For the 2026/27 winter season, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will continue its expedition cruises in Northern Europe from Hamburg. The focus will be on Arctic wilderness, winter outdoor activities, Nordic culture, and Northern Lights viewing, while the two sister ships, HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit, will explore Antarctica in the Southern Hemisphere. Two voyages of the HANSEATIC nature will be adapted to seasonal conditions. The aim remains to offer a reliable, well-planned, and immersive winter expedition experience.
From October 2026 to April 2027, the small expedition ship, with a maximum capacity of 230 guests, will sail through the winter landscapes of Northern Europe. All routes will begin and end in Hamburg, allowing for direct travel to and from the port. The program includes seven Northern Lights viewing voyages, an Advent cruise on the winter Baltic Sea with stops in Stockholm and Copenhagen, three voyages to Lapland as far north as Kemi in the Gulf of Bothnia, and a crossing to Vaasa as the Baltic Sea awakens from its winter slumber. These Nordic voyages complement the winter polar program of the two sister ships, which will operate expedition cruises in Antarctica.
Northern Lights cruises aboard HANSEATIC nature explore the Norwegian fjord coast, sailing through narrow landscapes of islets and deep fjords accessible only to small expedition vessels, all the way to the North Cape. Destinations such as the Lofoten Islands, Geirangerfjord, and Alta embody the classic image of northern Norway, while Tromsø, the “Gateway to the Arctic,” offers a glimpse into life north of the Arctic Circle. At the heart of these voyages is the Northern Lights: thanks to increased solar activity, the chances of witnessing intense auroras are particularly high, often visible from the deck under clear night skies and far from artificial light sources. The program is complemented by winter activities suitable for all fitness levels, including dog sledding through the silence of the polar night, snowshoeing excursions through snow-covered landscapes, fjord-side sauna experiences, and kayaking in specialized suits. Visits to ice hotels, as well as cultural experiences both on board and ashore, complete the offering.
In addition, the HANSEATIC nature will sail to Kemi three times. The Gulf of Bothnia is considered a hidden gem of winter: on land, the focus will be on active experiences such as snowshoeing, dog sledding, and encounters with Sami culture, with the possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights. Two cruises within the Northern Europe itineraries will be adapted to the changing ice and seasonal conditions in the Gulf of Bothnia. A new Baltic expedition will connect Sweden, Finland, and the Baltic States to their respective ice limits. Another route will take advantage of the more stable ice windows of the season, allowing for flexible expedition days at sea and in the Gulf of Bothnia. These adjustments respond to the significant changes in ice conditions in the Gulf of Bothnia. Following several extremely cold winters, ice formation has intensified. Outside of January and February, the region is no longer reliably navigable, even for polar-rated expedition vessels like the HANSEATIC nature. Furthermore, stricter regulations apply during this period, as icebreakers are required to ensure regional supply routes.
For Northern Lights enthusiasts and lovers of the far north, the 2026/27 winter season presents a special opportunity. The following season, Scandinavian cruises will be on hiatus. Then, the HANSEATIC nature will set sail for warmer waters, cruising west across the Indian Ocean: islands, atolls, and remote coastlines around Madagascar and the Seychelles will offer a warm alternative to the current ice-focused winter program.
Featured Cruises
Winter Adventure in Lapland: Scandinavia's White Wonderland.
This Hamburg–Hamburg route aboard the HANSEATIC nature crosses the winter Baltic Sea to the Gulf of Bothnia. Flexible expedition days at sea and in the Gulf of Bothnia will be determined by ice conditions: the ice sets the pace, similar to Antarctic destinations. The focus is on snowy landscapes, winter outdoor activities, discovering Lappish culture, and, with a bit of luck, the Northern Lights. The trip is complemented by off-season winter stays in Stockholm and Copenhagen. From January 20 to February 4, 2027 (15 days).
Scandinavia and the Baltic States: New Easter Routes.
This cruise from Hamburg combines the tranquil late-winter atmosphere of the northern Baltic Sea with a route through Sweden, Finland, and the Baltic States, continuing on to Poland and Denmark. A highlight is the day expedition in the Gulf of Bothnia to the edge of the ice, offering the chance to admire icy winter landscapes. The voyage concludes with a day crossing of the Kiel Canal back to Hamburg. March 21 to April 5, 2027 (15 days).
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