Nautical mile after nautical mile of untamed nature – follow the Pacific Ring of Fire to one of the planet’s most remote regions with the HANSEATIC spirit. With some luck, you’ll hear the repeated cry of “Whale spotted!” on this cruise. These giants of the ocean can be observed particularly well from the deck. Perhaps the bald eagle will circle above the ship on your very first day, as cruising in Kenai National Park presents vast natural spectacles between the continents.

Take to the skies in Homer, the starting point for exciting bear-watching tours*: a seaplane will bring you to Brooks Falls, where, with a bit of luck, you might spot brown bears searching for food in a protected area. Or you can fly to Lake Clark National Park – where, on a hike with a ranger, you may be able to witness brown bears in their natural habitat. Departing from Homer, immerse yourself in the autumnal atmosphere of Alaska’s nature on a hike* to the glacial lake or on a boat trip*.

The main town on Kodiak Island was the second largest settlement in Russian America until 1867. Today, the Russian Orthodox Church and the Kodiak History Museum are reminders of this time. Stroll through the charming small Alaskan town on your own. A transfer will take you to Fort Abercrombie State Park* with its dense, moss-covered coastal forest – a particularly mystical experience at this time of year.

If you are lucky, you may have the opportunity to spot bears while cruising in the bays of the sprawling Katmai National Park with the HANSEATIC spirit. The animals are often found in the vegetation near the coast here. Together with your experts, you can keep a lookout from the many open deck spaces. 

On the Alaska Peninsula, you will meet the locals and gain insights into the life of the residents in the small fishing town of Chignik. What exciting observations will you make while cruising off Kak Island? Seabirds, otters and sea lions are always extraordinary photo motifs in these waters.

From Alaska, the volcanic chain of the Aleutian Islands extends into the Pacific in a wide, south-westerly arc. A vast world of power and beauty, teeming with life. Nature is still very pristine in these realms at the southern edge of the Bering Sea. Every single day tells its own story. Look forward to gaining many exciting insights on your shore visits and when the HANSEATIC spirit cruises nimbly through these waters – for example, on Popof Island, which you will explore on a hike together with your experts. Even today, Dutch Harbor on Unalaska Island still tells the history of Russian America, as Alaska was called until the middle of the 19th century. Go ashore with your experts to trace the history of Adak Island, a former military base that is now practically a ghost town set in the midst of unspoilt nature. 

Welcome to Japan and let Hokkaido bid you welcome. Still a blank page unfilled by tourism, the northern island of Japan has a number of unfamiliar facets. From Kushiro, the trails lead to the Akan Mashu National Park*, known for high volcanoes, clear lakes, deep forests and Mount Iou – with its bubbling sulphur fumaroles. You can explore the Kushiro-shitsugen wetland* by kayak* or on an easy hike* along wooden plank paths. The premiere destination of Muroran overlooks Uchiura Bay in southern Hokkaido and is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. From here, you will head to Shikotsu-Toya National Park* with its exceptionally clear Lake Toya. Alternatively, you can explore Noboribetsu* on a walk through Hell Valley* or on a relaxing visit to an onsen*. You will see stunning autumnal foliage at this time of year. In Hakodate, the volcano, birds and vegetation of Onuma Quasi-National Park* take centre stage. Alternatively, inspect fresh fish and crab on a market visit before continuing your city tour* with a visit to Goryokaku Fort, the first Western-style fortress in Japan. Explore the diverse nature of the small volcanic island of Rishiri on hikes with your experts and once again, enjoy the uplifting feeling of reaching places with the HANSEATIC spirit where hardly anyone else is able to venture. Finally, you can discover the rugged rocky island of Okushiri on an individual shore visit. The region is famous for abalones – perhaps you will also try this local seafood?