Premiere times two: expeditions with identical routes in summer 2025 (NAT2514 and NAT2515)
Starting with Greenland’s wonders: the ice fjord of Ilulissat and icebergs in Disko Bay
Expedition in the purest sense: heading to unknown destinations in Frobisher Bay, Hudson Strait and Hudson Bay
The Arctic awakens: observe rare animals and experience blooming tundra on numerous hikes
The Hudson’s Bay Company and the paths of change: insightful journey through time with experts on board
At anchor
Further informations
Do you love adventure? Are you seeking the unknown in our largely developed world? Your wishes will be fulfilled on two premieres of the HANSEATIC nature along the same route to the legendary Hudson Bay. A nautically demanding pioneering feat that is only possible with many years of experience and a high level of expedition expertise. Your journey there begins in Greenland – with Uummannaq. Proud like the local Inuit culture, a heart-shaped mountain rises up before you. The Zodiacs will frequently take you to places that are almost impossible to reach otherwise – such as the Eqip Sermia Glacier with its ridge that is approximately 7 km (4 mi.) long. From Ilulissat, you can marvel at the glittering masses of ice on a hike to the ice fjord. The icebergs of Disko Bay are also breathtaking – and you will be right in the midst of them when cruising and riding in the Zodiacs. Explore Sisimiut, with its more than 4,000 years of history, in an active way.
You will become part of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’s own history of discovery as soon as the HANSEATIC nature cruises through Frobisher Bay for the very first time. This area is very rarely visited on expeditions, as only in summer does a brief window of opportunity to do so open up in these otherwise permanently icy waters. But even now, pack ice fields can be expected from here on. You’ll be entering unknown terrain in Iqaluit. The small capital of Nunavut and its surroundings invite you to outdoor activities1, such as hiking with your experts to the parliament, the igloo church and the museum as well as through the tundra rich in flowers. Observe caribou, Arctic foxes and various species of bird.
The Hudson Strait is also iced over and not passable for most of the year. If the route is clear, extremely rarely visited destinations await – such as the Lower Savage Islands with good chances of spotting polar bears from a respectful distance. Arctic flora adorns Diana Island with delicate flowers. Perhaps musk oxen and Arctic hares will make an appearance. On the shore of Eric Cove, a hike leads you amidst the diversity of plants and traces of the Inuit. Your experiences grow in grandeur and the impressions in intensity when the heart of this expedition lies before you – the unknown sea of Canada ...
In 1610, the English captain and explorer Henry Hudson searched for the Northwest Passage between Europe and Asia. In doing so, he was the first European to unknowingly explore an inland sea that today bears his name – Hudson Bay. Called the “ice cellar of North America” because it is completely frozen over in winter, it is colourful and lively in summer. The waters are teeming with seals, and whales can appear at any time. Largely untouched by humans, the former trade route for valuable furs and the associated history of the Hudson’s Bay Company still exude an air of great adventure. This is also true of Mansel Island, the territory of tundra swans and eider ducks. On Coats Island, Arctic birds and, if you are lucky, walruses can be spotted time and again – just like on neighbouring Walrus Island, where you will explore the scenery from the Zodiacs as well. What will the fjord and the settlement look like when Chesterfield Inlet is visited for the very first time? Marble Island, in turn, will also surprise you. Made of quartzite, it is the habitat of polar bears and Arctic foxes.
The small town of Churchill offers many exciting activities1 – and above all beluga whales. The town looks like a last outpost of civilisation. The streets are dusty and the landscape vast. The harsh conditions under which people live in Canada’s north become clear here. Yet the loneliness and vastness are what makes it so appealing. The HANSEATIC nature spends two days here to ensure that you have plenty of opportunities for guided nature adventures during the day. Selected shore excursions1:
Beluga whale watching You’ll be there just at the right time when thousands of beluga whales come to swim in the waters off Churchill. From a kayak, SUP board or Zodiac (not on-board Zodiacs), you will experience the spectacle particularly intensively.
Belugas and history A boat tour takes you to the countless belugas, which you can observe peacefully at your leisure. Afterwards, travel back in time with a visit to the Prince of Wales Fort. This fur-trading bastion from the early 18th century was built by the Hudson’s Bay Company.
Visit to a husky camp Dave Daley is a well-known regional musher. He will captivate you with exciting stories about his dog-sledding adventures and will be happy to give you personal insights into his life with the animals.
Tundra buggy tour The extra-large buggy takes you through the Churchill Wildlife Management Area – on former military tracks and through water. Look out for Arctic foxes, Arctic hares and caribou.
Helicopter flight over Hudson Bay This tour lets you admire, with humility, the vastness and beauty of the subarctic tundra. From a bird’s-eye view, the drama of the remoteness becomes particularly clear. If you’re lucky, you may also spot moose and caribou.
Visit to the Churchill Northern Studies Centre Feel like an explorer of Hudson Bay and gain fascinating insights into the world of ornithology, belugas, polar bears, Indigenous culture, Northern Lights and winter ecology.
