Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Orders Third Expedition Ship
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is set to add another expedition ship to its fleet with the contract for HANSEATIC spirit signed with Norwegian shipyard Vard.
The new expedition ship is expected to launch in the second quarter of 2021 as the fleet’s first adults-only ship. Before this, the company will add two more expedition ships to its fleet: HANSEATIC nature (spring 2019) and HANSEATIC inspiration (autumn 2019).
The new luxury expedition cruise vessel will be approximately 16,000 gross tons, about 139 meters long and 22 meters wide. The vessel will have seven passenger decks, with accommodation for 230 passengers in 120 cabins and suites.
Delivery of the new vessel is scheduled from Vard Langsten in Norway, and, like her sisters, the hull will be built by Vard in Romania. The structurally-identical HANSEATIC series ships will have the highest ice class for passenger ships (PC6) and will sail the Arctic and Antarctic as well as in warmer destinations such as the Amazon region. The on-board Zodiacs will make it possible to land in expedition areas that do not have ports, and there will be a marina for water sports. The HANSEATIC series also features a water sports marina and modern spa and fitness areas.
Karl J. Pojer, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, said: “Our expedition segment is already a success and offers potential for growth in the five-star segment that we want to harness with these three new ships. With the new ships, we are launching a new expedition class and strengthening our leading position in this segment. By investing in the new Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ ships, the TUI Group is underlining its strategy for this cruise segment and the importance of our luxury brand to the group portfolio.”
HANSEATIC spirit
Gross tonnage: 15,650
Length: 139 meters (456 feet)
Beam: 22 meters (72 feet)
Draft: 5.6 meters (18 feet)
Passenger decks: seven
Cabins and suites: 120
Maximum passenger capacity: 230 people (199 for Antarctic expeditions and circumnavigation of Spitsbergen)
Crew: approximately 175
Restaurants: three
Interior design: OCEANARCHITECTS architectural office
