For the 2026/27 winter season, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is continuing its expedition cruises to northern Europe from Hamburg. The focus is on Arctic nature, winter outdoor activities, Nordic culture and Northern Lights observation, while the two sister ships HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit explore Antarctica in the Southern Hemisphere. Two voyages on the HANSEATIC nature will be adapted to seasonal conditions. The aim remains a reliable, well-planned yet immersive expedition winter.
From October 2026 to April 2027, the small expedition ship, accommodating a maximum of 230 guests, will cruise through northern Europe’s winter landscapes. All routes begin and end in Hamburg, allowing for direct travel to and from the port. The programme includes seven Northern Lights voyages, one Advent cruise through the winter Baltic Sea with stops in Stockholm and Copenhagen, three Lapland voyages as far as Kemi in the northern Gulf of Bothnia, and one journey north to Vaasa as the Baltic Sea awakens from its winter dormancy. These Nordic region voyages complement the polar winter programme of the two sister ships, which will operate expedition cruises in Antarctica, and can be found at www.hl-cruises.de/skandinavien.
The Northern Lights cruises on the HANSEATIC nature follow Norway’s fjord coastline, navigating narrow skerry landscapes and deeply indented fjords accessible only to small expedition ships, all the way to the North Cape. Destinations such as the Lofoten Islands, the Geirangerfjord and Alta define the classic image of Northern Norway, while Tromso, the “Gateway to the Arctic”, offers insight into life north of the Arctic Circle. At the heart of these voyages is the aurora borealis: thanks to increased solar activity, the chances of witnessing intense Northern Lights are particularly high, often visible from the open deck under clear night skies and far from artificial light sources. The programme is complemented by winter activities suitable for all fitness levels, including dog sledding through the stillness of the polar night, snowshoe hikes across snow-covered landscapes, sauna experiences by the fjord and kayaking in specialised suits. Visits to ice hotels, as well as cultural experiences both on board and ashore, complete the offering.
In addition, the HANSEATIC nature will sail to Kemi three times. The Gulf of Bothnia is considered a hidden gem in winter: ashore, the focus is on active experiences such as snowshoeing, dog sledding and encounters with Sami culture, with the chance to enjoy the glow of the Northern Lights. Two cruises within the northern Europe itineraries will be adapted to changing ice and seasonal conditions in the Gulf of Bothnia. A newly designed Baltic expedition links Sweden, Finland and the Baltic States up to the respective ice limits. Another route takes advantage of more stable ice windows throughout the season, allowing for flexible expedition days in the Bothnian Sea and Bothnian Bay. These adjustments respond to significantly changing ice conditions in the Gulf of Bothnia. Following several very cold winters, ice formation has intensified. Outside the months of January and February, the region can no longer be navigated reliably, even for polar-class expedition ships such as the HANSEATIC nature. In addition, stricter regulations apply, as icebreakers are required during this period to ensure regional supply routes.
For Northern Lights enthusiasts and lovers of the far north, the 2026/27 winter season presents a special opportunity. In the following season, Scandinavian cruises will be paused. The HANSEATIC nature will then set course for warmer waters, heading to the western Indian Ocean: to islands, atolls and remote coastlines around Madagascar and the Seychelles, offering a warm alternative to the current ice-focused winter programme.
Sample Cruises
Lapland winter adventure: Scandinavia’s white wonderland. This Hamburg–Hamburg route aboard the HANSEATIC nature leads through the winter Baltic Sea into the Gulf of Bothnia. Flexible expedition days in the Bothnian Sea and Bothnian Bay are determined by ice conditions – the ice sets the pace, much like in Antarctic destinations. The focus is on snow-covered landscapes, winter outdoor activities, insights into Lapland’s culture and, with a little luck, the Northern Lights. The voyage is complemented by winter stays in Stockholm and Copenhagen away from peak season. From 20 January to 4 February 2027 (15 days). Bookable in the PLATIN fare from EUR 9,390 per person (including early booking discount valid until 31 May 2026), based on double occupancy. Full details at: www.hl-cruises.de/nat2702
Scandinavia and the Baltic States: New routes over Easter. This cruise from Hamburg combines the tranquil late-winter atmosphere of the northern Baltic Sea with a route through Sweden, Finland and the Baltic States to Poland and Denmark. A highlight is the expedition day in the Gulf of Bothnia up to the ice limit, with the chance to experience winter ice landscapes. The journey concludes with a daytime passage through the Kiel Canal back to Hamburg. From 21 March to 5 April 2027 (15 days). Bookable in the PLATIN fare from EUR 9,670 per person, based on double occupancy. Full details at: www.hl-cruises.de/NAT2706
