Inspiration Hapag-Lloyd Cruises ' HANSEATIC sets sail with a fully sold-out season on the Great Lakes. The waters between the U.S. and Canada are highly attractive destinations for visitors, and demand is very high, so Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will expand its program to five cruises in the 2027 season.
The HANSEATIC inspiration, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' small expedition ship, is beginning its sold-out season on the Great Lakes. The region—a network of five interconnected lakes between the US and Canada—is one of the most exciting expedition destinations. Narrow waterways, locks, and hidden shore villages mean that only a few ships can navigate the area. The HANSEATIC inspiration is perfectly equipped for these challenges. Its most striking feature is its retractable bridge wings, a rarity in shipbuilding. Combined with its shallow draft, this design allows the expedition ship, which can accommodate up to 230 passengers, to navigate narrow waterways and explore the scenic landscapes of the Great Lakes.
This year's expedition cruises, ranging from 14 to 17 days, focus on immersive nature experiences both on land and at sea. Thanks to the onboard Zodiac boats, guests can explore remote bays along the Canadian coast. Thilo Natke will accompany guests as a shore hiking guide. With over four decades at sea, many of them as a captain with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, he now shares his personal perspective on the region, shaped by experience, curiosity, and a passion for discovery. Natke provides expert commentary during lock passages, and other specialists help prepare for shore excursions through lectures, enriching the overall experience. Among them is historian Dr. Wolfgang Grams, an expert on the history of immigration to the United States.
Several cities also beckon guests to explore: Windsor, with its riverfront and craft breweries; Toronto, with its Distillery District and modern skyline; Montreal, with its street art and inviting bistros; and Quebec City, with its winding alleyways and French patisseries. Onboard, there are three restaurants, including a specialty restaurant that blends elements of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. The 235-square-meter OCEAN SPA, complete with sauna, steam room, relaxation area, and certified natural cosmetics, is perfect for indulging in moments of well-being. A fitness room with a trainer and a variety of classes, as well as a counter-current swimming pool, round out the offerings for sports enthusiasts.
Due to high demand, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has already scheduled five Great Lakes cruises for 2027. The HANSEATIC inspirationwill travel through the approximately 45-kilometer-long Welland Canal, which connects Lake Ontario to Lake Erie. The canal overcomes a drop of nearly 100 meters, allowing it to bypass Niagara Falls. The expedition ship must pass through eight locks, each only 2.5 meters wider than the ship itself, demanding the utmost precision from the captain. For passengers, this process is a fascinating spectacle of technology and skill. Between Lake Huron and Lake Superior, the HANSEATIC inspiration will also pass through the Soo Locks, the world's largest lock system, which overcomes a 6-meter difference in elevation. A transit through Lake Superior —the deepest and coldest of the Great Lakes— is a rare experience on expedition cruises, as there are not many ships currently sailing on the world's second largest inland waterway.
As an example of an itinerary, consider the Milwaukee to Halifax cruise, from October 7 to 26, 2026 (19 days). This Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River cruise begins in Milwaukee and travels via Lake Michigan to Lake Huron, with the first stop at Mackinac Island. It continues through Parry Sound, Killarney, and Tobermory to Windsor, passing through the Detroit River. The Welland Canal offers a unique experience, with eight locks before reaching Toronto on the shores of Lake Ontario. Seven more locks await on the St. Lawrence River before reaching Montreal. From Quebec City, the ship continues through the Saguenay Fjord to Tadoussac. The cruise then proceeds to Gaspé and the Magdalen Islands. In Charlottetown, on Prince Edward Island, passengers can explore the birthplace of Canada before the final stop in Halifax.
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