Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is focusing on its Christmas and New Year 2026/2027 cruise program, offering new perspectives on enjoying these special holidays aboard its entire fleet. Between Advent, Christmas, and the start of the new year, its exclusive luxury and expedition ships will sail to destinations ranging from the Caribbean islands and the Indian Ocean to the winter landscapes of Northern Europe and Antarctica.
While winter, snow, and candlelight invite contemplation, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers a different way to experience the holidays. From Christmas morning in Saint Barthélemy to New Year's Eve off the coast of Barbados, from Advent among the tropical islands of the Indian Ocean to ringing in the new year surrounded by the breathtaking icy landscapes of Antarctica, these holiday cruises combine extraordinary destinations with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, inspiring encounters, and tailor-made experiences. In this setting, the memories created during Advent, Christmas, and New Year's will last long after the celebrations have ended.
For many people, the weeks leading up to Christmas are synonymous with a hectic pace, but also with a growing desire to spend quality time with family and friends. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' Christmas cruises respond to this need by offering a variety of travel options.
On the small luxury ships EUROPA and EUROPA 2, the focus is on contemporary luxury, fine dining, cultural experiences, well-being, and ample freedom to personalize each stay. Aspects such as the freedom to choose your table in the restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere allow each guest to experience the celebrations in their own way, from Christmas Eve dinner and the traditional captain's address to a sunset at sea or an elegant New Year's Eve party.
Meanwhile, the HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit expedition ships offer an immersion in nature with the highest level of comfort and service, accompanied by experts and Zodiac boat excursions that allow you to explore spectacular settings such as Antarctica or the Indian Ocean.
Christmas and New Year's under the sun aboard the EUROPA
The festive season begins during Advent with the EUROPA, which combines the energy of New York with the warm and colorful atmosphere of the Caribbean. Days at sea, fine dining, and stops at some of the region's most attractive islands provide the perfect setting to unwind during the holidays.
– Cruise from December 5 to 20, 2026 | 15 days. Departing from New York and arriving in Miami, the EUROPA will visit Saint Barthélemy, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Bonaire, Curaçao, and Jamaica. A perfect way to enjoy Advent amidst personalized luxury, world-class cuisine, and the warm Caribbean climate.
Following this itinerary, the EUROPA will embark on its special Christmas cruise through the Caribbean islands. Passengers will celebrate Christmas Eve in Saint Barthélemy, known for its exclusive and relaxed atmosphere, while the arrival of the New Year will take place off the coast of Barbados, with an elegant celebration on board and views of Bridgetown and Carlisle Bay.
– Cruise from December 20, 2026 to January 6, 2027 | 17 days. Circular itinerary from Miami, with stops in Saint Barthélemy, Antigua, Martinique, Saint Lucia, Mayreau, Bequia, Grenada, Barbados, Saint Kitts and Norman Island, combining Christmas celebrations with Caribbean gastronomy and lifestyle.
EUROPA 2 and the HANSEATIC spirit propose experiencing Advent amidst tropical landscapes
– Cruise from December 4 to 20, 2026 | 16 days. From Port Louis (Mauritius) to Mahé (Seychelles), with stops in Reunion, Madagascar, Zanzibar, Mombasa and several islands of Seychelles.
– Cruise from December 3 to 21, 2026 | 18 days. From Mauritius to Cape Town, passing through Madagascar and the South African coast, with wildlife encounters and Zodiac expeditions.
The Hanseatic nature of the Baltic Sea, Lapland and the Gulf of Bothnia
Small boats, open decks, and outdoor experiences allow you to enjoy snow-covered cities, frozen landscapes, and, with luck, the Northern Lights.
– Cruise from December 10 to 20, 2026 | 10 days. Departing from Hamburg, with stops in Copenhagen, Stockholm, Visby, Gdansk and Kalmar, on a tour of some of the most beautiful cities in Northern Europe during Advent.
– Cruise from December 20, 2026 to January 5, 2027 | 16 days. Circular itinerary from Hamburg to Swedish and Finnish Lapland, reaching Kemi, at the northern end of the Gulf of Bothnia. Surrounded by ice, fresh air and, if conditions permit, the Northern Lights, travelers will celebrate Christmas and New Year's in one of Europe's most spectacular winter landscapes.
Welcoming the new year at the southern tip of the planet
For those who want to start the year in a different way, the Christmas cruises of the HANSEATIC inspiration and the HANSEATIC spirit are heading to Antarctica.
Of particular note is the "From Cape to Cape" itinerary, which links Africa and Antarctica in an exceptional journey that crosses the habitats of the African "Big Five" before venturing into the polar ecosystems.
– Cruise from December 3, 2026 to January 4, 2027 | 22 days. Departure and return to Ushuaia, with stops in the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, the Weddell Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula. A journey marked by wildlife viewing, expeditions and breathtaking ice landscapes.
– Cruise from December 21, 2026 to January 12, 2027 | 22 days. From Cape Town to Ushuaia, passing through Tristan da Cunha, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. One of the most extraordinary itineraries in the expedition fleet, connecting Africa with Tierra del Fuego through some of the most spectacular natural landscapes on the planet.
Follow cruise news at Cruisesnews.es
