Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Expands Antarctic Itineraries with a Focus on the Weddell Sea

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has unveiled plans for its 2025-2026 Antarctic expedition program, which showcases several new itineraries focusing on the Weddell Sea. This marks a significant expansion of the company’s offerings in polar exploration.

The program features the "Grand Antarctic Route," which includes stops at the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, coupled with a crossing through the Weddell Sea. Passengers will have the opportunity to explore breathtaking landscapes and engage in wildlife encounters, participating in activities such as snowshoe hikes and Zodiac excursions along remarkable ice formations. These itineraries are aimed at experienced travelers keen on exploration and nature observation.

Isolde Susset, the Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, emphasized that the Antarctic voyages are designed to provide spectacular experiences alongside high onboard comfort and quality. Each expedition will be accompanied by expert lecturers, enhancing the educational dimension and offering guests greater insight into the unique Antarctic ecosystem.

All sailings in the Antarctic program will include extended stays in remote areas, supported by seasoned expedition teams. Travelers will have the chance to see untouched wildlife habitats, visit historically significant sites, and appreciate landscapes that remain largely unaffected by human intervention.

One standout offering is the premiere of the Weddell Sea Expedition aboard the HANSEATIC Spirit. This 22-day voyage will explore the eastern portion of the Antarctic Peninsula, with a particular emphasis on the Weddell Sea, known as the coldest sea on Earth, noted for its heavy pack ice and towering icebergs. The ice-class PC6 vessel, managed by a veteran polar crew, is adeptly equipped for navigating these challenging icy waters.

Key destinations on this itinerary include Paulet Island and Devil Island, historical sites tied to the 1903 Swedish Nordenskjöld expedition. These locales are now home to large colonies of Adélie penguins. The journey will also pass near the historic location where Ernest Shackleton’s ship, the Endurance, was trapped and subsequently sank in 1915—an important event in the annals of polar discovery.

The expedition promises a combination of abundant wildlife viewing and land excursions via Zodiac boats, providing in-depth exploration of both Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions. Before reaching Antarctic waters, the HANSEATIC Spirit will traverse the fjords of southern Chile, showcasing granite-lined waterways, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes during the holiday season of 2025. A similar voyage on the HANSEATIC Inspiration is set for February 2026.

Another notable itinerary includes the Antarctic Expedition with Cape Horn. This voyage features a landing at the southernmost point of South America, a historically challenging site for mariners. Weather permitting, guests may disembark at Cape Horn before heading across the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula. This route will highlight regions known for their spectacular glaciers, penguin colonies, and striking coastal formations, making it a unique adventure in Hapag-Lloyd’s offerings through 2027.

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