Hapag-Lloyd Cruises To Expand Internationally

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has announced that the two pillars of its future development will be luxury cruising and expedition voyages, while at the same time it will be looking to grow these sectors by expanding in the English-speaking market. The newbuilding Europa 2, to be introduced in May 2013, and fleetmate of the existing Europa, will be aimed at the 5-star luxury sector. And, in addition to the existing expedition ships Hanseatic and Bremen, new growth opportunities will be sought in the expedition sector.

Today’s m.s. Hanseatic

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is already known in German-speaking countries as one of the leading operators in the luxury and expedition sectors. And at the same time, the proposed expansion into international markets will go hand-in-hand with this focus on luxury cruising in these two sectors. “By consistently focusing on these two pillars, we strive to enhance further our strength and our leading position as regards quality in these segments and at the same time we will address new markets“, explains Dr. Wolfgang Flägel, managing director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

Selected cruises aboard all ships in the present fleet except for Columbus 2 are already marketed internationally. But Flägel added that “with  Europa 2, we will put into service a ship designed to offer an international flair and address a sophisticated, cosmopolitan target group, planning in future to increase market share in English-speaking countries such as the USA, UK and Benelux.” The first English-language Europa 2 brochure is released this week.

As a result of this new strategy, Hapag-Lloyd’s charter on  Columbus 2, which concentrates on the German-speaking four-star market, will not be extended when it expires in April 2014. Hapag-Lloyd took over Columbus 2 this May and has been operating her under bareboat charter from Oceania Cruises, where she had been operated as Insignia.

It will be interesting to see if these decisions bring Hapag-Lloyd Cruises back into the mainstream of world cruising, where for many years its ships attracted a large English-speaking clientele. Hapag-Lloyd’s Bremen (right) and German Atlantic Line’s Hanseatic were considered amongst the best ships on the North Atlantic fifty years ago.

Equally, to-day’s product is one of the best in the cruise market and its attraction is not only the line’s great tradition, but also in its great attention to detail when it comes to service. As well, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is one of the last lines to sell drinks at real duty-free prices and not the landside hotel prices that have been adopted by all other lines except the all-inclusive ones.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offer Relaxed Luxury. For further information and competitive Sterling fares for any Hapag-Lloyd cruise please call Gay Scruton at The Cruise People Ltd in London or e-mail cruise@cruisepeople.co.uk.

Hanseatic and Bremen: Up-Close Voyages Through Pristine Alaska

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers two expedition trips through Alaska in the Summer of 2012 and Summer of 2013 on board the MS Hanseatic and MS Bremen. The  184-guest Hanseatic , the world’s only 5-star expedition ship and the 4-star 164-guest Bremen (Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships), were created to provide intensive exploration in the most elegant surroundings for only a small number of passengers.

The Summer of 2012: Hanseatic sets sail in July through the legendary Inside Passage of Alaska, considered one of the most beautiful waterwayes in the world. Guests can book the following excursions : a glacier flight, a dogsled trip, a boat trip and hike in the rainforest, a helicopter flight over the glaciers and a ride with the historic White Pass & Yukon Route narrow gauge railway. Guests will encounter Tracy Arm, perhaps Alaska’s most beautiful fjord, with fabulous views of her steep rock walls. Hanseatic will also travel through the Kingdom of Bears and Bald Eagles, where guests may be able to catch sight of whales and sea lions in an impressive natural setting. Additionally, an excursion to Tongass National Park will offer guests insight into the flora and fauna of the largest national park in the US.

Voyage Details: From July 14-20, 2012, from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver BC, fares for this itinerary start at £4,700 per person.

The Summer of 2013: Bremen set sails for Alaska in June 2013, with a shorter trip through the Inside Passage, highlighting more of the Alaskan islands along the route. Guests will be able to observe colonies of fur seals, while kittiwakes and guillemots circle the seemingly endless sky over the solitary waters on this itinerary. Guests may also catch a glimpse of the impressive bald eagle along the route. An optional excursion to Dutch Harbour is also offered, where passengers can visit the oldest Russian Orthodox church in North America. The Bremen will get close to the wonders of Alaska, in Amalik and Kukak Bays, where powerful brown bears hunt for food. An overwhelming world of ice awaits guests in front of the still active Hubbard Glacier, as well as magnificent landscape views and whale spotting when Bremen sails through the Inian Pass. This voyage concludes with two days through British Columbia’s Inside Passage.

