North-east of Australia, dream destinations await with a unfamiliar cultures and idyllic nature
Colourful diversity: insights into mysterious traditions and rituals
Wonders of creation: lush rainforests and colourful underwater worlds
Zodiac rides to deserted beaches and along narrow tributaries into the jungle
Active spirit of discovery – hiking and snorkelling adventures
At anchor
Further informations
There are places on earth that can only be reached on a small expedition ship like the HANSEATIC spirit. Destinations seemingly not of this world lie to the north-east of Australia. First, you will head to the island state of Palau comprising more than 300 islands. On Koror, let yourself be enchanted by a boat tour through the “floating gardens” of the Rock Islands1, whose green limestone islands rise up out of the sea like mushrooms, or by a scenic flight over the island world1.
Colourful natural treasures, mystical rituals and hundreds of different languages: with insider knowledge and numerous lectures, your team of experts on board will prepare you for the island state of Papua New Guinea, which seems to have been forgotten by civilisation. A picture-book world with azure skies, turquoise sea and lush green jungle lies before you. Exotic encounters await you in the small settlement of Vanimo – once a station for merchant ships belonging to Indonesian princes and still inaccessible by land. With the Zodiacs, you will penetrate deep into lush green forests on the Sepik River and its side arms. Accompanied by the sounds of the jungle, you will land at the small village of Kopar and take part in local life for a while.
Madang is your starting point for a flight to the Goroka Highlands1, where you can witness the archaic rites of the “mudmen” and immerse yourself in the culture of the former warriors.
The remote coral atoll Tambiu Island is full of originality and mystery as well. The Zodiacs will take you into a world where communal life is celebrated in colourful ceremonies. With the robust motorised rubber boats, you will also explore the region of Tufi – with its green fjord landscapes, rugged stretches of land and active volcano Mount Victory.
The Trobriand Islands are also called the “islands of love”. Will your heart beat here for the masks, grass skirts and feathers worn by the inhabitants? Or how about a rendezvous with the fabulous underwater world? After a welcome ceremony with beautifully adorned dancers on Kaileuna, the second largest island in the archipelago, you will gain an insight into the yam houses. A declaration of love for village traditions opens up Kitawa to you: the custom of exchanging rings continues to this day here, with bracelets and necklaces made from mussels.
Discover the green heart of Fergusson Island as you walk with your experts through dense eucalyptus forests to hot springs and geysers. This is what paradise on earth must look like: after landing, the small volcanic and coral islands of the Louisiade Archipelago will awaken a pure South Seas feeling in you as you go swimming and snorkelling.
The HANSEATIC spirit will also take you to the legendary Solomon Islands – the archipelago is both hospitable and enigmatic with its remote beaches and often mysterious cultures. At over 2,300 m (7,546 ft), Mount Popomanaseu dominates the island of Guadalcanal, where you will take in the deeply rooted traditions of its inhabitants. In Honiara, the capital of the island kingdom, delicate inlay work on eaves, gables and canoes, among other things, bears witness to this. Off Roderick Bay you will explore the wreck of the "World Discoverer" in a Zodiac. After your Zodiac landing on the beach of Santa Ana Island, you will be greeted by “warriors” with spears and invited to the village square with traditional dances. Enjoy the honour of being welcomed by the village elder on Nendo and be swept away by the most colourful dance performances of the region. Exoticism and adventure – on this expedition, both combine to create a fantastic experience.
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
Thu, 23.10.2025
Scheduled flight from Germany to Taipei
Optionally bookable
Fri, 24.10.2025
City tour, Overnight stay with breakfast
Optionally bookable
Sat, 25.10.2025
Scheduled flight to Koror
Optionally bookable
Thu, 13.11.2025
Scheduled flight to Sydney, Overnight stay with breakfast
Optionally bookable
Fri, 14.11.2025
City tour, scheduled flight from Sydney to Germany
Optionally bookable
Sat, 15.11.2025
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.
Our travel concierge will be happy to put together tailor-made travel arrangements for you according to your wishes. From design hotels to luxurious beach resorts to ticket reservations for theater visits or restaurant recommendations for the most exciting cities. The Travel Concierge is available to you before your trip and of course on board.
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Look forward to picture-perfect island experiences, a pure Robinson Crusoe feeling and adventures with the Zodiacs ahead. Far from the classic routes and off the beaten track, remote Pacific paradises ignite your passion for discovery. Authentic, in-depth encounters with mysterious cultures far removed from our times inspire you repeatedly and provide insights into isolated life.
Price special
Attractive combination discount
Extend your stay with the previous cruise SPI2519 and save € 1,200 per person (applies to PLATIN fare) or extend your stay with the subsequent cruise SPI2521 and save € 1,000 per person (applies to PLATINUM fare).
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)
