Hamburg-based Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, a subsidiary of TUI Group, has ordered two new five-star ice-class expedition ships for an undisclosed sum.
The vessels will be built in Norway for delivery in April and October 2019. Each will hold 240 people, have three restaurants, a water sports marina and carry a fleet of zodiacs for shore landings.
One will be dedicated to German-speaking markets, the other will be designated ‘international’ to cater also for British and American passengers.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises currently charters the expedition cruise ship Hanseatic for the ‘international’ market. A spokeswoman said that contract expires in 2018 and it is not clear yet if it will be renewed.
The order comes as more cruise lines look to tap into the luxury expedition market. Hurtigruten has ordered two new expedition ships to be delivered in summer 2018 and summer 2019, and has options for another two vessels. Scenic and Crystal Cruises are each building ice-strengthened luxury yachts capable of sailing in polar waters.
0800 0513 829; hl-cruises.com