Voyage Details: From June 19-July 7, 2013, from Nome, Alaska, to Vancouver BC, fares for this itinerary start at £5,710 per person.

Expedition Travel At Its Best:

Both ships are well equipped for travel in difficult waters, holding the highest ice class ranking for passenger vessels (E4). Also shallow drafts and high manoeuvrability allow the ships to enter waters larger cruise vessels cannot reach. Guests explore the world’s best-kept secrets in zodiacs (small motorized boats) with only 10-12 guests. On-board experts include a team of experienced scientists, expedition leaders and specialists who guide landings and offer guests the rare opportunity to observe plant and animal life up close. The captains guiding the vessels have together already travelled to the Arctic and Antarctica more than 200 times.

For further details on any Hapag-Lloyd Cruises departure please call Gay Scruton at The Cruise People Ltd in London on 020 7723 2450 or e-mail cruise@cruisepeople.co.uk.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Launches Redesigned Web Site

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Redesigned English-Language Web Site:

• New navigation tools make searching simple
• Enhanced images with an emotive approach throughout the site
• Special section for travel agents

The Hapag-Lloyd Cruises English-language web site at www.hl-cruises.com has just undergone a comprehensive facelift. The home page now reveals new user friendly tools, as well as a redesigned appearance. The new lay-out of the home page  presents clear information for current cruise guests and potential cruisers as well as journalists and travel agents.

Along with the web site relaunch, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will be introducing its new family brand “Hapag-Lloyd Cruises – Great moments. Truly exclusive.” on line. Large-scale images of of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ worldwide destinations now dominate the appearance of the home page, enabling users to develop a feel for the various cruise themes and voyages offered.

A new horizontal navigation bar divides the available information among six main menu items: “Ships”, “Cruises” and “Expeditions” reveal the entire cruise spectrum to the user. and other new menu items allow visitors quick access to specific information and consultation.

As in the past, travel agencies continue to be efficiently supported with information in a separate “Sales Agents“ section, which also appears in the new design.

For bookings, inquiries, or to request a brochure, please call Gay Scruton at the Cruise People Ltd in London on 020 7723 2450 or e-mail cruise@cruisepeople.co.uk.

Source: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Hamburg, February 2012

Message from Clients On Board MS Hanseatic – “Onwards to Antarctica!”

This E-mail has just been received from clients on board Hapag-Lloyd Cruises top-rated expedition ship MS Hanseatic, which sailed from Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, on Sunday, 29th January:

“Onwards to Antarctica! – just to let you know we are having a great time on the Hanseatic and that all arrangements have worked fine so far. Sitting here in South Georgia looking at our first iceberg through the cabin window.”

For details on how to get there yourself please call Gay Scruton at The Cruise People Ltd in London on 020 7723 2450 or e-mail cruise@cruisepeople.co.uk

MS Hanseatic’s Northwest Passage Cruise Chosen as one of CruiseTrick’s “Top Ten Most Unusual Cruises of the Year”

The German web site CruiseTricks has chosen the Hanseatic‘s Northwest Passage as one of its Top Ten Most Unsual Cruises of the Year. The whole story, in German, can be found here and details of this exciting voyage follow:

MS HANSEATIC – Your Personal Expedition

Expedition Northwest Passage: On the Trail of the Great Discoverers

From Nome to Reykjavik (HAN1215) via Alaska (Point Hope, Barrow Strait), Canada (Herschel Island, Cambridge Bay, Jenny Lind Island, Beechey Island), Greenland (Uummannaq, Illulissat, cruising in Disko Bay, Sisimiut) and cruising through Prins Christian Sund

14 August – 8 September 2012, 25 days

From £11,540 per person in a guaranteed two-berth outside cabin Category 1, double occupancy, cruise only including charter flight Vancouver-Nome

Highlights:

§ Hike across the Holman hills near Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, with experts
§ Legendary Northwest Passage with polar bears, whales and numerous testimonies to the culture of the Inuit
§ Greenland: Enjoy the unforgettable views of drafting icebergs while cruising the Disko Bay

Early Booking Reduction: Book by January 16, 2012 and receive a 5% reduction!

