CRUISE SHIP: Hanseatic Spirit from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, what guests can expect

The Hanseatic Spirit, a modern expedition ship from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, offers guests a refined and adventurous adults-only cruise experience with a focus on exploration. Launched in 2021, this 230-passenger vessel blends sleek design, gourmet dining, and curated activities, appealing to travellers seeking a blend of luxury and discovery in remote destinations.

Guests aboard Hanseatic Spirit can anticipate a refined, adventure-focused cruise with a focus on exploration and comfort. The ship’s gourmet dining, from French cuisine to international buffets, caters to discerning tastes, while its entertainment, including expert lectures and Zodiac excursions, engages curious minds. Spacious suites, eco-friendly design, and a dedicated crew create a relaxed experience.

The 175-person crew fosters a relaxed, attentive atmosphere, with German as the primary language and English on select bilingual cruises. The all-inclusive fare covers most dining, drinks, gratuities, Zodiac rides, and Wi-Fi, ensuring a seamless experience. The Ocean Spa offers saunas, a steam room, and treatments like massages, with fitness classes like yoga in a modern gym. A small boutique provides select luxury goods, and a kids’ programme for ages 10-17 is available on select voyages. Suite guests enjoy priority services and butler assistance.

Reception Areas: Modern and Welcoming

The HanseAtrium, a multi-deck space with a curved LED screen and contemporary furnishings, accommodates guests with a bright, open design. Serving as the ship’s social and educational hub, it connects to dining venues and lounges. The 24-hour reception desk provides efficient support for excursion bookings and onboard queries. A multilingual crew, primarily German-speaking with select bilingual cruises, ensures a friendly atmosphere.

Dining: Diverse and Gourmet

Hanseatic Spirit’s three dining venues offer a range of culinary experiences, all included in the fare. The Hanseatic Restaurant, seating 178 guests, serves international cuisine with daily-changing menus and 180-degree views. L’Esprit, a 44-seat specialty restaurant, offers French fine dining with dishes like coq au vin. The Lido Restaurant, with 84 indoor and 100 outdoor seats, provides casual buffet dining with open-air options. Complimentary wines, beers, and soft drinks are included during meals, with 24-hour room service available.

Entertainment: Engaging and Educational

HanseAtrium hosts expert lectures and transforms into a lively evening venue with a jukebox. The Ocean Academy offers interactive learning with microscopes and a 6×1.8-metre touchscreen study wall for self-guided research. The Inspiration Walk, a bow deck platform, provides prime wildlife viewing, while two retractable glass balconies create a floating-over-water effect. The Pool Deck features a pool with a counter-current system and hot tubs. A marina supports Zodiac trips and watersports like kayaking, enhancing the expedition focus.

Accommodation: Spacious and Functional

Hanseatic Spirit’s 120 staterooms across four decks include 100 balcony or French balcony cabins and 20 suites, ranging from 21-square-metre French Balcony Cabins to 71-square-metre Grand Suites. Featuring natural tones and curved lines, all cabins include heated bathroom walls for drying wet gear, air conditioning, free mini-bars with soft drinks, coffee machines, smart TVs, binoculars, and Nordic walking poles. Grand Suites offer private verandas with space heaters, steam saunas, and butler service.