Antarctic Week: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

 A view from the bridgecam of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' HANSEATIC

as she cruised Antarctica on January 22, 2011.

Photo courtesy of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

In the Antarctic cruise and expedition market, Hamburg-based Hapag Lloyd Cruises remains a major player.

The line’s history dates back to 1847, when its predecessor, the Hamburg-America Line, was formed.  One of the line’s most famous employees, General Director Albert Ballin, is also credited with literally “inventing” the first true cruise in 1891 as a way of generating additional revenue from inactive liners.  His vision of a voyage where the journey itself was the reward would lay the groundwork for the cruise industry as we know it today.

 Hapag-Lloyd's MS BREMEN also sails the polar regions.

Photo courtesy of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

An impressive list of amenities are included with every Hapag-Lloyd Cruise.  Beer and non-alcoholic beverages in the suite minibars are included in the cruise fare.  Text email messages under 10kb can also be sent free of charge - an absolute rarity for those wishing to communicate with home.  Gratuities are included, as are weather-dependent items like waterproof parkas and umbrellas. 

German in heart and heritage, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers many bilingual voyages designed to appeal and cater to English-speaking travelers, while at the same time preserving the line's European heritage.  Everything from the initial brochure to onboard documents, announcements, lifeboat drills and shore excursions will be conducted in English.  This commitment to detail is just the first of many features that should make anyone looking for an ultra-luxury expedition experience put Hapag-Lloyd Cruises near the top of their list.

 HANSEATIC sailing past Antarctica's natural sailors.

Photo courtesy of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

The line's five-star expedition ship HANSEATIC sails the waters of Antarctica, carrying just 184 guests and 125 crew members in an almost 1-to-1 ratio.  Though she was built to sail these harsh polar climates, her amenities and styling are distinctly cruise ship-like.

 Never miss the stunning view, thanks to the forward-facing

observation lounge.

Photo courtesy of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

There are seven different stateroom categories, ranging from two-berth outside staterooms to the ship's four, full-blown suites located just aft of the navigation bridge on Bridge Deck. There's even a poolside bar - just like in the Caribbean.  A full forward-facing library with bar, a whirlpool and small swimming pool, sauna and spa adorn the highest deck, Observation.  Other amenities include two aft-located lounges, the elegant Marco Polo Restaurant, and a reception area.   

Passengers aboard BREMEN sail for shore aboard one of 

the many Zodiac craft stored aboard the ship.
Photo courtesy of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises 

HANSEATIC is also equipped with fourteen Zodiac-style boats that can be used to ferry passengers ashore when appropriate.  The ship herself is also classed with the highest ice rating available to passenger vessels:  E4/1A Super - meaning HANSEATIC is capable of navigating through difficult ice conditions without the assistance of a proper icebreaker ship, keeping the vessel as well as her passengers and crew safe at all times.

 Hapag-Lloyd has been plying these waters for some time now, and the company clearly knows a thing or two about Polar Exploration.  So where can you go with HLC?  While the 2011 Season has almost sold out, interested cruisers might want to take a look at this fascinating itinerary scheduled for January, 2012:

January 29, 2012 - Ushuaia to Ushuaia - 18 Days - Voyage HAN1202

January 29 - Charter flight to Ushuaia.  Board ms HANSEATIC, depart 18.00 hrs.
January 30 - At Sea
January 31 - Feb 1 - Falkland Islands
Feb 2- Feb 3 - At Sea
Feb 4 - Feb 5 - Grytviken, South Georgia
Feb 6 - At Sea
Feb 7 - 13 - Antarctica: South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Circle.
Feb 14 - Feb 15 - Cruising the Drake Passage
Feb 16 - Ushuaia, Argentina.  Charter flight to Buenos Aires.  Individual travel arrangements home.

Get up-close and personal with the rugged polar landscape.

Photo courtesy of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises 

As with all Antarctic itineraries, the above is scheduled to change based on current conditions at the Captain's discretion.  However, in many cases, should one port or scheduled landing not be possible, more often than not another is substituted in its place, thanks to the flexibility of the Zodiac landing craft.

For more information about Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and their extensive polar region itineraries, including pricing and availability, be sure to check out their website.