In terms of climate, they could hardly be more different, but the Northwest Passage and the South Seas share a mutual promise: extraordinary discoveries. The small, manoeuvrable expedition ships of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises dare to venture to places that few ever reach. Rarely travelled routes take guests to Churchill, where beluga whales are currently migrating through Hudson Bay. Or to remote islands such as Palau, Tonga and Bora Bora – scattered across the endless blue of the Pacific Ocean. And for those seeking the extreme, there is the Northwest Passage, a challenging route that only a few ships have successfully navigated to date.
Scientific experts accompany every cruise aboard the three expedition ships of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises: with presentations, excursions and Zodiac landings. Open decks, glass balconies and a deck tour at the bow bring guests closer to the action than almost anywhere else. Unique destinations are discovered in small groups and with a respect for nature as well as the local culture.
Premiere route: Expedition Hudson Bay and Greenland
The HANSEATIC nature is currently sailing a premiere route that is uncharted territory even for experienced travellers. One of the last true expedition routes leads between the vast tundra of northern Canada, the remote islands of Hudson Bay and the coast of Greenland. Last week, the HANSEATIC nature called at Chesterfield Inlet, an Inuit settlement on the west coast of Hudson Bay. As the first expedition ship to reach this remote location, the inhabitants welcomed guests and crew with exceptional warmth. It was a moving moment that emphasised the special atmosphere of this cruise. Over the weekend, the expedition participants reached their destination port in Churchill, a small town in the Canadian province of Manitoba that is only accessible by plane, train or via Hudson Bay. Churchill is considered one of the last places in North America where the wilderness is still virtually untouched. Guests witnessed an impressive spectacle there, as playful beluga whales frolicked in the waters by the town. After a successful changeover of guests, the HANSEATIC nature has begun its cruise back. It will now follow the same route in reverse from Churchill to Kangerlussuaq. It is currently heading for Hudson Bay and on to Greenland, where the ice fjord of Ilulissat and the icebergs in Disko Bay will crown the end of the expedition.
Northwest Passage: inaccessible to many – unforgettable for a few
Meanwhile, the HANSEATIC inspiration is setting course for one of the most challenging and longest sea routes in the world: the Northwest Passage. Until the beginning of September, it will unite the Arctic wilderness with maritime pioneering spirit. Popof Island, known as the home of impressive bison herds, is currently on the itinerary. The cruise will then continue to Unalaska Island, where the onion domes of North America’s oldest Russian Orthodox church tell of settlers who once sought their fortune in the Far West. A highlight of this expedition is the planned meeting with sister ship HANSEATIC spirit, weather and ice conditions permitting. The opportunity to observe polar bears, musk oxen and Arctic foxes makes the passage a highly memorable experience of nature, in general. After 30 days at sea, the HANSEATIC inspiration is expected to return to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, on 8 Sep. Those who were not on board this year can look forward to a new opportunity to do so in 2026.
South Seas trilogy: mantas, myths and moai
Guests who prefer to dip their toes in warm water and experience tropical temperatures can sail with the HANSEATIC spirit on three consecutive routes through the heart of the South Pacific. From Palau via the Trobriand Islands, Fiji, Tonga and Bora Bora to Easter Island, the route takes guests to island worlds far away from the usual cruise routes. The wildlife is colourful and diverse: sea turtles glide silently through turquoise lagoons, bright reef fish dart between corals and exotic bird species such as the rare orange dove can be observed ashore on Fiji. Encounters with Indigenous cultures and striking island formations awaken the feeling of being in the footsteps of true explorers. On excursions accompanied by experts, some with the Zodiacs, guests reach remote idyllic beaches and discover the untouched jungle landscape along winding river branches and hidden paths on land.
Sample cruises:
The Northwest Passage with the HANSEATIC inspiration in 2026
The expedition will sail from Seward (Alaska) through the legendary Northwest Passage to Kangerlussuaq (Greenland). From 5 Aug to 4 Sep 2026 (30 days), bookable in the PLATINUM fare from € 28,250 per person, double occupancy, including travel package to the departure point. For more information, visit: www.hl-cruises.com/INS2612Â
Mysticism and magic in remote worlds with the HANSEATIC spirit
This route will start in Koror on Palau and head to Papua New Guinea, the Trobriand Islands and the Solomon Islands, among other destinations, before ending in Fiji. From 23 Oct to 15 Nov 2025 (23 days), bookable in the SILVER fare from € 17,086 per person, double occupancy, including travel package to and from departure and arrival points. For more information, visit: www.hl-cruises.com/SPI2520Â
