Tourexpi
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has launched its Amazon expedition
season 2026, sending the expedition ship HANSEATIC spirit on an 18-day voyage
from Belém upstream to Iquitos. The Amazon is one of the few rivers in the
world whose vast catchment area still promises unknown discoveries and largely
unexplored regions.
Each year, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers two Amazon
expeditions and is the only operator to sail the full route between Belém and
Iquitos both upstream and downstream. The itineraries for the next two years
have already been released, with only a limited number of cabins still
available.
Three decades of Amazon expeditions
For nearly 30 years, the company has been taking
guests on a roughly 4,000-kilometre journey through the heart of the Amazon,
travelling from the river delta in Belém deep into the Peruvian rainforest and
back again. These expeditions have long been a central part of the cruise
line’s programme.
Isolde Susset said:
“The Amazon is one of the most captivating natural and
cultural regions on earth. Our expeditions allow guests to experience this
river intensively – with time and experience as well as a deep respect for the
region and its people.”
Small expedition ships for remote regions
The expedition ships in the fleet are designed for
demanding routes and shallow waters. With a limited capacity of about 230
guests and spacious open decks, they offer favourable conditions for observing
wildlife and landscapes along the river.
Up to 17 onboard Zodiacs enable landings in remote
tributaries and excursions to areas where the rainforest reaches directly to
the riverbanks. The voyages are accompanied by expedition experts and local
spotters who help identify wildlife and share insights into life along the
river.
Lectures and presentations in the HanseAtrium,
together with educational programmes in the Ocean Academy, provide additional
background on the region’s ecosystems and cultures.
Encounters with communities along the river
Many settlements along the Amazon can only be reached
by water. When expedition ships call at these remote locations, guests often
meet local communities whose daily life is closely connected to the river.
Over time, a trusting exchange has developed, with
crew members and guests often bringing items such as school supplies or hygiene
products that are difficult to obtain in remote areas.
The Amazon voyages are among the most traditional
expeditions in the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises programme and are typically booked well
in advance. In 2027 and 2028, the expedition ship HANSEATIC inspiration will
operate the legendary route between Belém and Iquitos.
Image
Credit: © Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
The most interesting news
Read the News

Spain strengthens position as Europe’s leading high-value tourism market
Spain generated €115.1 billion in international visitor spending in 2025, outperforming the European average for spending per traveller as global tourism expenditure surpassed US$2 trillion
Read the News

Colombia tops Global Big Day bird count once again
Colombia recorded more than 1,560 bird species during the 2026 Global Big Day, reinforcing its position as the world’s most bird-diverse country
Read the News

Yas Island to become home of Sphere Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi will invest USD 1.7 billion in the construction of Sphere Abu Dhabi, a new immersive entertainment venue planned for Yas Island with completion targeted for 2029
Read the News

Delta expands fast, free Delta Sync Wi-Fi across global fleet
More than 1,200 Delta aircraft now offer free Delta Sync Wi-Fi for SkyMiles Members, combining high-speed connectivity with personalized entertainment and digital travel experiences
Read the News

Spain launches €15 million support package for sustainable tourism businesses
Hotels, restaurants, campsites and other tourism businesses in Spain will benefit from a new €15 million funding programme aimed at improving energy efficiency and circular economy measures
Read the News

Eurowings introduces sneakers as standard crew footwear
Eurowings cabin crews can now wear branded white sneakers as part of their uniform every day, expanding the airline’s popular “Sneaker Flydays” concept across all operations
Read the News

SWISS expands India network with new nonstop Bengaluru–Zurich service
Swiss International Air Lines is pleased to announce the launch of new nonstop flights between Bengaluru and Zurich, further enhancing connectivity between Switzerland and India’s leading technology and innovation hub.
Read the News

Radisson Hotel Group expands its footprint in Dubai
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights is a 537-room five-star city hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, affiliated with Radisson Blu, part of Radisson Hotel Group.
Read the News

Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines strengthen partnership
Starting 1 June 2026, Philippine Airlines will place its (PR) code on Qatar Airways flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao to Doha, and connect to over 20 major European cities, including Paris, Rome, and Frankfurt via Hamad International Airpor
Read the News

Emirates taps GE Aerospace for repair capabilities
The agreement will support the expansion of the Emirates Engine Maintenance Centre (EEMC)
Read the News

Six Senses Joins the UNEP and UN Tourism Recipe of Change
A living expression of the brand’s sustainable ethos and Eat With Six Senses philosophy
Read the News

Closing the gender gap requires tackling structural barriers, improving access to opportunities, and sustained commitment
Women do most of the work in tourism, yet they remain underrepresented in leadership
Read the News

Marriott International expands portfolio in Peru through landmark conversions
The two properties in Lima are set to officially join The Ritz‑Carlton and JW Marriott brand portfolios in 2028, reflecting the city’s rise as a leading global luxury destination.
Read the News

Tripmasters expands with new experience-focused vacation packages
New curated travel collections respond to growing demand for slower, experience-driven vacations with fewer hotel changes and deeper destination immersion
Read the News

As Americans hit the road during the country’s 250th anniversary, Hilton is celebrating all summer long.
Next week, Hilton is kicking off Hilton Honors America Experiences with a dozen unexpected and unforgettable road trip experiences for only 250 Hilton Honors Points per trip, Hampton by Hilton stays and gas included.
Read the News

In a Sea of Sameness, Kempinski Group is choosing control
Kempinski Group has announced the acquisition of the Augustine Hotel, Prague — the groups wholly owned hotel in over five decades, says Barbara Muckermann
Read the News

TUI launches TUI Smiles Rewards Club
TUI has launched TUI Smiles Rewards Club, the company’s first-ever global loyalty programme, enabling customers to collect Smiles across TUI's portfolio – from flights and hotels to packages, cruises, and experiences.
Read the News

TAT and Warner Music Japan bring Thailand’s spirit to life
Music-led collaboration showcases Bangkok’s everyday charm while connecting Thailand’s relaxed optimism with younger global audiences
Read the News

ASTA Travel Advisor Conference 2026
May 27, 2026 - May 29, 2026, San Diego, California
Read the News

Global Travel & Tourism to outpace wider economy by 1.5 times
Global Travel & Tourism is forecast to continue outpacing wider economic growth in 2026, with the sector expected to contribute $12TN to the world economy, accounting for 9.9% of global GDP, according to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Counc

