Few places remain in the world where you can be assured that nature in its purest form will provide highlight after unexpected highlight. The region beyond Norway’s North Cape is without doubt such a wilderness. The Svalbard Archipelago and the island of Spitsbergen especially, is an astonishing place of glacial landscapes and endless horizons with lingering twilight located just 600 miles from the North Pole. Exotic and remote this archipelago lies almost as far north as there is land on our globe. For this exciting expedition to Svalbard, we are delighted to be working with our associates at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises who have made some cabins available to us aboard their five-star vessel, the Hanseatic Nature.
During the voyage we will spend eight days exploring Spitsbergen’s magnificent fjords, spectacular and vast glaciers, a tundra landscape miraculously dotted with wildflowers and sheer cliffs as well as some historic sites of early explorers. Despite such stunning scenery, for many the most striking aspect of our expedition will be the extraordinary abundance of wildlife we hope to encounter including large colonies of walrus on beaches and passing ice floes, the amazing seabird cliffs of the offshore islands, Arctic foxes and of course the elusive polar bear of which there are somewhere between 3000 and 4000 in the region.
With the luxurious Hanseatic Nature as our moving base, and in the company of just 199 fellow passengers, we will visit remote seabird islands and the fleet of Zodiacs will allow forays ashore to otherwise inaccessible places. Although the Captain sets sail with a planned schedule, in order to achieve the most with the time, flexibility is crucial and changes to the itinerary will be made following a local reconnaissance, a change in the weather, ice conditions or wildlife sightings. The onboard expedition team know the region well and their knowledge will contribute much to your understanding with daily briefings and a series of lectures. There will also be ample time to relax on board while cruising when you can pass the time on deck looking for wildlife or simply enjoy the onboard facilities.
Hanseatic Inspiration / Spirit / Nature
Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, these three Hanseatic expedition class vessels – Inspiration, Nature and Spirit - are five-star vessels that were launched between 2019 and 2021. With a maximum of just 230 passengers (199 passengers in Antarctica and circumnavigation of Spitsbergen), these unique vessels offer plenty of open deck space including a walkway that allows access to the bow of the ship for front row wildlife sightings and incredible views. There is a qualified expedition team of naturalists who will accompany you ashore and provide informative talks in the comfort of the well-designed HanseAtrium, and a crew of 175 offering the most exquisite and attentive service on board.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Germany.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to a hotel for an overnight stay. Please note that the departure airport for the charter flight to Longyearbyen is still to be confirmed and our destination in Germany will be confirmed closer to departure.
Day 2 Germany to Longyearbyen.
After breakfast in the hotel, return to the airport for our specially chartered flight to Longyearbyen. On arrival, transfer to the Hanseatic Nature and embark. Sail this evening.
Days 3 to 10 Circumnavigation of Spitsbergen.
There are few places that quite measure up to Spitsbergen with its wild, raw island beauty and home to a fascinating animal world. In this kingdom of polar bears, the Hanseatic Nature moves flexibly and safely thanks to its ice class for passenger ships (PC6) and we will spend eight days exploring the spectacular fjords, coasts and islands. The goal in sight will be a circumnavigation but the exact schedule and route will be shaped by the weather and ice conditions we encounter. As we make our way along deserted coasts like the great pioneers before us one of the many highlights in south Spitsbergen is Hornsund, a picture-perfect fjord where countless mighty glaciers cascade from soaring mountaintops into icy inlets. Some 50 whaling stations were registered in Spitsbergen and this site is one of the oldest and comes from a time when whaling was still operated from the shore. We will find the remains of historical whaling operations, including wooden boats, cabins and thousands of whale bones—a scene from the distant past, literally frozen in time. Human habitation along our route can be found at Ny Alesund, a former mining town and airship base that is now home to an international community of Arctic researchers. This is one of the world’s most northerly settlements and we will find a museum, gift shop and post office. In addition, Svalbard reindeer roam through the town and Arctic terns nest along the roads.
