It’s time again to make expedition history with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. To reach places that are largely untouched by humans. To enter truly uncharted territory. On two premieres along the same route with the small HANSEATIC nature into Canada’s barely known inland sea, Hudson Bay. As the “ice cellar of North America”, this is a region that is completely iced over and not passable in winter. Only in summer does a short window of time make it possible to discover places and natural spectacles that few travellers can reach.
Premiere times two: expeditions with identical routes in summer 2025 (NAT2514 and NAT2515)
Expedition in the purest sense: heading to unknown destinations in Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait and Frobisher Bay
The Arctic awakens: observe rare animals and experience blooming tundra on numerous hikes
The Hudson’s Bay Company and the paths of change: insightful journey through time with experts on board
Ending with Greenland’s wonders: the ice fjord of Ilulissat and icebergs in Disko Bay
At anchor
Further information
Adventure and daring feats now lie ahead of you – in regions that were previously blank pages in the logbooks of the new expedition class. Here, in 1610, the English captain and explorer Henry Hudson searched for the Northwest Passage between Europe and Asia. In the process, he discovered a huge bay that was later named Hudson Bay in his honour. To this day, the history of the former trade route for valuable furs and the history of the Hudson’s Bay Company are still very much present. Your experts on board will provide you with exciting background information – on the local flora and fauna as well. You will see the quartzite Marble Island, the habitat of polar bears and Arctic foxes, from a different perspective. What kinds of views Chesterfield Inlet will provide will only be revealed upon arriving at the settlement on the fjord. Explorations with the Zodiacs are planned at Walrus Island to observe walruses – which, together with Arctic birds, also live on neighbouring Coats Island. Mansel Island is the territory of tundra swans and eider ducks.
Hudson Strait, too, is iced over and not passable for most of the year. Will your ship come across pack ice? If the route is clear, Eric Cove offers a great diversity of plants and traces of the Inuit on a hike. The Arctic summer adorns Diana Island with delicate flowers. Perhaps musk oxen and Arctic hares will make an appearance here. In the Lower Savage Islands, you have a good chance of observing polar bears from a respectful distance.
You’ll be entering unknown terrain in Iqaluit. The small capital of Nunavut and its surroundings invite you to outdoor activities1, such as hiking with your experts to the parliament, the igloo church and the museum. Experience caribou, Arctic foxes and various species of bird. Cruising in Frobisher Bay is enriched by knowledgeable commentary from your experts, who will also introduce you to the wonders of the world’s largest island.
In Sisimiut, explore the picturesque old town which resembles a museum village. A hike takes you from Ilulissat to the ice fjord, where glistening sculptures gather. Surrounded by glittering icebergs, you will find yourself in Disko Bay – cruising or in a Zodiac. The robust motorised rubber boats also take you to the Eqip Sermia Glacier. You, too, can be as proud as the Inuit at the heart-shaped mountain of Uummannaq – because at the end of your expedition, you will belong to a small circle of people to have taken part in Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’s very own history of discovery.
1 The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change. 2 Connecting flights at an extra charge.
The itinerary depends on official approval, weather and ice conditions. The natural experiences and wildlife sightings described are possibilities on this expedition and are not guaranteed.
At anchor
When the ship is anchored, there is no pier and the ship anchors in open water. The transfer to land is carried out using tender boats or zodiacs.
Golf
You head for the best and most beautiful greens in the world and are looked after by a PGA golf professional
Zodiac
Where even our small and few ships can't get any further, you can continue your adventures safely in robust inflatable boats (weather permitting).
Music
In an almost private atmosphere you can experience artists up close on the high seas or in front of the most beautiful places in the world.
Arrival and departure | optionally bookable
Sun, 10.08.2025
Scheduled flight from Germany to Toronto Overnight stay with breakfast
Extend your trip
Our popular before and after programmes include a wide range of excursions and are usually accompanied by experienced Hapag-Lloyd Cruises tour guides. Recommended for travelers who like to share their experiences with a group of like-minded people. Experience selected highlights of your holiday destination and enjoy the amenities of a group trip - we take care of transfers, excursions and overnight stays.
Levels of difficulty
The organized land activities that we have planned for you place different demands on your physical fitness. So that you can see at a glance whether the requirement profile of your desired excursion matches your expectations, we have classified the activities in our excursion program into three levels:
easy
These programmes do not place any particular demands on your physical condition. Walks or tours take you along easy footpaths and any stairs are easy to negotiate.
moderat
These programmes place moderate demands on your physical condition. Walking for up to 2 hours (including on cobblestones) and climbing stairs should not cause you any problems. Programmes that include off-road vehicle rides on partially uneven and bumpy roads are not recommended for guests with back problems.
demanding
These programmes require a good level of physical fitness, dexterity and sure-footedness, e.g. for extended tours or city walks (sometimes on uneven surfaces and with many steps) or sporty, active hikes and kayak tours.
Price special
Limited offer: Travel for the best price with the SILVER fare
For this cruise, offers in the SILVER fare are available. You will find these under "Prices & Booking" after selecting the respective cabin/suite.
Attractive combination discount
Extend your stay with the subsequent cruise NAT2516 and save € 1,000 per person. (Applies to Categories 1 – 10)
Included Services
Expedition and knowledge
All landings and rides in the ship’s own Zodiacs (Use of the Zodiacs depends on the destination and on official permits)
Experienced experts from various disciplines accompany every cruise, give presentations and multimedia lectures, provide well-informed answers to questions about the cruising area and take part in the Zodiac landings/rides and hikes from/to ship
Use of the interactive Ocean Academy with individual knowledge formats
Comprehensive information before the cruise – for example about the Arctic, Antarctic, the South Seas and the Amazon, as well as expedition maps
Cabin
In every cabin: champagne to welcome you, mini bar restocked daily with non-alcoholic beverages (additional selection in Grand Suites and Junior Suites), coffee machine (tea on request), 24-hour cabin service
Equipment for loan: one pair of binoculars and two sets of Nordic Walking poles in the cabin itself, furthermore warm parkas, rubber boots, snorkelling equipment
Flat-screen TV with information and entertainment programme, personal email account and Internet access via Wi-Fi (free of charge for one hour per guest and day, satellite-dependent especially in polar areas)
Information about harbours and destinations (where available) in the cabin
Restaurants
International gourmet cuisine – full board: breakfast (early-bird and late riser breakfast), bouillon, afternoon coffee/tea time, lunch and dinner (three restaurants to choose from in the evening with flexible opening hours)
For all cases
German ship and expedition management as well as a mostly German-speaking service crew
Harbour and airport fees
Cancellation fee insurance (20% excess) in the PLATINUM and GOLD fares
Spa and fitness
Extensive sports programme: fitness area with ocean view, course programme, additional sports activities on shore depending on the destination (Personal training for an additional charge)
OCEAN SPA with Finnish sauna with an ocean view, steam sauna, indoor and outdoor relaxation area (spa treatments and hairdresser at a surcharge)
