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HANSEATIC inspiration - from Keelung to Otaru

Unknown Japan and South Korea - mysteries and masterpieces in East Asia’s island kingdom

HANSEATIC inspiration - from Keelung to Otaru
Cruise INS2607
17.05.2026 - 05.06.2026 (19 days)
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  • Prices & Booking
Prices & Booking
    Cruise
    INS2607
    Cruise dates
    17.05.2026 - 05.06.2026

    • From Japan’s “South Sea Islands” along the rarely visited west coast to Hokkaido in the north
    • Island-hopping in Nippon – off the beaten track
    • Landscapes as if painted by hand: white beaches, lush green forests and high mountains
    • Discover a fascinating veneration of nature, bathing rituals, shrines and samurai
    • Open-air museums to Asian architecture: admire pagodas, temples and tea houses


    International cruise
    Extend your cruise ashore

    e.g. cruise in a Smart Cabin from

    $ 14,179 per person

    cruise incl. travel packages to / from departure / arrival point from $ 16,544

    Prices & booking
    This is an international cruise (on-board languages: German and English) [Read more]
    Price specials - Attractive combination discount

    Extend your stay with the previous cruise INS2606 and save € 1,200 per person (applies to PLATINUM fare.

    The highlights of this cruise

    Booming landscapes and inner reflection. Harmony and consensus. Mysteries and misunderstandings. Correct and sharpen your view of Japan like never before. The expedition ships of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises let you look deep into the soul of the island kingdom. By the time your Far East adventure comes to an end, you will agree with Buddha’s maxim: it is better to travel well than to arrive.

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    “Konnichiwa” – welcome to Japan. At the start of your cruise, be enchanted by the Nansei Islands, the “South Seas of Japan”. Naha, where the Nakagusuku Castle ruins* bear witness to the Ryukyu Kingdom, is a vibrant centre of life. Rarely visited by cruise ships is Okinoerabu-Shima – seemingly Caribbean and with nature just as lush as the small island of Amami-Oshima. Follow mystical paths on Yakushima, trekking in the cedar forest*. Ancient dynasties and the poignant present lie closely together on Japan’s south coast. Uwajima takes you back to the Edo period with its historic castle. In the spa city of Beppu, immerse yourself in bathing rituals in the onsen*. On the sacred island of Miyajima, the red Itsukushima Shrine sets the tone as you explore with your experts. Discover eventful world history in Hiroshima. On a detour to South Korea from Busan, Gyeongju* brings the Silla dynasty to life. Back in Japan, uncover the secrets of culture and nature on the rarely visited west coast: in the coastal resort of Karatsu and on the Oki Islands, on a hike along the Kuniga Coast- From Maizuru, the world of faith unfolds in Kyoto*, the ancient imperial city, or in the idyll of the “bridge to heaven”*. Kanazawa is full of charm with its geisha and samurai houses. On Sado-Insel, a taiko drumming class* sets the rhythm in the town of Ogi. In the north, Akita is the starting point for an excursion to the Oga Peninsula*. Hokkaido is also a beauty. From Hakodate, the birdlife and vegetation of Onuma Quasi-National Park* will leave you with lasting memories.

    When the ship is at anchor, the ship’s tender boats or the Zodiacs will be used.

    * The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change.

    Your ship - HANSEATIC inspiration

    Our expedition ships

    The three structurally identically, small and state-of-the-art expedition ships HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit explore remote destinations and visit the world’s most fascinating natural landscapes on challenging routes. With no more than 230 guests (or 199 guests on Antarctic cruises and Spitsbergen circumnavigations), the fleet sets new standards in terms of variety, comfort and personal space. 

