Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has announced that its 2025/2026 Antarctic season will feature a 22-day expedition into the seldom-visited Weddell Sea for the first time in the company’s history. This extended route will be sailed aboard the HANSEATIC spirit.
“Our Antarctic expeditions are designed for travelers who seek profound experiences, delivered with world-class comfort and led by experts in the field,” said Isolde Susset, managing director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. “These voyages invite reflection, discovery, and a deep connection to nature’s most awe-inspiring frontiers.”
© Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
The Weddell Sea itinerary will focus on the eastern Antarctic Peninsula, an area characterized by dense pack ice and dramatic tabular icebergs. The route revisits historic landing sites such as Paulet and Devil Islands, recalling moments from early polar exploration like the 1903 Nordenskjöld expedition. Travelers can expect concentrated wildlife encounters, including large Adélie penguin colonies, plus extensive Zodiac excursions that bring guests close to ice formations and coastal wildlife.
Both HANSEATIC spirit and HANSEATIC inspiration operate on Antarctic programs. These compact expedition ships combine advanced technology with the highest ice-class ratings available for passenger vessels, allowing safe and responsible exploration in challenging polar conditions. Cruises aboard HANSEATIC inspiration are conducted in both English and German.
© Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Other Antarctic itineraries offered by the company include:
- Antarctica and Chile’s fjords: A combined voyage that links the dramatic fjords of Patagonia with the Antarctic wilderness, highlighting volcanic coastlines, glaciers and abundant marine life.
- Cape Horn & Antarctica Expedition: A route that calls at Cape Horn before continuing to the remote South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, emphasizing rugged scenery and unique ecosystems.
These expeditions emphasize immersive experiences led by experienced expedition teams, small-ship agility for close coastal access, and a focus on responsible travel practices to protect fragile polar environments. Guests can expect a mix of onboard lectures, guided shore visits, and Zodiac outings designed to maximize wildlife viewing and safe exploration.