A WORD OF ADVICE: POLAR BEARS IN CHURCHILL Sightings of polar bears around the town of Churchill in summer are unlikely. Often there are no bear sightings for months. Nevertheless, there is always a risk that an animal will show itself in the town. Doors and cars are therefore always open to provide protection. At 22.00 hrs, a siren sounds, signalling that minors under the age of 18 should go home. For your safety, individual exploration of Churchill is only possible to a limited extent. The use of a shuttle bus is mandatory. We always recommend a shore visit in conjunction with an organised excursion1.
1 The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change. 2 Connecting flights at an extra charge.
The itinerary depends on official approval, weather and ice conditions. The natural experiences and wildlife sightings described are possibilities on this expedition and are not guaranteed.
At anchor
When the ship is anchored, there is no pier and the ship anchors in open water. The transfer to land is carried out using tender boats or zodiacs.
Golf
You head for the best and most beautiful greens in the world and are looked after by a PGA golf professional
Zodiac
Where even our small and few ships can't get any further, you can continue your adventures safely in robust inflatable boats (weather permitting).
Music
In an almost private atmosphere you can experience artists up close on the high seas or in front of the most beautiful places in the world.
Arrival and departure options
Mon, 11.08.2025
Toronto Overnight stay with breakfast
Optionally bookable
Tue, 12.08.2025
City tour Scheduled flight from Toronto to Germany
Optionally bookable
Wed, 13.08.2025
Arrival in Germany
Optionally bookable
Extend your trip
Our popular before and after programs include a wide range of excursions and are usually accompanied by experienced Hapag-Lloyd Cruises tour guides. Recommended for travelers who like to share their experiences with a group of like-minded people. Experience selected highlights of your holiday destination and enjoy the amenities of a group trip - we take care of transfers, excursions and overnight stays.
Explore your cruise destinations on a more personal basis as a couple – ideal for all those who don’t want to be part of a group. The excursions in the programmes are accompanied by a local tour guide who will be happy to attend to your individual wishes. There will also be enough time and space for your own activities. Transfers are exclusively by private car with private drivers. Prices for solo travellers or groups of three or more are available on request.
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When we say Arctic, we actually mean the Arctic Ocean. It is around six times larger than the European Mediterranean and borders the continents of Europe, Asia and America. The best travelling conditions prevail in the Arctic summer from June to August/September. This is when the climate is mild and the wildlife is at its richest. With a small expedition ship and the Zodiacs, our robust inflatable boats, you will experience vast landscapes, deeply carved fjords, mighty glaciers and bizarre ice and rock formations from fascinating close-up.
Price special
Limited offer: Travel for the best price with the SILVER fare
For this cruise, offers in the SILVER fare are available. You will find these under "Prices & Booking" after selecting the respective cabin/suite.
Sail into summer
Book by 20 Dec 2024 and get a discount of € 500 per person on this cruise (limited allotment, valid for the SILVER fare, cannot be combined with other discounts or offers, only for new bookings).
Simply enter the promotional code sh_25 in the field on your order overview before completing your online booking. Please pay attention to the exact spelling of the promotional code.
Included Services
Expedition and information
All landings and rides in the ship’s own Zodiacs (Use of the Zodiacs depends on the destination and on official permits)
Experienced experts from various disciplines accompany every cruise, give presentations and multimedia lectures, provide well-informed answers to questions about the cruising area and take part in the Zodiac landings/rides and hikes from/to ship
Use of the interactive Ocean Academy with individual knowledge formats
Comprehensive information before the cruise – for example about the Arctic, Antarctic, the South Seas and the Amazon, as well as expedition maps
Cabin
In every cabin: champagne to welcome you, mini bar restocked daily with non-alcoholic beverages (additional selection in Grand Suites and Junior Suites), coffee machine (tea on request), 24-hour cabin service
Equipment for loan: one pair of binoculars and two sets of Nordic Walking poles in the cabin itself, furthermore warm parkas, rubber boots, snorkelling equipment
Flat-screen TV with information and entertainment programme, personal email account and Internet access via Wi-Fi (free of charge for one hour per guest and day, satellite-dependent especially in polar areas)
Information about harbours and destinations (where available) in the cabin
Restaurants
International gourmet cuisine – full board: breakfast (early-bird and late riser breakfast), bouillon, afternoon coffee/tea time, lunch and dinner (three restaurants to choose from in the evening with flexible opening hours)
All around carefree
German ship and expedition management as well as a mostly German-speaking service crew
Harbour and airport fees
Cancellation fee insurance (20% excess) in the fares PLATINUM and GOLD
Spa and fitness
Extensive sports programme: fitness area with ocean view, course programme, additional sports activities on shore depending on the destination (Personal training for an additional charge)
OCEAN SPA with Finnish sauna with an ocean view, steam sauna, indoor and outdoor relaxation area (spa treatments and hairdresser at a surcharge)
