Living history of exploration – on a passage that just over 100 ships have completed since 1906
Weather and ice determine the course: short-notice changes become great adventures
Explore the vast, unspoilt landscape actively – on hikes and with the Zodiacs
Animal sightings in the realm of polar bears, musk oxen, Arctic foxes and whales
Premiere: meeting up with the HANSEATIC inspiration (depending on the ice as well as the local conditions)
At anchor
Further informations
The search for a shorter route from Europe to East Asia through the Arctic Ocean already pushed explorers in their discoveries some 500 years ago. It was Roald Amundsen who first managed a complete passage in 1906 – the Northwest Passage had been found. Since then, only a few ships have been able to master the legendary sea route, and the expedition fleet of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has been one of them for years. In 2025, another pioneering feat will follow: two ships of the new expedition class will brave the route simultaneously in opposite directions. And you can be there with the HANSEATIC spirit on the east–west route from Greenland to Alaska. The manoeuvrable expedition ship is perfect for navigating safely through these regions, which are extremely challenging to sail. Around 5,800 km (3,604 mi.) lie before you, with places that have often never been captured on film and remain shrouded in vagueness. The journey itself matters more than the destination – and this will also lead you to the importance of the passage for the world of tomorrow. Climate change could ensure ice-free waters all year round. How would this affect possible shipping in the region? Gas and oil deposits would also be accessible. Fascinating modern history, which is another focus on this cruise alongside the reports about legendary seafarers. Greenland’s many facets unfold, providing you with an atmospheric start to your expedition. The largest island in the world will show you, in Sisimiut, how the old traditions of the Inuit have blended with modern life. A discovery tour with your experts will trace the history of whaling here. In Disko Bay, you can look forward to the many Zodiac rides on this cruise. Here the crew launches the robust motorised rubber boats. You can admire the dazzling ice formations from a unique perspective – or watch the natural spectacle from the deck. The splendid Jakobshavn Glacier near Ilulissat is the “birthplace” of around 10 % of Greenland’s icebergs. Marvel at the glistening sculptures here with a hike to the ice fjord. Uummannaq is a typical Greenlandic settlement. The colourful wooden houses are impressively overlooked by a heart-shaped mountain almost 1,000 m (3,281 ft) high. A fitting symbol for the legendary myths that will make your explorer’s heart beat faster ...
The adventure of the Northwest Passage – every nautical mile you sail in the Arctic with the HANSEATIC spirit is like reading a line in the history books on exploration. Only the most daring seafarers took on the challenges, among them legends like Henry Hudson, James Cook, John Franklin and William Baffin. Their memory is preserved to this day in the names of islands and inlets. Pioneering spirit and fascination will also be your companions as soon as the passage in Lancaster Sound begins. After the Zodiac landing on Baffin Island along the coast of Canada, drum dances tell of the Inuit traditions of the native inhabitants in Pond Inlet. On Beechey Island, your experts also draw attention to the history of exploration in the Northwest Passage. A walk to the graves of members of the Franklin expedition, which tried and failed to find the Northwest Passage in 1845, will bring its historic significance to the fore. Zodiac trips and landings in the habitat of whales, seals and polar bears take you from the past to the natural wonders of today. Prince of Wales Island, for example, invites you to take a hike through untouched nature. If weather and ice conditions make it possible, the HANSEATIC spirit will demonstrate its state-of-the-art equipment with the highest ice class for passenger ships – such as when cruising in Peel Sound. Spontaneity rather than a fixed route: the HANSEATIC spirit manoeuvres flexibly through the island labyrinth. Only a few ships are able to do this. Cruising in Victoria Strait reflects the fate and courage of those who braved the forces of nature in past centuries. For a long time, the lost ships of the Franklin expedition were thought to be at the entrance to the strait – until one of them, the Terror, was located in 2016 around 100 km (62 mi.) further south than assumed. On a hike through the tundra on Jenny Lind Island, look out for Arctic foxes, caribou, Arctic hares as well as musk oxen. The animals, which can weigh up to 400 kg (882 lb), can also be seen on Victoria Island with a bit of luck. After some impressive wildlife experiences, immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Inuit. For centuries, the area around Cambridge Bay was the summer meeting point for the “Copper Eskimo” families– named after their copper tools. Episodes of the Arctic, on which your experts provide you with numerous exciting details. One of them is the Maud, Roald Amundsen’s research ship. The wreck lay in the ice here for around 90 years before it was brought back to Norway in 2018. Encountering other people in this region is rare – which makes the meeting of the HANSEATIC inspiration and the HANSEATIC spirit all the more unique, depending on the ice situation and local conditions. According to old nautical custom, the ship horns sound and this rendezvous is duly celebrated on deck. Further west, the Smoking Hills cause a real sensation. The natural phenomenon of the smoking hills is explained by layers of rocks containing pyrite in their interior and which have ignited themselves. A Zodiac ride gives you unique perspectives of this mystical spectacle. Reaching Herschel Island is a dream come true: you are among the few who have mastered the Northwest Passage. A gripping and legendary sea route lies behind you, but further expedition adventures are already waiting for you.
The very things that made journeys uncertain for seafarers in the past are what make your expedition exciting today. Cruising through the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea thus also follows the desire for insights that remain out of the question for most others. The anticipation is palpable as the HANSEATIC spirit draws nearer to the impressive coastal landscape of Alaska.
In the town of Nome, steam trains, tracks and gold dredges tell of the 1900s and the gold rush. For you, the richness lies in the experiences you make.
A colony of northern fur seals might welcome you as you hike with your experts on Saint Paul Island.
On Unalaska Island, the main island in the Aleutians, you might spot the mighty bald eagle with a bit of luck. You will be able to feel history hanging in the air when you visit North America’s oldest Russian Orthodox Church here. Experience how settlers and trappers once felt on Popof Island, home to bison.
The majestic mountain backdrop forms a contrast to the small village of Chignik with its 80 or so inhabitants. More animated is the bird cliff when cruising off Kak Island with hundreds of seabirds. They seem like the resume of the many inspiring facets of this cruise. With a wealth of new experiences, the last weeks will leave a deep impression – you have added your personal chapter to the story of exploration of the Northwest Passage and will return home with memories that will never fade.
1 Connecting flights at an extra charge. 2 Use of on-board tender boats (instead of Zodiacs) due to official requirements.
---- The ice conditions determine the course here (see map)
Important note on this expedition: This expedition is a very demanding cruise to organise and sail. All of our experience and careful preparation notwithstanding, the actual itinerary depends on official approvals and rules, as well as the weather and ice conditions, which may make it necessary to change the itinerary. The natural experiences and animal sightings described are possibilities and are not guaranteed. We will do everything in our power to ensure that this cruise takes place as advertised, but wish to inform you of the flexibility this requires. The captain will decide on the best possible alternative depending on local conditions.
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
Sat, 13.09.2025
Journey to Anchorage Scheduled flight to Seattle Overnight stay with breakfast
Optionally bookable
Sun, 14.09.2025
Scheduled flight from Seattle to Germany
Optionally bookable
Mon, 15.09.2025
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 € 1,500 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.
Attractive combination discount
Extend your stay with the subsequent cruise SPI2518 and save € 1,800 per person. (Applies to Categories 1 – 10)
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)