An impressive Arctic landscape of steep mountains surrounds the Smeerenburgfjord and as your expedition ship approaches you will be able to see some fantastic glacier views and when ashore you might see the timid Arctic fox. In the Liefdefjord, we pass the majestic Monacobreen glacier with its blocks of ice that keep falling into the fjord from the five kilometre wide front. Witness this awe-inspiring spectacle from deck or from a Zodiac. The glacier was named in honour of Prince Albert I of Monaco, who explored the area in 1906 and 1907 with Gunnar Isachsen. If the conditions allow, we will venture forth into the waters of northeast Spitsbergen, where you can experience the true expedition feeling. We will take the ship as close as safely possible to the jumbled and constantly shifting ice floes in the hope of observing polar bears hunting in their preferred habitat. At only around 1,000 kilometres from the North Pole, every extra kilometre may be increasingly difficult to negotiate and our ability to complete a circumnavigation will depend on if the ice grants us a passage through the eye of the needle in the Hinlopen Strait.
The captain and officers will constantly look for impressive scenes such as the cliffs of Alkefjellet; the “bird mountain” is inhabited by thousands of birds from numerous species, including thick-billed murres, kittiwakes, glaucous gulls, Arctic terns and eider ducks. The Zodiacs will also take you ashore in Palanderbukta on the island of Nordaustlandet, most of which is covered by ice caps. On a hike through the sparse tundra, keep an eye out for Svalbard poppies and purple saxifrage. Herds of walrus like to lie on the flat ledges in Torellneset. The mighty bulls are a formidable and memorable sight from a respectful distance – they can weigh over 1,000 kilogrammes and grow to 3.5 metres in length. Weather and ice permitting, we will pass through the narrow Freeman Sound. Keep your eyes peeled: whales seek out protected biotopes off Spitsbergen and will happily follow ships that are passing the archipelago from time to time. On Barents Island, you may be able to spot reindeer in their flourishing natural habitat. The island is also an important area for polar bears, which bring their cubs into the world here. With a little luck and from a safe distance, you will be able to observe these animals from the ship.
Day 11 At Sea.
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we sail towards Tromso.
Day 12 Tromso to Germany.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our specially chartered flight to Germany. On arrival, transfer to a hotel for an overnight stay. Please note that the arrival airport for the charter flight from Tromso is still to be confirmed and our destination in Germany will be confirmed closer to departure.
Day 13 Germany to London.
Check out this morning and return to the airport for your scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £500 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 1 to 13 July 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| 1 Outside cabin Deck 4, 5 & 6 | £9295 | £8795 |
| 2 Panoramic cabin Deck 4 & 5 | £9295 | £8795 |
| 3 French balcony cabin Deck 6 | £10795 | £10295 |
| 4 Balcony cabin Deck 5 | £11495 | £10995 |
| 5 French balcony cabin Deck 7 | £10995 | £10495 |
| 6 Balcony cabin Deck 6 & 7 | £11995 | £11495 |
| 7 Balcony cabin Deck 6 | £12495 | £11995 |
| 8 Balcony cabin Deck 7 | £13495 | £12995 |
| 9 Junior suite with balcony 6 & 7 | On Request | On Request |
| 10 Grand suite with veranda Deck 6 & 7 | On Request | On Request |
| 4 (Sole) Balcony cabin for Sole Use Deck 5 | £14995 | £14495 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHN010727
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel between London & Germany • Specially chartered air travel between Germany and Longyearbyen & Tromso and Germany • Two nights hotel accommodation in Germany with breakfast • 10 nights aboard the Hanseatic Nature on a full board basis • Mini-bar with soft drinks in your cabin restocked each day • Zodiac excursions • Expedition team including onboard lectures • Gratuities • Transfers • Landing fees • Port taxes • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
NB. Flight schedules are yet to be released at the time of going to print and the itinerary may change on their release. Itinerary subject to change based on weather and ice conditions.
Please note that all bookings (including those made by Commodore Club members) are subject to a 20% deposit and that the balance payment will be due 150 days before the date of departure. Please also note that between 149 and 70 days before the date of departure, cancellation charges shall be 40% of the total holiday price payable.
