Summer 2026 on board the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet promises experiences full of movement, light and inspiration: from the fjord landscapes of Norway to the vast expanses of the Arctic and the sun-kissed coasts of the Mediterranean. Guests who book now enjoy attractive early booking benefits until the end of the month, including securing their preferred suite, price discounts, additional planning security – and the blissful anticipation of extraordinary experiences to enrich body, mind and soul.
For individuals who are passionate about golf, adventure or dance, the thematic variety is vast and offers an experience for every type of traveller. Three experts in their respective fields reveal why summer is the perfect time for them to travel on board what Insight Guides Cruising & Cruise Ships 2025 calls “the best fleet in the world”.
Midsummer in Norway: dance meets nature
The cruise on the small luxury ship MS EUROPA, with a maximum of 400 guests on board, takes guests from Hamburg to the northern tip of Europe, where the days seem never-ending at this time of year and the mountain peaks around Tromso might still be covered in snow. On board, guests can expect a symbiosis of first-class service, culinary highlights and curated entertainment, making the cruise an unforgettable overall experience.
As part of the NEW GEN special-format cruise, dancers regularly perform works full of emotion and artistic curiosity. Each performance pulsates with a desire to experiment and the spirit of a new generation. French choreographer Antonin Rioche is one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary dance, and his works convey a sensual perspective on movement and expression. In conversation, he reveals which performance he has prepared for guests aboard the EUROPA: “The piece reflects on the reality of growing up and the awareness that we may never feel completely grown up. Between the life we imagine and the life we lead lies a space that is full of doubt, transformation and the question of what success, happiness and adulthood really mean. I am looking forward to bringing this piece to the stage at EUROPA as part of NEW GEN.”
Sample cruise: From 12 Jun to 26 Jun 2026 (14 days), from Hamburg to Travemunde. Bookable in the GOLD fare from € 7,290 per person, double occupancy (cruise only, including early booking discount valid until 31 Oct 2025). For more information, visit: www.hl-cruises.com/EUR2613
Expedition Iceland and Svalbard: natural wonders between fire and ice
On board the expedition ship HANSAETIC nature, the adventure begins for guests in the port of Reykjavik. During the following days, Iceland unveils its many wild and wonderful facets: volcanoes, thundering waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife reveal a landscape that has provided unlimited material for myths and legends. From the tranquil western fjords in Patreksfjordur to Lake Myvatn, rich in birdlife, the island’s diversity unfolds in highly impressive scenery.
After crossing the Arctic Circle, the small expedition ship sets course for Svalbard, where wildlife such as whales, Arctic foxes, walruses and polar bears might well be spotted. Nature lovers can experience the Arctic up close while cruising off mighty glacier cliffs or on walks with experts. Every landing and Zodiac ride takes guests right to the heart of the action and provides unique insights. In the tradition of the great explorers, they themselves become part of a fascinating expedition into the Arctic regions. “Ever since my childhood, the expeditions of Nansen and Amundsen have held a special fascination for me,” says Heinz Strathmann, who meanwhile feels at home on Svalbard. “Today, a small expedition ship like the HANSAETIC nature allows me to explore the most remote coasts of Svalbard and visit places that most other ships cannot access. There are hardly any roads on Svalbard, the Norwegian name for the Spitsbergen archipelago. Reaching the inland plateau is only possible with snowmobiles or skis in winter. In summer, the HANSEATIC nature gives us the freedom to discover new and familiar things on the water as well as on shore visits – and to share our knowledge with the guests. For me, this cruise is a real adventure.”
Sample cruise: From 16 Jun to 27 Jun 2026 (11 days), from Reykjavik to Longyearbyen. Bookable in the GOLD fare from € 8,290 per person, double occupancy (cruise only, including early booking discount valid until 31 Oct 2025). For more information, visit: www.hl-cruises.com/NAT2613
From the River Elbe to the Mediterranean: teeing off on the world’s most scenic golf courses
The small EUROPA 2 sets sail from Hamburg with a maximum of 500 guests on board, following a route that is bound to delight passionate golfers: Great Britain, Portugal and finally Spain, along the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean. On board, state-of-the-art technology meets pure enjoyment of the game: two golf simulators offer an advanced sports and golfing experience at sea. Thanks to infrared light wave technology, the flight of the golf ball is precisely recorded and graphically displayed in a realistic manner. Ashore, renowned courses such as the Princes Golf Club in Dover, the Saint-Malo Golf Club in St Malo, Uraburu Golf in Bilbao and the Club de Finca Cortesin in Marbella await. The basic package includes these four dream courses and costs € 2,290. When booking the Golf & Cruise package and flights through Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, golf equipment will be registered, if possible and necessary, with the airlines in accordance with their current baggage regulations. Alternatively, rental clubs are available on board.
The cruise is accompanied by golf pro Stefan Quirmbach, one of Germany’s leading golf experts. Recipient of the PGAs of Europe Five-Star Professional Award since 1996 and long-standing regional coach in Berlin-Brandenburg, he shares his expertise in health-conscious golfing for all levels on board. “The Golf & Cruise voyages of the EUROPA 2 combine a passion for the game of golf with the delights of exclusive travel,’ says Quirmbach. “On board and on carefully selected courses, guests experience unforgettable days where precision, technique and a love of the game go hand in hand. The motivation of the participants is particularly impressive. They consciously use their most valuable time of the year – their holidays – to enjoy golf without having to sacrifice comfort and relaxation.”
Sample cruise: From 14 Jul to 27 Jul 2026 (13 days), from Hamburg to Malaga. Bookable in the GOLD fare from € 7,790 per person, double occupancy (cruise only, including early booking discount valid until 31 Oct 2025). For more information, visit: www.hl-cruises.com/EUX2616
