Amidst drifting icebergs and fascinating wildlife, nature turns into a classroom: with the Young Explorers programme, children and young people aged 10 to 17 gain first-hand scientific experiences during selected expeditions on the HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration or HANSEATIC spirit. Instead of dry theory, the focus is on encouraging their own discoveries – from looking at plankton through a microscope to encounters with whales and glaciers.
On current cruises to Iceland, Svalbard and Greenland, the Arctic becomes a living learning environment. Zodiacs take guests between icebergs and along the coast, hikes lead through Greenland’s landscape and, with a bit of luck, walruses and seals can be spotted. Every day brings new discoveries and surprises while weather, ice conditions and official permits determine the itinerary.
On board the small expedition ships of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the young guests are accompanied by experienced expedition experts such as glaciologist Benjamin Schröter. He shares his extensive knowledge of oceans, glaciers and polar regions in a playful way, sparking curiosity about the mysteries of these worlds. “Children want to experience things for themselves. When they see a glacier or spot a whale for the first time, these experiences stay with them forever,” he says. “When, at the end of the day, a child says, ‘That was the best day of my life,’ then I know why I do this job.”
The programme complements the educational content of expedition cruises for adults and is tailored to children’s interests. It takes place provided there is a minimum of five young guests. Sometimes plankton is examined under a microscope at the Ocean Academy; at other times, the children go on exploration tours ashore or behind the scenes of the expedition ship. Along the way, conversations naturally arise about glaciers and the special protection required for these sensitive habitats.
“The core of every expedition is curiosity: the willingness to ask questions and see the world through different eyes. Anyone who experiences just how fascinating and worthy of protection our natural world is at an early age will carry this awareness with them,” says Isolde Susset, Managing Director Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Many children also take friendships home with them that last well beyond the time spent together on board.
There are currently 19 Voyages for Young Explorers to choose from during the school holidays until the end of 2028. Whether near or far, warm or cold, the variety of options on offer ensure extraordinary discoveries all year round. From Northern Lights adventures in Norway, expeditions around Svalbard or to Newfoundland, St Lawrence River as well as explorations of the Azores, every cruise offers unforgettable experiences for young and old alike. For more information, visit: www.hl-cruises.com/fleet/expeditionships/on-board/family.
Sample cruise
Expedition Svalbard circumnavigation: our explorers’ classic
From Tromso to Longyearbyen, this expedition takes a flexible route through one of the last great wilderness regions on Earth – past glaciers, deep fjords and the impressive icy landscapes of the Arctic. Zodiac rides to see walruses and seals as well as expert guides providing insights into geology, climate and polar research make the route an intense experience of nature while the weather and ice conditions determine whether the circumnavigation of Svalbard will be successful. From 12 Jul to 22 July 2027 (10 days). Bookable in the PLATINUM fare from € 32,240 for two adults and one Young Explorer (including early booking discount, valid until 31 Oct 2026), including charter flights. For more information, visit: www.hl-cruises.com/NAT2715.
