Expedition High Arctic - In the Land of Extremes

Your Cabin / Suite

There are a total of 120 cabins and suites. All cabins/suites feature a comfortable sleeping area with separable beds, a heated wall in the bathroom, a rain shower, TV, a coffee machine and a mini bar with soft drinks refilled daily. They are also equipped with binoculars and Nordic walking poles and 24-hour cabin service is available. The Outside Cabins, Panoramic Cabins and French Balcony Cabins all measure between 21 to 23 square metres and the Balcony Cabins measure 27 square metres including the balcony. The Junior Suites are approximately 42 square metres including the balcony and offer panoramic views, a comfortable living and sleeping area and a separate dining area. They also benefit from the addition of a bathroom with two sinks, a steam sauna and butler service. The Grand Suites are approximately 71 square metres including a private veranda with space heaters. They feature a sleeping area with panoramic views and a comfortable living area as well as a separate dining area. Additional facilities include a bathroom with two sinks, free standing bath, rain shower, steam sauna, balcony access and butler service.

Your Space

The vessel has three spacious restaurants, two bars, a library, Sun Deck with swimming pool and pool bar, fitness room, hair salon and a small boutique. Whilst relaxing on deck and watching for passing wildlife, the excellent service team offer little touches like exotic fruit skewers and cooling cloth towels. There is also a hospital on the lower deck and it is in the HanseAtrium that the expedition team will hold lectures and briefings. The vessel has been designed taking inspiration from nature to reflect the expeditionary theme of the voyages and to provide interplay between the interiors and the world outside. Exciting vistas are guaranteed in the Observation Lounge thanks to the 180-degree panoramic view which can be enjoyed while relaxing with an aperitif at the bar and listening to the music. Another design highlight is the two extendable glass balconies on the Sun Deck from which passing wildlife can be viewed on the ocean surfaces. Guests will have the opportunity to visit the bridge whenever the local regulations and conditions allow, by prior arrangement with the officer on duty.

Your Dining

Highly trained chefs will surprise you every day with their skill and attention to detail. Diverse and classic delicacies will be available at every meal, whether you are enjoying a quick breakfast or a relaxed evening meal. There is a choice of three spacious open-seating restaurants including the Hanseatic Restaurant with its relaxed atmosphere, the Lido Restaurant offering both indoor and outdoor seating, and the Speciality Restaurant where you will be taken on a culinary voyage of discovery with Japanese and Peruvian creations. The Hanseatic Restaurant and Speciality Restaurant are à la carte whereas the Lido Restaurant offers a buffet-style service. Spend your days and evenings however you wish thanks to flexible mealtimes, a free choice of seating and attentive 24-hour cabin service.

Life On Board

With your every need attended to, there is nothing to do but relax and enjoy the experience aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration. After a Zodiac excursion, you will be welcomed back on board with hot drinks and snacks, drinks will be handed to you as you stand on deck viewing magnificent icebergs and the crew will think of everything and enhance your cruise in every way possible. Highly qualified, knowledgeable experts will accompany you throughout the cruise; discovering unknown territory and seeing amazing wildlife will be a lot more rewarding with an expert by your side. Whether a naturalist or ornithologist, their passion and enthusiasm will be conveyed through talks on board and during excursions. The onboard fleet of 17 Zodiac landing craft enables guests to reach every spectacular sight, no matter how remote and, due to their manoeuvrability, these inflatable craft allow us to truly immerse ourselves in nature. You can be feet away from glaciers, spectacular birdlife and explore otherwise inaccessible fjords and waterways.

For your Comfort, Safety & Security

During construction of the Hanseatic Inspiration, the focus has been on making her suitable for all ice conditions and she has been fitted with cutting-edge equipment and environmental technology. The vessels holds the highest ice class for a passenger ship – PC 6, and with a shallow draught, powerful engine and robust propellers, this is a sturdy ship with excellent manoeuvrability. All of these features allow access to remote islands and coastlines and make for one of the finest expedition vessels.

Please note that the Hanseatic Inspiration is a smoke-free ship. This applies to all interior public areas as well as on deck, including the private balconies and verandas.

Ship Directory

Please find below further details pertaining to the vessel or click on the booklet to download. 

Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the Hanseatic Inspiration is a newly built, five-star expedition ship that was launched in October 2019. The design concept “inspired by nature” means that nature is also experienced inside the vessel adding to the overall expeditionary feel and charm of this luxurious vessel.

There are a total of 120 cabins and suites in six categories, all of which feature separable beds, a range of modern comforts and elegant contemporary décor. Public areas for your enjoyment and relaxation include the HanseAtrium, the main lounge area where recaps and lectures take place, the expansive Sun Deck with pool area and the Ocean Spa. There are also three exceptional restaurants on board to cater for all your dining requirements.

