Cruises since 1891

An express steamship with a royal history: this renowned ship was named after the German empress Auguste Victoria. As the biggest passenger ship in Germany at the time, in 1891 she set out under the HAPAG flag on the world's first "pleasure cruise" - the forerunner of the modern-day cruise. Quite often the AUGUSTA VICTORIA was received, even in distant ports, with cheers and applause. 

Right from the start she was something special: the world's first purpose-built cruise ship. Albert Ballin named her after the German emperor's only daughter. And from the moment she was launched, she was a true "pleasure yacht".

The wonders of nature up-close: new adventures began with this expedition ship. In 2003, for instance, during a Zodiac trip in the Antarctic, the guests and crew discovered a new island in the endless ice. To this very day, you will find it marked as Bremen Island on maps of the region. The BREMEN was retired from our fleet in 2020. 

The highest standards and the highest ice class for passenger ships. That is how this expedition ship writes the history of adventure. On 26 August 2014 when navigating the Northeast Passage, she came within 480 km (298 mi.) of the North Pole, something no other passenger ship had ever previously achieved. In 2018, the HANSEATIC was ceremoniously retired from our fleet.

The 5 star* rated EUROPA accomplished the transition from a regular sailing service to cruises of the highest level: since 1999, the EUROPA has constantly set new standards in the history of cruising. Today, the sixth generation of the EUROPA cruises the world's oceans and carries her guests to the most beautiful places - with experience that stems from over 130 years of "pleasure cruises". 

Our definition of modern luxury: the EUROPA 2 unites lifestyle and elegance at the highest level. The multiple-award-winning ship has been setting new standards in the rich tradition of cruises since her maiden voyage in 2013. It is not without reason that she is deemed the best cruise ship in the world*.

We are further expanding our expedition expertise and following in the footsteps of legendary explorers with the creative guiding principle ‘inspired by nature’ - realised in three identical expedition ships: The HANSEATIC nature has been on an adventure course since May 2019, the HANSEATIC inspiration followed in October 2019 and the HANSEATIC spirit set sail in 2021.

The EUROPA awaits you with first-class service, a luxurious range of rooms and the highest standards of catering and comfort for a small group of up to 400 guests. 

On the EUROPA 2, you will be travelling in a relaxed and individual way, while enjoying high quality and style. Enjoy a symbiosis of perfection and elegance as well as the highest level of casual luxury with a maximum of 500 guests.

With the HANSEATIC nature, the HANSEATIC inspiration and the HANSEATIC spirit, you can expect unforgettable adventures where the experience sets the course. Accompanied by the highest levels of comfort and service - for exceptionally intense experiences with never more than 230 guests.