For further details please call Gay Scruton at The Cruise People Ltd in London on 020 7723 2450 or e-mail cruise@cruisepeople.co.uk

Small Ship Cruising in Alaska on Hapag-Lloyd’s Hanseatic – Seward to Vancouver July 15-29, 2012

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is pleased to announce the availability of yet another Alaska cruise for International clients, where all services will be provided in both English and German, including all menus, daily programs, lectures etc. Take advantage of this cruise at the height of the Alaskan summer to marvel at the mountains, glaciers, forests, fjords and wildlife – indeed, the sheer rugged wilderness of Alaska!

MS Hanseatic  (Cruise HAN1213)
July 15 – 29, 2012 – 14 days from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, BC.

July 15 – Individual arrival at Seward, Alaska
July 16 – Cruising by the Chenega Glacier
July 17 – Cruising in the Hubbard Glacier in Yakutat Bay
July 18-25 – Alaska’s Inside Passage: Pelican (at anchor), cruising off Point Adolphus, calling Juneau, Skagway (at anchor), cruising Tracy Arm, Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait, calling Petersburg, Ketchikan (at anchor), cruising in Misty Fjord) – what a lot we do and see this week!
July 26-27 – Relax now sailing through British Columbia’s fabulous Inside Passage
July 28 – Victoria (BC’s capital city on Vancouver Island)
July 29 – Hanseatic arrives Vancouver

All outside cabins, fares include gratuities, minibar and port charges.

Special: Fares start at £4,700 per person cruise only (Guaranteed cabin Category 1 double occupancy)
Early Booking Reduction: Book by December 17, 2011, and receive a full 5% fare reduction.

For more information on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ exciting Alaska and other itineraries please visit www.hl-cruises.com. For bookings, enquiries or brochures please call Gay Scruton at The Cruise People Ltd in London on 020 7723 2450 or e-mail cruise@cruisepeople.co.uk.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Gets Top Ratings Yet Again in the Berlitz Guide to Cruising 2012: MS Europa Retains Her Lead

The ratings for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises have been improved upon in the Berlitz Guide to Cruising 2012:  and MS Europa has retained her lead position

•     MS Europa remains the only ship with 5-star-plus award
•     MS Bremen has received 4-stars-plus for the first time

MS Europa, the flagship of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, is the only cruise ship in the world to be awarded the highest rating 5-stars plus rating in the new 2012 edition of the renowned Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships. The expedition ship Bremen received an even better rating than in previous years and was awarded 4-stars-plus for the first time.

With 1852 out of a maximum of 2000 points, the Europa received the highest rating of all 285 ships tested. The Hanseatic scored 1746 points, making her the only expedition ship to be awarded five stars. The second Hapag-Lloyd Cruises expedition ship, the MS Bremen, was upgraded and received the award 4-stars-plus for the first time with 1553 points.

Author Douglas Ward and his team tested a total of 285 cruise ships from all over the world, assessing criteria such as ship furnishings, quality and diversity in the restaurants, service and crew, entertainment and cruise experience. In this year’s edition of the Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships, they are once again awarding the rating 5- stars-plus to only one ship: MS Europa. Douglas Ward states the outstanding culinary creations of starred chef Dieter Mueller as being the reason for this decision and adds: “Europa has stood the test of time, and looks almost new. “

Sebastian Ahrens, managing director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, comments, “The very good ratings of our ships confirm that the consistent investments in and further developments of our range of products and services are worthwhile. Certainly, it is primarily the recent and comprehensive shipyard works on the Bremen that have contributed to our expedition ship being awarded an additional ’plus’.“

Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships by Douglas Ward, 720 pages, paperback, is also available as an application for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

For more information on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ exciting destinations and itineraries visit the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises web site. For bookings, inquiries, or to request a brochure, please call Gay Scruton at The Cruise People Ltd in London on 020 7723 2450 or e-mail cruise@cruisepeople.co.uk.