During this expedition you will be visiting out of the way destinations and will be accompanied by an expedition team. Landings and excursions will be made by Zodiac landing craft. The use of Zodiacs will be key to the operation of the itinerary as shown. If you have any queries pertaining to the use of Zodiacs or the level of fitness required for this voyage, please do not hesitate to ask one of our experienced travel consultants.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
-
Deckplan
Hanseatic Inspiration / Spirit / Nature
Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, these three Hanseatic expedition class vessels – Inspiration, Nature and Spirit - are five-star vessels that were launched between 2019 and 2021. With a maximum of just 230 passengers (199 passengers in Antarctica and circumnavigation of Spitsbergen), these unique vessels offer plenty of open deck space including a walkway that allows access to the bow of the ship for front row wildlife sightings and incredible views. There is a qualified expedition team of naturalists who will accompany you ashore and provide informative talks in the comfort of the well-designed HanseAtrium, and a crew of 175 offering the most exquisite and attentive service on board.
-
Ship Directory
Ship DirectoryPlease find below further details pertaining to the vessel or click on the booklet to download.
We are delighted you have chosen one of the Hanseatic expedition class vessels for your upcoming voyage. Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the Hanseatic Inspiration/Nature/Spirit are five-star vessels that were launched between 2019 and 2021. There are a total of 120 cabins and the public areas for your enjoyment and relaxation include a lounge area where recaps and lectures take place, an 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.
VESSEL TECHNICAL DETAILS
Built: 2019 (Inspiration & Nature); 2021 (Spirit)
Gross tonnage: 15,650
Length: 138 metres
Beam: 22 metres
Draught: 5.7 metresSpeed: 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.
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 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
• Separate toilet
• 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 openseating 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 and 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, 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.
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.
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.
SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted in any of the cabins or suites or in any public areas. Guests may smoke cigarettes, cigarillos, pipes and cigars in the Smoker’s Lounge (Deck 4) and on the private balcony/veranda of your cabin/suite. There is also a designated outdoor smoking area on the port side of the ship near the pool. The smoking of pipes and cigars is only permitted in the Smoker’s Lounge.
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).
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.
-
Deck Plan
-
Deckplan
-
Deckplan
Also of Interest
Northwest Passage - 2025 & 2026
An expedition in the Wake of Legendary Explorers aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £500 PER PERSON
Itinerary at a glance
- Seattle / Seward / Alaska Peninsula / Aleutian Islands / Pribilof Islands / Nome / Chukchi / Beaufort Seas / Northwest Passage / West Greenland / Kangerlussuaq
30 nights
from
£23495
Next Departure:
9 August 2025
Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands
An expedition to the Great White Continent aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £500 PER PERSON
Itinerary at a glance
- Buenos Aires / Ushuaia / Falkland Islands / South Georgia / South Orkney Islands / South Shetland Islands / Antarctic Peninsula / Drake Passage / Ushuaia / Buenos Aires
24 nights
from
£18295
Next Departure:
7 January 2026
Norwegian Coastal Odyssey
A summer voyage from Aberdeen to the Norwegian Coast aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £300 PER PERSON
Itinerary at a glance
- Aberdeen / Lerwick / Stavanger / Rosendal / Vikoyri / Loen / Alesund / Runde / Dalsfjord / Bygstad / Haugesund / Aberdeen
10 nights
from
£7095
Next Departure:
11 July 2026
Summer in Norway
A voyage from Aberdeen to the Norwegian Coast aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £300 PER PERSON
Itinerary at a glance
- Aberdeen / Haugesund / Dalsfjord / Bygstad / Hitra / Trondheim / Runde / Alesund / Loen / Vikoyri / Rosendal
12 nights
from
£7395
Next Departure:
21 July 2026
Norway: Under the Northern Lights
A voyage along the coast of Norway in search of the Northern Lights aboard the Hanseatic Nature
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £500 PER PERSON
Itinerary at a glance
- Bergen /Alesund / Torghatten / Tromso / Honningsvag / Alta / Svartisen Glacier / Geirangerfjord / Stavanger
15 nights
from
£9495
Next Departure:
4 February 2027
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000