Other unique features to enhance your enjoyment on board include 180-degree panoramic views from the Observation Lounge, two extendible glass balconies on the Sun Deck from which you can enjoy the feeling of being extended over the ocean, an Inspiration Walk on the bow of the ship for front row wildlife sightings and more open deck space than any other expedition ship.

The vessel is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac landing craft and the latest expedition equipment required for the cruising area. In addition to the Captain, Officers and crew who have been selected for their professionalism and expertise, a knowledgeable expedition team, who are dedicated to offering you the best possible experience during your time on board and ashore, will accompany your voyage.

VESSEL TECHNICAL DETAILS

Built: October 2019
Gross tonnage: 15,650
Length: 138 metres
Beam: 22 metres
Draught: 5.6 metres
Speed: 16 knots
Ice class: PC 6
Passenger capacity: 230 (199 for
cruises to the Antarctic & Spitsbergen)
Crew: 175
Language: German/English

AIR CONDITIONING

The cabins, suites and public areas are equipped with air-conditioning.

BATHROBE/SLIPPERS

A bathrobe, slippers and bamboo flip-flops are provided in the cabin/suite for each guest.

BEDS

All cabins and suites have a double bed that can also be separated to make two single beds. If you would prefer a configuration of two single beds please request this at the time of booking. All Grand Suites and Junior Suites also have a sofa bed.

BOUTIQUE

In the onboard boutique on Deck 4 you will find a selection of men’s and women’s clothing, jewellery, gifts and everyday items.

BRIDGE

Due to its crucial importance as the control centre for nautical and technical processes, the bridge is a highly sensitive area. This is why international safety regulations prohibit it being open to the general public. However, guests have the opportunity to visit the bridge, unless prevented by nautical interests or the local regulations of the coastal regions we are passing, by prior arrangement with the officer on duty. The bridge officers will be happy to give you information about the itinerary, the ship’s course and position as well as other nautical aspects.

BUTLER

In the Junior Suites and Grand Suites, there is a butler at your service. Among other things, the butler is responsible for packing and unpacking your clothes. This personal service is available around the clock.

CABINS & SUITES

There are 120 outside cabins/suites with six categories as below;

Outside Cabin, Panoramic Cabin, French Balcony Cabin & Balcony Cabin

These four cabin types are identically equipped and furnished, with the exception of the window and balcony areas, and all feature the following;

• Heated wall in bathroom (e.g. for towels and wet parkas)

• Rain shower

• Free mini bar (soft drinks)

• Coffee machine

• Separable beds

• Extras in the cabin and service privileges (see chart)

• Extras in the suite and service privileges (see chart)

Junior Suite

• Separate living and sleeping areas

• Separate dining area

• Sleeping area with panoramic view

• Separable beds

• TV in living and sleeping areas

• Bathroom with two sinks and rain shower

• Steam sauna in shower area

• Heated wall in bathroom (e.g. for towels and wet parkas)

• Free mini bar with a selection of spirits

• Coffee machine

• Extras in the suite and service privileges (see chart)

Grand Suite

• Separate living and sleeping areas

• Separate dining area

• Sleeping area with panoramic view

• Separable beds

• TV in living and sleeping areas

• Veranda with space heaters

• Daylight bathroom with two sinks, free-standing bath, rain shower and veranda access • Steam sauna in shower area

• Heated wall in bathroom (e. g. for towels and wet parkas)

• Separate toilet

• Free mini bar with a selection of spirits

• Coffee machine

• Extras in the suite and service privileges (see chart)

Please note: If you would prefer separate bedrooms, there are a total of six Balcony Cabins/Suites on Decks 6 and 7 (cabin numbers 609/611, 608/610, 646/648, 647/649, 734/736 and 735/737) with a connecting door to the neighbouring cabin/suite. 

On embarkation you will be welcomed with a small bottle of champagne and a selection of fruits that will be replenished each day. Each cabin has a mini bar that will be restocked with soft drinks every day free of charge. A wide range of breakfast options and a selection of meals are available through the cabin service (24 hour service).

DINING

There is a choice of three spacious open-seating restaurants including the Hanseatic Restaurant with its relaxed atmosphere, the buffet style Lido Restaurant offering both indoor and outdoor seating, and the Speciality Restaurant, the Nikkei, where you will be taken on a culinary voyage of discovery with Japanese and Peruvian creations. The maître D’ will be happy to accept table reservations for the Speciality Restaurant (open only in the evening) at the beginning of your cruise. Guests in the Grand Suites and Junior Suites may make table requests for the Hanseatic Restaurant.

