The Amazon is one of the few rivers in the world that promises unknown discoveries and still unexplored places in its catchment area on a thrilling expedition route. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is one of the few operators worldwide that navigates this mighty river with three, manoeuvrable expedition ships: every year, exactly two expedition cruises are on its programme. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is the only operator to sail the river from Belem upstream to the remote rainforest city of Iquitos and downstream. The HANSEATIC spirit is currently travelling this extraordinary and nautically highly demanding route, having set off yesterday from Belem on its 18-day expedition upstream. The itineraries for the next two years have already been published and there are only a few cabins still available, as every year these two cruises are among the most popular in the expedition programme of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
For almost 30 years, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has been taking guests on this approximately 4,000 km (2,385 mi.) adventure through the heart of the Amazon – from Belem in the estuary delta upstream deep into the Peruvian rainforest and back again. The company is the only provider of expedition cruises to offer this passage once a year, both upstream and downstream. Yesterday, the HANSEATIC spirit set off on this extraordinary adventure, heading for one of the most fascinating river routes in the world. For Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, cruises on the Amazon have been an integral part of its expedition programme for decades.
“The Amazon is one of the most captivating natural and cultural regions on earth”, says Isolde Susset, Managing Director Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. “Our expeditions allow guests to experience this river intensively – with time and experience as well as a deep respect for the region and its people.” The two expeditions will also be on the itinerary again in the coming years.
Expeditions with experience and local experts
The small, manoeuvrable expedition ships of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises are specially built for challenging routes. With their shallow draught, they can reach sections of the river that remain inaccessible to larger ships. At the same time, with space for no more than 230 guests and spacious open decks, they offer ideal conditions for thrilling observations of nature and wildlife. Up to 17 on-board Zodiacs enable excursions and landings in remote side branches of the river – independent of ports and landing stages. This allows guests to reach places where the rainforest extends right up to the water’s edge and wildlife is particularly active.
The expeditions are accompanied by an experienced team of experts on board as well as local “spotters”. They have known the Amazon for years, discover animals in the dense greenery and share their knowledge of nature and life along the river. The expedition experience is complemented by lectures and background information in the HanseAtrium as well as a wealth of knowledge available in the Ocean Academy on board, where guests can deepen their impressions.
Encounters along the river
Many places along the Amazon are only accessible by water. When one of the expedition ships of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises moors there, encounters with people whose daily lives are closely connected to the river take place. Over the years, a trusting exchange has developed, and the ship, the crew and even guests often bring items that are difficult to obtain in remote regions, such as school supplies or hygiene products.
The Amazon expeditions are among the cruises in the programme of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises that are most steeped in tradition, and they are usually booked up well in advance. The HANSEATIC inspiration will sail the legendary route in 2027 and 2028.
Sample cruises for 2027
Expedition Amazon (upstream) – a special legendary route
On board the HANSEATIC inspiration and the Zodiacs, it becomes clear why the Amazon is a jewel of the natural world so worthy of protection. From the river delta in Belem/Brazil, the route will continue upstream – with numerous expedition activities, Zodiac landings and stops on the Rio Negro and in Manaus/Brazil to Iquitos/Peru, from 9 Apr to 1 May 2027 (21 days), bookable in the PLATINUM fare from € 22,670 per person, double occupancy, including charter flight and travel package to and from departure and arrival points. For more information, visit: www.hl-cruises.com/INS2706
Expedition Amazon (downstream) – the archetypal river adventure
The HANSEATIC inspiration will sail this intensive expedition route from the remote upper reaches far beyond Manaus to the delta. Guests will unlock the secrets of an almost untouched world together with experts on board. From Iquitos/Peru, downstream via Rio Negro and Manaus to Belem/Brazil, from 28 Apr to 19 May 2027 (21 days), bookable in the PLATINUM fare from € 25,540 per person, double occupancy, including charter flight and travel package to and from departure and arrival points. For more information, visit: www.hl-cruises.com/INS2707
Also already bookable for 2028
The two Amazon expeditions are also already back on the itinerary for the HANSEATIC inspiration in 2028:
Expedition Amazon (upstream)
From Belem/Brazil to Iquitos/Peru, from 31 Mar to 22 Apr 2028 (22 days), bookable in the PLATINUM fare from € 21,410 per person, double occupancy, including charter flight, travel package to and from departure and arrival points, and early booking discount until 31 May 2027. For more information, visit: www.hl-cruises.com/INS2806
Expedition Amazon (downstream)
From Iquitos/Peru to Belem/Brazil, from 19 Apr to 10 May 2028 (21 days), bookable in the PLATINUM fare from € 21,190 per person, double occupancy, including charter flight, travel package to and from departure and arrival points, and early booking discount until 31 May 2027. For more information, visit: www.hl-cruises.com/INS2807