    More about HANSEATIC inspiration

    Your cabins & suites on HANSEATIC inspiration

    Outside Cabin
    • approx. 22 m²/237 ft² cabins on Deck 4, 5 and 6
    • Heated wall in the bathroom
    • Rain shower
    • Free mini bar (soft drinks)
    • Coffee machine
    • Separable beds
    • 24-hour cabin service
    Panoramic Cabin
    • approx. 21 m²/226 ft² Cabins on Deck 5
    • Heated wall in bathroom
    • Rain shower
    • Free mini bar (soft drinks)
    • Coffee machine
    • Separable beds
    • 24-hour cabin service
    • There is one cabin with fully accessible layout and equipment (cabin 404)
    French Balcony Cabin
    • approx. 21/23 m² (226 ft²/248 ft²) Cabins on Deck 6 and 7
    • Heated wall in the bathroom
    • Rain shower
    • Free mini bar (soft drinks)
    • Coffee machine
    • Separable beds
    • 24-hour cabin service
    Balcony Cabin
    • approx. 27 m²/291 ft² Cabins incl. balcony (approx. 5 m²/54 ft²) on Deck 5, 6 and 7
    • Heated wall in the bathroom
    • Rain shower
    • Free mini bar (soft drinks)
    • Coffee machine
    • Separable beds
    • 24-hour cabin service
    Junior Suite
    • approx. 42 m²/452 ft² Suites on Deck 6 and 7
    • including private balcony (approx. 6 m²/65 ft²)
    • Separate living and sleeping areas
    • Separate dining area
    • Sleeping area with panoramic view
    • Separable beds
    • TV in living and sleeping areas
    • Bathroom with two sinks and rain shower
    • Steam sauna in shower area
    • Heated wall in bathroom
    • Free mini bar with a selection of spirits
    • Coffee machine
    • 24-hour cabin service
    • Butler service
    • Fixed table reservation in the main restaurant, if desired
    Grand Suite
    • approx. 71 m²/764 ft² Suites on Deck 6 and 7
    • including private veranda (approx. 16 m²/172 ft²) with space heaters
    • Separate living and sleeping areas
    • Separate dining area
    • Sleeping area with panoramic view
    • Separable beds
    • TV in living and sleeping areas
    • Daylight bathroom with two sinks, free-standing bath, rain shower and veranda access
    • Steam sauna in shower area
    • Heated wall in bathroom
    • Separate toilet
    • Free mini bar with a selection of spirits
    • Coffee machine
    • 24-hour cabin service
    • Butler service
    • Fixed table reservation in the main restaurant, if desired
    • Free choice of Zodiac group
    Cruise
    INS2607
    Cruise dates
    17.05.2026 - 05.06.2026

