In the German-speaking region, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is the leading cruise brand in the luxury and expedition segment. It currently has five ships in its fleet, among them two ships for the international clientele. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises ships are small, individual and outstanding in their class: the EUROPA class is made up of the EUROPA and the EUROPA 2, the world’s best luxury ships and the only ships to receive the highest distinction of 5-stars-plus* from the Berlitz Cruise Guide. Both ships offer the highest standard of cruise experiences with excellent service, varied cuisine, and exceptional routes around the world.

In 2019 and 2021, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises launched three state-of-the art expedition ships: HANSEATIC nature (5-stars as to Berlitz Cruise Guide 2020), HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit (both 5-star standard). The new expedition class has the highest ice class for passenger ships (PC 6) and a shallow draught, allowing the ships to navigate both the polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctic, as well as warmer destinations such as the Amazon down to Iquitos or the Great Lakes of North America.

Over the last decade, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has been focusing its marketing efforts more strongly towards attracting English-speaking guests. The EUROPA 2, launched in 2013, and the HANSEATIC inspiration, launched in 2019, were built specifically for the international marketplace. Announcements, lectures, and all of the documentation, such as booking confirmation, travel documents, handbooks, programmes of the day and menus, as well as the safety drill and Zodiac instruction, will be provided in English. The crew, of course, is also fluent in English as well as the experts on board.