Hapag-Lloyd Cruises : Our cruise deals 2026 - 2027

Why Choose Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

 

Two Distinct Cruise Experiences

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers two distinct cruise experiences. On the one hand, the luxury range (MS EUROPA and MS EUROPA 2) emphasizes a relaxed lifestyle and culturally rich itineraries around the world. On the other hand, the expedition fleet (HANSEATIC nature, inspiration, and spirit) is purpose-built for exploring remote polar and tropical regions. These ships feature ice-class hulls (PC6) and carry a fleet of 17 Zodiacs, some of them electrically powered, enabling daily landings in areas without port infrastructure.

 

Human-Scale Ships

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises favors human-scale ships. The MS EUROPA 2 accommodates a maximum of around 500 guests, while the expedition ships limit occupancy to 230 guests (reduced to 199 on Antarctica and Spitsbergen voyages). As a result, access to restaurants and activities feels smooth and unhurried, even during peak moments such as embarkation, lectures, or returns from excursions.

 

Eco-Responsible Ships

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises prioritizes technical choices designed to reduce its environmental footprint. The fleet sails exclusively on low-sulfur marine gas oil (0.1%), completely foregoing heavy fuel oil. In addition, the ships are equipped with shore power technology to help minimize emissions during calls in ports with the proper infrastructure.

 

 

Accommodation and Onboard Services

 

Fine Dining

The culinary concept is built around flexibility: relaxed dining hours, no assigned seating, and several onboard restaurants serving varied and distinctly gourmet cuisine. In-suite dining is available 24 hours a day and, depending on the suite category, the minibar may be included.

 

Elegant Staterooms and Suites

With Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, accommodations stand out for their genuine comfort and high level of service: all outside staterooms and suites, often extended by a veranda, a balcony (or a French balcony depending on category), and generous space even in entry-level categories (around 27–28 m² depending on the ship). Bathrooms are designed with wellness in mind, very often featuring both a bathtub and a separate shower, while expedition ships include practical details tailored to post-excursion returns, such as drying-friendly equipment. Twenty-four-hour suite/stateroom service is part of the standard offering, the minibar may be included depending on category, and the most exclusive suites benefit from butler service.

 

Wellness, Entertainment, and Discovery

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises combines wellness and entertainment with spa and fitness areas built around dedicated concepts, along with programming that ranges from music and live performances to lectures and guest talks.
In addition, on expedition cruises (HANSEATIC class), the focus is on understanding the regions visited: outings led by expert teams and further enrichment onboard through the Ocean Academy (an interactive learning space with a “study wall” and digital content).

 

 

Destinations and Itineraries

 

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ itineraries span the globe: on the luxury ships (MS EUROPA / MS EUROPA 2), these include Mediterranean cruises, Northern Europe itineraries, Caribbean cruises, Asia & the Orient, as well as Africa and the Indian Ocean depending on the year and sailing schedule, balancing major ports with more exclusive calls. The expedition ships (HANSEATIC class) are designed to sail in remote regions, especially the Arctic and Antarctica, with iconic itineraries such as the Northwest Passage and exploration programs that emphasize landings and field observation. Thanks to their design and the use of Zodiacs, these ships can approach coastlines, fjords, and anchorages where larger ships are more limited, offering discovery focused on landscapes, wildlife, and natural environments.

 

 

FAQ – Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

 

Who Is Hapag-Lloyd Cruises For?

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is designed for travelers seeking an upscale cruise experience in a smaller setting: understated luxury on the luxury range, or premium expedition travel to remote regions with expert guidance.

 

What Is the Onboard Experience Like?

The experience emphasizes highly personalized service, a calm atmosphere, refined dining, and more space per guest. On expedition cruises, the program focuses on discovery (excursions, lectures, expert teams) rather than a “club” atmosphere.

 

What Language Is Spoken Onboard?

The atmosphere is international: German is very prominent, but English is widely used in everyday life onboard (announcements, interactions, staff communication). The service team is accustomed to welcoming non-German-speaking guests and adapts easily.

 

Luxury or Expedition: How Should You Choose?

Luxury: cultural itineraries and “grand hotel” comfort. Expedition: exploration, guided Zodiac outings, and a nature/science-oriented approach, all with a high level of service.