Off the east coast of Africa, the HANSEATIC spirit's navigation charts transform into treasure maps. The green island of Reunion sits in the deep-blue ocean like an emerald. Its natural contrasts range from picturesque beaches to peaks up to 3,000 m (9,842 ft) high, an impressive prospect on a helicopter flight*. Green tropical forests harmonise with rugged lunar landscapes on a journey to the Piton de la Fournaise volcano*, one of the most active on the planet. Even more pristine scenery awaits you on the world's fourth-largest island.

Madagascar is one of the few regions to have preserved its natural feel. This may be a "simple world" in the tourist sense, but this is precisely what makes it a dream destination for nature lovers - and new territory for the HANSEATIC spirit. Vast prairies, rugged rocky coastlines, lush green rainforests and immense rice fields: authentic and seldom visited. Madagascans share the respectful attitude to people and nature practised by the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet. Their fady - rules and taboos passed down by their ancestors - are as extraordinary as the island itself. To know more is to see more, and so the team of experts on board will explain facets of the island's culture and biology in fascinating presentations and on Zodiac rides. Toamasina is home to palm-lined alleys and a vibrant seafront promenade. While rickshaws - known as pousse-pousses - are used to navigate the city, traditional dugout canoes float on the lagoons and lakes. Experience them for yourself on a boat trip on the Canal des Pangalanes*, one of the world's longest artificial waterways. Relax as you pass through jungle, mangroves and fishing villages. Lemurs really stand out from the rest of the animal kingdom - Madagascar has around 70 different species. Many of them can be found leaping from tree to tree in Parc Ivoloina*. These prosimians will observe your visit with curiosity - and they might be joined by the brown mouse lemur, one of the world's smallest primates. The former pirate island of Nosy Boraha and its pirate cemetery tell of adventures on land and water. Go ashore independently to explore the pristine nature with its mangrove forests and waterfalls. Nosy Nato invites you to snorkel and swim on its fine sandy beaches. The water is as crystal-clear as your memories of Madagascar's unspoilt nature.

When you land on Nosy Be with the Zodiacs, your senses will be beguiled by the scent of the ylang-ylang tree. The essential oil with the fruity, flowery aroma is extracted from the tree's leaves, and is as coveted in the perfume industry as the essence of the vanilla that grows on the island. Magnificent colonial villas by the harbour recall the feudal lifestyle of the former French sugar barons. The architecture is eclipsed by the island's rich vegetation. Baobabs are among the most unconventional of trees - they can reach a diameter of up to 20 m (66 ft) and live to over 1,000 years old. Go for a hike in Lokobe Reserve* and marvel at the enormous trees and native bird species. Alternatively, take a boat trip to Nosy Komba*, the lemurs' island, and gain an insight into how the primates live. Go for a swim and you might get the opportunity to watch sea turtles in the water.

Idyllic beaches and colourful snorkelling sites await on Madagascar's north coast. In the Zodiacs, seek out Nosy Hara's most beautiful sandy bays between the coral reefs and bizarre basalt cliffs. It's no wonder that, in the 19th century, the French declared Antsiranana its protectorate, an act still reflected in the colonial architecture. The bays and beaches of Diego Suarez* are truly magnifique - fall under their spell during a walk or a refreshing dip in the sea. Breathtaking impressions also await by the waterfalls and streams of Domaine de Fontenay nature park*.

Finally, join local rangers for a hike along undiscovered paths through the deep-green rainforest of Nosy Mangabe. With a little luck, you might spot rare aye-ayes, white-headed lemurs or nano-chameleons - which include the world's smallest reptile - between the enormous trees.