    Show arrival travel package
    Optional bookable
    Saturday, 16.05.2026

    Scheduled flight from Germany to Taipei

    Sunday, 17.05.2026

    Keelung (Taipei)/Taiwan, departure 22.00 hrs

    Monday, 18.05.2026

    Relaxation at sea

    Tuesday, 19.05.2026

    Nansei Islands/Japan: Naha/Okinawa, from 7.00 to 19.00 hrs

    Wednesday, 20.05.2026

    Okinoerabu-Shima, from 7.00 to 18.00 hrs

    Thursday, 21.05.2026

    Amami-Oshima, from 7.00 to 18.00 hrs

    Friday, 22.05.2026

    Yakushima, from 7.00 to 18.00 hrs

    Saturday, 23.05.2026

    Japan’s south coast: Uwajima, from 13.00 to 19.00 hrs

    Sunday, 24.05.2026

    Beppu, from 8.30 to 19.00 hrs

    Monday, 25.05.2026

    Miyajima , Hiroshima, arrival 20.00 hrs

    Tuesday, 26.05.2026

    Hiroshima, departure 19.00 hrs

    Wednesday, 27.05.2026

    Relaxation at sea

    Thursday, 28.05.2026

    Busan/South Korea, from 7.00 to 19.00 hrs

    Friday, 29.05.2026

    Japan’s west coast: Karatsu, from 7.00 to 13.30 hrs

    Saturday, 30.05.2026

    Oki Islands, from 8.30 to 18.00 hrs

    Sunday, 31.05.2026

    Maizuru, from 8.00 to 19.00 hrs

    Monday, 01.06.2026

    Kanazawa, from 7.00 to 19.00 hrs

    Tuesday, 02.06.2026

    Sado Island, from 8.00 to 18.00 hrs

    Wednesday, 03.06.2026

    Japan’s north coast: Akita, from 8.00 to 17.00 hrs

    Thursday, 04.06.2026

    Hakodate, from 7.00 to 13.00 hrs

    Friday, 05.06.2026

    Otaru (Sapporo)/Japan, arrival 8.00 hrs

    Show departure travel package
    Optional bookable
    Friday, 05.06.2026

    Journey to Sapporo, scheduled flight to Tokyo
    Overnight stay with breakfast

    Saturday, 06.06.2026

    Scheduled flight from Tokyo to Germany

    When the ship is at anchor, the ship’s tender boats or alternatively the Zodiacs will be used.

    Pre-cruise and post-cruise programmes for your trip

    The following programmes can be booked.

    Please note that our pre- and post-cruise programmes are conducted in German.
    For individual programmes kindly consult your travel agent.

    The following programmes are offered in German:

    Our proven pre- and post-cruise programmes

    Our popular pre- and post-cruise programmes include a broad spectrum of excursions and are usually accompanied by experienced Hapag-Lloyd Cruises tour guides. Recommended for guests who like to share their experiences with a group of like-minded travellers. Explore specially selected highlights of your holiday destination and enjoy the convenience of group travel – we will take care of the transfers, excursions and overnight stays.

    PRE-CRUISE PROGRAMME A: DISCOVER TAIPEI

    leicht

    PRE-CRUISE PROGRAMME B: HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN TAIWAN

    leicht

    POST-CRUISE PROGRAMME A: EXPERIENCE JAPAN WITH ALL YOUR SENSES: RYOKAN EXPLORATION AND TOKYO

    leicht

    POST-CRUISE PROGRAMME B: TOKYO – TRADITION AND MODERNITY

    moderat

    POST-CRUISE PROGRAMME C: IMPERIAL CITIES OF JAPAN: KYOTO, NARA AND TOKYO (SUPERIOR)

    moderat

    POST-CRUISE PROGRAMME D: IMPERIAL CITIES OF JAPAN: TOKYO, KYOTO AND NARA (DELUXE)

    moderat

    Cruise
    INS2607
    Cruise dates
    17.05.2026 - 05.06.2026

    HANSEATIC inspiration - The new expedition class

    HANSEATIC inspiration

    How do you combine exciting adventures with the utmost comfort? Our new expedition class has the answers. Enjoy first-class service and unforgettable moments in the world’s most spectacular regions – in the company of a small group of no more than 230 guests (or 199 guests for Antarctic expeditions and circumnavigation of Spitsbergen).

    Show HANSEATIC inspiration

    Cabins & Suites

    In the HANSEATIC inspiration cabins and suites, curved lines, natural colours and premium materials come together in a harmonious room concept that promises – and delivers – pure relaxation.

    Show Cabins & Suites

    Restaurants & Bars

    Come with us on a culinary voyage of discovery around the globe: on board, three spacious first-class restaurants create a unique and indulgent combination of expedition spirit and international gourmet cuisine. Spend your days and evenings however you wish thanks to flexible mealtimes, a free choice of seating and attentive 24-hour cabin service.

    Show Restaurants & Bars

    Fitness & Wellness

    A breathtaking Zodiac ride, a challenging hike, a day in the Arctic ice – then close your eyes, feel the heat and indulge your senses. Align your inner compass with total well-being – whether in the ocean-view sauna of the OCEAN SPA, with a relaxing massage or with a workout in the Sports Club.

    Show Fitness & Wellness

    Knowledge on board

    Your shore excursions and Zodiac rides will be accompanied by countless natural wonders that will leave you speechless. But to see the bigger picture, you need to understand the background. The HANSEATIC inspiration takes your expedition to the next level with fascinating presentations, personal studies in the Ocean Academy and the perfect equipment for the research trip of your life.

    Show Knowledge on board
    Cruise
    INS2607
    Cruise dates
    17.05.2026 - 05.06.2026
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