MS Hanseatic Successfully Transits the Northwest Passage

View from the MS Hanseatic as she transits the

fabled Northwest Passage.

Photo courtesy of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Back in August, we wrote about Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' MS Hanseatic departing from Greenland on a spectacular twenty-six day voyage that would take her passengers from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean by way of the legendary Northwest Passage - a four thousand nautical mile journey.

Today, MS Hanseatic docked in Nome, Alaska, marking the successful completion of her transit.

The passenger ships able to sail these waters are few and far between, but MS Hanseatic has proven herself more than capable during the past few years. Thanks to her purpose-built construction and E4-class ice rating (the highest available on a passengers ship), guests can be assured of their safety and comfort at all times.

Of course, for adventure fans, this voyage can be thought of as the ultimate expedition.  The passage is notorious for its ever-shifting ice packs and floes, and weather can adversely change in an instant - all part of the fun for guests on this unique voyage. 

If you missed out this year, fear not - Hapag Lloyd Cruises intends to operate a similar voyage next year, this time departing from Nome, Alaska and terminating in Reykjavik, Iceland aboard MS Bremen.  Departing August 13, 2011 and transiting the passage from West to East this time, this voyage will last 25 days and is likely to sell out quickly.

Arctic adventure-seekers might prefer a shorter 19-day voyage aboard MS Hanseatic that traces the route of famed explorers Roald Amundsen and Sir John Franklin - both of whom would die under mysterious circumstances in the Arctic.  Departing on August 14, 2011, guests will travel from Kangerlussusaq, Greenland to  Reykjavik, Iceland via some of the most remote and intriguing places off the coast of Greenland and Canada's Far North.

For more information on both of these unique Arctic voyages, visit the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises website.