Hapag-Lloyd’s first ship in its new expedition class has departed Hamburg for its inaugural sailing.

The 230-guest Hanseatic Nature will visit the Hebrides, Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands, before finishing in Bergen. The ship will be joined by the Hanseatic Inspiration and Hanseatic Spirit in 2019 and 2021, respectively. 

Hanseatic Nature will cruise the Arctic in the European summer and the Antarctic in the European winter, as well as destinations such as the Amazon, the South Seas, Chile’s fjords, the Azores and Cape Verde.

Hanseatic Nature also features 17 on-board Zodiacs and E-Zodiacs with eco-friendly electric drive systems, a marina and on-board kayaks. Experts will give daily presentations in the HanseAtrium, a multifunctional lounge with large LED screens on the walls and below the ceiling.

On deck 8, the heart of the Ocean Academy is the study touchscreen wall. Here, guests can conduct individual studies and research to improve their knowledge of shore excursions and Zodiac rides. The content is displayed in the form of articles, videos and biographies. The Ocean Academy also has four Study Seats, digital study posters and a microscope area.

In addition, Hanseatic Nature has wellness and fitness areas and a large pool.

All ships in the new class will include “cutting-edge” equipment and environmental technology to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by almost 95 per cent. In addition, all cruises will be conducted in German and English.