MS Hanseatic – Expedition Northwest Passage: On the Trail of the Great Discoverers – Summer 2012

MS HANSEATIC – Your Personal Expedition

Expedition Northwest Passage: On the Trail of the Great Discoverers

From Nome to Reykjavik (HAN1215) via Alaska (Point Hope, Barrow Strait), Canada (Herschel Island, Cambridge Bay, Jenny Lind Island, Beechey Island), Greenland (Uummannaq, Illulissat, cruising in Disko Bay, Sisimiut) and cruising through Prins Christian Sund

14 August – 8 September 2012, 25 days

From £11,540 per person in a guaranteed two-berth outside cabin Category 1, double occupancy, cruise only including charter flight Vancouver-Nome

Highlights:

§ Hike across the Holman hills near Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, with experts
§ Legendary Northwest Passage with polar bears, whales and numerous testimonies to the culture of the Inuit
§ Greenland: Enjoy the unforgettable views of drafting icebergs while cruising the Disko Bay

Early Booking Reduction: Book by January 16, 2012 and receive a 5% reduction!

For further details please call Gay Scruton at The Cruise People Ltd in London on 020 7723 2450 or e-mail cruise@cruisepeople.co.uk

MS Hanseatic’s New-Look Staterooms

Here are some images of the newly-rebuilt staterooms on board Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ luxury expedition ship MS Hanseatic after her recent refit at Blohm & Voss in Hamburg.

For details of expedition voyages to the Antarctic, the South Pacific, the Amazon or the Northwest Passage on board MS Hanseatic and her fleetmate MS Bremen please call Gay Scruton at The Cruise People Ltd in London, England, on 020 7723 2450 or e-mail cruise@cruisepeople.co.uk.

Things To Do In Hamburg, Headquarters of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Hapag-Lloyd’s famous headquarters building on the Ballindam in Hamburg

In response to a member who requested information on what do do during a cruise call in Hamburg, New York-based writer Ted Scull, author of 100 Best Cruise Vacations: The Top Cruises Throughout the World for All Interests and Budgets, made the following comments in a recent post to the Liners List on the Internet:-

The former Hamburg-Süd cargo ship Cap San Diego now serves as a floating hotel

“The Maritime Museum is ten fabulous floors with all the space in the world and thousands of ship models, many, of course, from Peter Tam’s collection which used to be housed down river in a former hotel; stupendous Miniatur Wunderland has some ships/harbor craft in its two floors of model railway settings; view from St. Michealis Church of city, river and harbor; walk through the pedestrian tunnel to the shipyard side for a great view back to the city; go for the English-speaking harbor tour from Langdungsbrücken as you get to see the container port not seen from the river walks; Cap San Diego; Ballin Stadt, an immigration museum; Hapag-Lloyd’s HQ facing the Alster and 1876 steamer St. Georg (you will hear its whistle from time to time); great city to walk; excellent transit, including one elevated line that parallels the Elbe.

“I Love Hamburg!”

The Hamburg Maritime Museum covers ten floors near the Hamburg waterfront

Fellow writer, Singapore-based Jonathan Boonzaier, who reports for the Norwegian shipping newspaper Tradewinds, adds:-

The clipper ship Rickmer Rickmers also serves as a floating restaurant

“Last year I visited the museum and stayed on board the Cap San Diego. Both are well worth a visit, along with a visit to the bright green sailing ship Rickmer Rickmers. If I were arranging a day visit to Hamburg I’d spend two hours on the Cap San Diego in the morning, have a lunchtime visit to the Rickmer Rickmers allowing an hour to explore the ship and another hour for lunch in her excellent restaurant, and then spend the entire afternoon at the Maritime Museum, where you would need at least three hours to do it justice. You can walk from the Cap San Diego to the Rickmer Rickmers in five minutes and there is a ferry service between the Rickmer Rickmers and the Maritime Museum.”

For passengers boarding Hapag-Lloyd cruise ships in Hamburg, or nearby Kiel on the Baltic coast, The Cruise People will be pleased to assist with further details. For further information on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises on board the Europa, Europa 2, Hanseatic, Bremen or Columbus 2 please feel free to call Gay Scruton at The Cruise People Ltd on 020 7723 2450 or e-mail cruise@cruisepeople.co.uk.