From city highlights and exclusive experiences in nature to individually curated arrangements – the new programmes offered by the best fleet in the world, according to Insight Guides Cruising & Cruise Ships 2025, enhance selected cruises on board the small luxury and expedition ships of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises with carefully tailored experiences ashore.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has published its new pre- and post-cruise programmes for the season from autumn 2027 to early 2029. With these programmes, the Hamburg-based luxury and expedition cruise operator is enhancing selected itineraries with curated on-shore experiences – either prior to departure or after the cruise. The offers range from guided city tours and round trips to private hotel arrangements and individually tailored travel arrangements put together by the travel concierge team, which organises bespoke experiences upon request.
“We see luxury as the ultimate freedom to choose. Our pre- and post-cruise programmes enable our guests to experience destinations more intensively both before and after their cruise. These additional on-shore experiences blend seamlessly into the overall experience offered by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises,” says Isolde Susset, Managing Director, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
Travel experiences with a personal touch
Selected pre- and post-cruise programmes are an integral part of the travel offer at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Many ports of embarkation and disembarkation provide the ideal setting to enhance the respective cruise with additional experiences. In this way, guests’ travel arrangements to and from the cruise become travel experiences in their own right – from culture and cuisine in major cities to experiences in nature in remote regions. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers corresponding programmes in most of the ports of arrival and departure of cruises offered. This applies to the luxury ships EUROPA and EUROPA 2 as well as to the three expedition ships HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit.
Three types of programmes for different travel styles
The portfolio of pre- and post-cruise programmes is tailored to the different needs of guests and comprises three main types of programmes.
Guided pre- and post-cruise programmes are aimed at guests who enjoy sharing travel experiences in small groups. These programmes are usually conducted in groups and accompanied by a tour guide. The offer includes sightseeing programmes in major cities such as Lisbon, Rio de Janeiro or Tokyo as well as shorter tours to cultural or scenic highlights. Accommodation is provided in select hotels and, in some cases, in exceptional lodges or resorts. Depending on the destination, activities range from classic sightseeing tours and exclusive special access beyond regular opening hours to active pursuits such as hiking, cycling or kayaking.
Private pre- and post-cruise programmes offer guests a particularly personalised setting for individual explorations. In selected destinations, this offer includes hotel arrangements available for immediate booking, including transfers to and from the airport. This creates an exclusive starting point for a travel experience entirely at one’s one pace – alone, as a couple or with family and friends.
The highest degree of personalisation is offered by tailored travel arrangements organised by the travel concierge team. Here, the personal wishes of guests are tailored to their exact requirements – from a stopover to a private tour lasting several days. The specialists at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises work together with a global network of local partners to develop bespoke programmes that can be customised to suit guests’ interests, their duration of stay as well as their personal preferences.
Tailor-made service in line with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and its understanding of luxury
With its pre- and post-cruise programmes, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises emphasises its understanding of luxury as a combination of exclusivity and personal freedom. “Over the years, demand for these offers has become increasingly more nuanced. Whilst many guests continue to appreciate the benefits of guided programmes led by our tour guides, there is also growing interest in private and bespoke arrangements. Particularly in distant or logistically challenging destinations, many guests are happy to rely on our expertise and organisation. For numerous regular guests, pre- and post-cruise programmes are now an integral part of their travel planning,” says Isolde Susset. In addition, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is continuously developing its portfolio – guided by current travel trends, exceptional accommodation, special events and feedback from guests and tour guides alike. This consistently results in the creation of new special programmes.
Sample cruises for 2027/2028
A relaxing break in the Seychelles from 4 Dec to 8 Dec 2027
This guided pre-cruise programme offers idyllic days in a spectacular setting on Mahe. Three nights at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Seychelles in Petite Anse Bay combine maximum privacy and exclusive comfort – including a choice of a villa with garden or ocean views. The opportunity to relax by the private plunge pool or on the beach makes this programme a stylish start to the cruise. In conjunction with the expedition from Mahe (Seychelles) to Mauritius from 8 Dec to 20 Dec 2027, from € 5,190 per person, double room, including scheduled flight* from Germany to Mahe. For more information, visit www.hl-cruises.de/nat2725
Cultural hotspots: Beijing and Hong Kong from 25 Jan to 31 Jan 2028
This guided pre-cruise programme combines two of Asia’s most fascinating metropolises for an impressive start to the cruise. In Beijing, guests experience highlights such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and historic hutongs – before Hong Kong unveils a mesmerising sense of modernity with its markets and urban skyline. Exclusive accommodation is provided at The Peninsula Hotels in Beijing and Hong Kong. In conjunction with the cruise from Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City from 31 Jan to 14 Feb 2028, from € 6,390 per person, double room, including scheduled flight* from Germany to Beijing and from Beijing to Hong Kong. For more information, visit www.hl-cruises.de/eur2803
Culture meets nature: Darwin and Nitmiluk National Park from 22 May to 26 May 2028
This guided post-cruise programme takes guests from Darwin deep into the imposing landscape of the Northern Territory to Nitmiluk National Part in all-terrain vehicles with driver guides. Highlights include a stay at Cicada Lodge, run by the Jawoyn people, a sunrise helicopter flight with an outdoor breakfast, and a sunset dinner cruise through the gorges of Katherine River. In conjunction with the expedition from/to Darwin from 4 May to 22 May 2028, from € 8,950 per person, double room, including scheduled flight* from Darwin to Germany. For more information, visit: www.hl-cruises.de/spi2807
* Economy Class is listed here for all flights; an upgrade to higher booking classes can be booked at a surcharge at any time.
