit culture and whaling history from the 17th century, which a hike on Tele Island also traces. In this remote place, stop and reflect on the eventful expedition days: these three islands will stay with you forever.