HANSEATIC spirit

A glass of wine in your hand and the magnificent jungle, the captivating wilderness of Nordic fjords or the icy panoramas of the Antarctic directly before you – the perfect end to a day of expeditions. From classic whiskys to fancy aperitif creations, the superbly equipped bars in the Observation Lounge and HanseAtrium serve your favourite drinks as you watch the sun go down. Welcome to the small club of great explorers.

Library

You are welcome to borrow a book on board at any time. Our library is located in the Observation Lounge (Deck 8) and is stocked with a selection of the latest fiction books, travel literature and information about the cruising area.

Post

The Reception staff will post your postcards and letters from all ports where this facility is available. Your onboard account will be debited with the appropriate charges.

Announcements

To create the full expedition experience, commentaries are provided for interesting passages during the cruise and special animal sightings are reported. The ship’s position is reported in the morning on days at sea. We will also announce via the loudspeakers when the local authorities have cleared the ship and we can go ashore. The volume can be controlled individually in each cabin/suite.

Means of payment

The on-board currency is the euro. An account will be set up for you so that you can make cashless payments during the cruise. You can find out your current account balance at any time using the infotainment system in your cabin/suite. You can then settle the entire account at Reception at the end of your cruise. We accept German EC/Maestro cards and the following credit cards: Mastercard, American Express and Visa. You can also pay in cash. Please note that, in general, foreign currencies cannot be changed on board.

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Draw on our experts’ wealth of knowledge during their daily presentations in the HanseAtrium, the new multifunctional lounge with state-of-the-art technology. Visit the lounge to prepare for upcoming excursions and shed more light on impressions gained (so-called precaps and recaps). Discuss your latest discoveries, enjoy fascinating, relaxed film evenings or listen to our experts’ enthralling travel reports. In the evening, the HanseAtrium is transformed into an atmospheric bar where you can see out the day and reflect on your experiences.

A large Study wall and an interactive Study poster display the latest fascinating articles and information on various disciplines and cruise experiences are enhanced with scientific content. A separate area with binocular microscopes allows you to discover natural wonders, together with your experts, that cannot be seen with the naked eye. And whenever inquisitiveness takes hold, sit back in a comfortable Study Seat with a swivel touchscreen and immerse yourself in the world of science – away from the presentations and scheduled events.

Our Zodiacs will take you to hidden places and areas that are difficult to access, take you on further where other ships have to turn back and enable you to go ashore in places that may otherwise seem impossible. Your experiences in these places will become unforgettable memories. Let the Zodiacs take you straight into your next adventure, such as into the network of tributaries on the Amazon, to idyllic beaches in the South Seas or in search of impressive glacial landscapes. Experienced experts will always be on hand to show you what to look out for. These experiences are part of all of our expedition cruises and are also included in the cruise price on selected EUROPA and EUROPA 2 cruises. See things up-close in far-flung places – and experience new worlds.

Whales ahead? Chile's glaciers in sight? The passage through the Panama Canal is imminent? You will experience expedition highlights particularly intensively in the open air - and your experts will always be with you on the many open deck areas. They explain the background and provide valuable detailed knowledge that you won't find in any travel guide. Is there a topic you can't get enough of? Your expedition team of up to 16 people will be happy to answer your questions - the more thirsty for knowledge, the better. After all, what would an expedition be without curiosity?

Why explore the world with us? Because we truly know how to do expeditions. Our for decades of experience in particular allow us to plan, prepare and perform these highly complex journeys. What is planned for the long term nevertheless enables flexible responses to local conditions. The captain and crew check the route every day, not only in polar regions, and react to the weather and ice as best they can. And yet: no ship technology shows where polar bears wander or schools of whales curiously appear - this is where our instinct for the right moment and true passion for discovery come into play.

Insider tips from knowledgeable experts open up some exceptional experiences of architecture, art or history. Doors to gardens, museums and churches that remain closed to others will often be opened – come and take a look behind the scenes.

Renowned experts joining you on board will share their extensive knowledge with you in some interesting lectures. They will also guide shore excursions, pointing out things that normal visitors might not otherwise notice. Experiences in small groups that make a big impression.

Feel like getting active? The fitness room and separate course room – both with an ocean view – can be used from morning to night. Our fitness coach will show you what to do and help you with the right movements. He or she will also answer any questions you may have about your health. A wide range of courses – on deck (weather permitting) or in the fitness room – will revive your spirit. Invigorated and relaxed, you are ready for your next adventure.

A place of relaxation with Finnish sauna with an ocean view, steam sauna, ice fountain and relaxation room. From professional partial- and full-body massages to classic cosmetic treatments and moments of indulgence for your hair, hands and feet, you are in the best possible place. Carefully selected natural products with premium plant ingredients and vegan formulas enhance your beauty while helping to preserve the environment. Holistic. Natural. Sustainable.

Real adventure for young explorers*

When young explorers set off with our team, the journey becomes a chapter of its own: out in nature, on deck – and sometimes under the microscope. An expert accompanies the group and tailors the programme to suit the route. Sometimes the focus is on observing and identifying animals. Sometimes it’s on collecting samples of ice, sand or water. Sometimes it’s a photography workshop designed to sharpen their eye.

On expedition cruises, adventure comes right up close. Depending on the weather and conditions, Zodiacs take the group to where ice formations, glaciers and wildlife tell their stories. When the journey takes them to more urban areas, the young explorers become city explorers – searching for historical clues, geocaching or going on a local treasure hunt.

In between, there’s time for what makes a holiday special: little surprises, as well as film and pizza evenings.