Cuisine

The cuisine on board is international and includes: early-bird breakfast, breakfast, bouillon, lunch and dinner (there are three restaurants to choose from in the evening with flexible opening hours), afternoon coffee/tea time, midnight snack.

Allergies

We would be happy to take into consideration any special requests regarding dietary requirements and/or food allergies. Please inform Noble Caledonia at the time of your reservation and please reiterate these requests upon embarkation.

DRESS CODE

During the day the atmosphere on board is casual and in the evenings casual, elegant attire is recommended.

E-MAILS

You can send and receive e-mails using your on board e-mail address, details of which will be provided to you upon embarkation. E-mails of up to 1MB of data are free of charge to send.

EMERGENCY & SAFETY PROCEDURES

Full details of the ship’s emergency and safety procedures will be provided following your embarkation.

EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT

If the cruising area and any time spent ashore call for it, you can borrow a pair of rubber boots on board. On expeditions in extreme regions such as the Arctic and Antarctic, a warm parka (sizes XS – XXXL) is at your disposal for the duration of the cruise. Snorkelling equipment, standup paddle boards, kayaks, fishing rods and snowshoes (Antarctic only) are also offered in the relevant regions; each cabin/suite has a set of Nordic poles and Swarovski Optik binoculars. There is a Mud-Room and changing room with lockers available for when returning from shore activities and Zodiac excursions.

EXPERTS/PRESENTATIONS

Expeditions are accompanied by experts who will be happy to answer your questions about the cruising area. They will share their in-depth knowledge of the destination in fascinating talks, images and presentations, discussions and personal conversations. The experts will also accompany you on Zodiac landings and included walks and hikes. Talks will be held live in the HanseAtrium. The live broadcast and recordings can be viewed in every cabin/suite.

FILM PROGRAMME

You may use the guest portal to watch a range of documentaries and feature films on your television, which you can directly access.

GUESTS WITH LIMITED MOBILITY

On the whole, cruises aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration are not suitable for guests with limited mobility. Please note that a large number of the planned Zodiac landings and shore activities require a high level of physical fitness; depending on the conditions, participation can only be guaranteed for guests with no mobility restrictions. The Hanseatic Inspiration has one cabin with fully accessible layout and equipment (cabin 404) but it is highly recommended that you travel with a companion. Please provide Noble Caledonia with details of any disabilities before booking to ascertain whether your individual needs can be met.

INTERNET/WI-FI

Internet usage is complimentary for one hour per guest per day (subject to connectivity) after which there is a surcharge. The entire ship is equipped with Wi-Fi hotspots that you can use to access the Internet from your laptop, tablet or mobile device. Tablets can also be borrowed from reception free of charge (subject to availability). The charges for Wi-Fi and Internet use will be deducted from your onboard account. Due to a potentially unstable satellite connection that depends on the weather and ship’s position, especially in northern and southern cruising areas, this service cannot be guaranteed at all times. In extreme regions, such as the Arctic and Antarctic, the TV, radio, Internet, email and phone services may not be available on a daily basis due to satellite positioning.

ITINERARY CHANGES

Despite the most careful planning, the itinerary may have to be changed for technical reasons or due to unforeseeable events outside our control. These include official authorisation and the local weather and ice conditions. Any changes made will be in the interests of your safety. Adherence to the itinerary and landings with the Zodiacs may be difficult or impossible due to weather and ice conditions. In such cases, the ship management will always strive to offer the best possible alternative.

LAUNDRY & IRONING SERVICE

The Hanseatic Inspiration offers a laundry, dry cleaning and ironing service.

LIFT

The various decks are connected by two lifts. Deck 9 is only accessible on foot.

PAYMENTS ON BOARD

All monetary transactions on board the ship are processed by Reception. The onboard currency is the Euro. To ensure cashless transactions, an account will be set up for you which you will settle at Reception at the end of your cruise. The following means of payment are accepted: MasterCard, American Express, Visa and German EC/Maestro cards. Please note that, in general, foreign currencies cannot be changed on board.

MEDICAL SERVICES

The Hanseatic inspiration has a modern, well equipped ship’s hospital (Deck 3) under the supervision of an experienced ship’s doctor. Guests who are being treated for any medical condition should contact the ship’s doctor directly after embarkation. It is important to bring any medications required on board with you in sufficient quantities in your hand luggage. In the case of an accident caused by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises or its staff members either on board or during a shore activity organised by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, treatment is provided free of charge. Treatment for seasickness is subject to a charge if you make use of the medical services. Thrombosis prevention medication is offered on board if required (subject to a charge). A fee is charged for all other medical treatment in accordance with the valid German medical fee schedule (GOÄ). The costs for any treatment or medication will be charged to your onboard account. At the end of the cruise, you will receive a separate invoice to submit to your health insurance provider.

MINI BAR

Soft drinks are available free of charge from the mini bar in your cabin/ suite and are restocked daily. In the Grand Suites and Junior Suites, you can also enjoy a selection of fine spirits free of charge.

NEWSPAPERS

Depending on satellite reception, you will receive the latest daily newspapers containing the most important information from around the world.

PHOTOGRAPHER

There is a professional photographer on board. It is possible to have digital images burned onto CDs and/or printed (at a surcharge).

POST

The Reception staff will post your postcards and letters from most ports where this facility is available. Your onboard account will be debited with the appropriate charges.

PUBLIC AREAS

Fitness Room

There is a large fitness room with ocean views which is open 24 hours a day and includes workout machines and free weights. In a separate area, a range of classes is offered including yoga, pilates and spinning. Timings will be detailed in the Daily Programme. All classes are complimentary - personal trainers are available at extra cost.

HanseAtrium

The HanseAtrium is the main lounge area on Deck 4 and the venue for the presentations from experts and recaps about the day’s events and sightings. There are floor to ceiling LED screens which project stunning images around the room creating a relaxing atmosphere and there is a Bar with a selection of drinks on offer. Next door is the quieter ‘Invisible Lounge’ which is the ideal place to hide yourself away with a good book.

Inspiration Walk

The Inspiration Walk allows access to the bow of the ship for front row wildlife sightings and incredible views.

Library

The Library is located in the Observation Lounge on Deck 8 and is stocked with the latest fiction books and travel literature.

Ocean Academy

The Ocean Academy provides a wonderful space for learning with interactive computers, four Study Seats for user-friendly digital learning, a Study Wall for enhanced learning as well as microscopes for studying samples from explorations ashore. Observation Lounge The Observation Lounge offers 180 degree panoramic views which can be enjoyed whilst relaxing over afternoon tea, accompanied by music from the grand piano, or with a pre-dinner cocktail from the bar. There is a large selection of books in the library area and close by is the Pool Bar.

Pool Area & Sun Deck

There is a spacious pool area on Deck 8 including a heated swimming pool, a whirlpool and bar. There are plenty of deckchairs and sun loungers for your use and towels and blankets are provided. A flexible canopy means that the entire pool area can be used whatever the weather. The Sun Deck also features two extendible glass-floored balconies which provide the unique feeling of floating over the ocean.

The Ocean Spa

The Ocean Spa offers a complete wellness programme from soothing massages to cosmetic treatments and a hairdresser. The spa operates a ‘green’ spa concept with use of carefully selected natural products and vegan brands. Reservations can be made once on board and treatments are at cost. Use of the sauna and steam bath are complimentary.

SAFE

Each cabin/suite has a private safe for storing your valuables.

SHORE ACTIVITIES

All Zodiac landings and shore excursions are dependent on the local conditions. The Captain has the final say in all decisions concerning cruise operation and the safety of the ship and the passengers always takes top priority. Please comply with any instructions given by the crew every time you go ashore.

SMOKING

The MS Hanseatic Inspiration is a completely smoke-free ship and smoking is not permitted in any of the interior or exterior areas of the vessel.

STABILISERS

The ship is equipped with a stabiliser system that can be extended in a side swell to weaken the rolling movements of the ship in rough seas.

TELECOMMUNCATIONS/MOBILE PHONES

The ship is equipped with a satellite communications system. Depending on the satellite reception, this allows you to make direct telephone calls to any destination worldwide directly from your cabin/suite. Please be aware that a charge is incurred immediately upon dialling a telephone/ fax number. The ship is equipped with a GSM mobile network. This system also enables you to use your mobile phone or smartphone at sea in areas where your mobile provider cannot generally guarantee connectivity (service subject to a charge; prices vary depending on the mobile phone provider).

TELEVISION/RADIO PROGRAMME

You will receive the channels available in the region where the ship is currently located via satellite.

TENDER & ZODIAC SERVICE

In all ports in which the Hanseatic Inspiration is not docked at the pier, but is at anchor, you will go ashore on the ship’s own tender boats or the motorised rubber boats (Zodiacs).

TOUR MANAGER

A Noble Caledonia Tour Manager will accompany you on your voyage.

VOLTAGE

In your cabin/suite, you will find outlets for 220 V (50 Hz) alternating current as well as outlets for 110V (60 Hz). In general, we would recommend that you bring a travel adaptor for different outlets with you. For safety reasons, the use of electric kettles, hair straighteners and irons in the cabins is not permitted.

PLEASE NOTE: The information contained in this booklet should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.

V.3 February 2020

• Deckplan