Hapag-Lloyd Cruises unveils new global itineraries for the 2027/28 season - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has introduced a series of new itineraries for its 2027/28 season, expanding the global programme of its five luxury and expedition ships with first-time routes, exclusive port calls and destinations beyond the traditional cruise circuit. The new season features a diverse range of voyages across all seven continents, reflecting the company's long-standing focus on offering repeat guests fresh travel experiences.

The new programme includes the first winter season for HANSEATIC nature in the Indian Ocean, an in-depth exploration of the Philippines aboard EUROPA, a unique voyage combining all five North American Great Lakes with the St. Lawrence River, and new itineraries along the American West Coast, Costa Rica and the South Pacific.

Luxury fleet expands destination portfolio

The luxury ships EUROPA and EUROPA 2 continue to focus on smaller ports that are inaccessible to larger cruise vessels, allowing guests to explore destinations from a different perspective.

In February 2027, EUROPA will operate a new 29-day voyage linking South, Central and North America for the first time. Sailing from Valparaiso to San Francisco, the itinerary crosses eight countries, combining destinations in Chile, Peru, Costa Rica and the United States before passing beneath San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

The Philippines will become another major highlight of the 2028 programme. Two consecutive cruises featuring 13 calls at ten ports will offer an extensive exploration of the archipelago, including a maiden call at Mantigue Island. Guests will have the opportunity to discover both major cities and remote islands that can only be reached by smaller ships.

EUROPA 2 will introduce several new itineraries, including a voyage through Papua New Guinea and Palau that opens up remote island destinations rarely visited by international travellers. Another new route focuses on Costa Rica, combining first-time calls at Isla Tortuga and Puerto Jimenez with excursions into rainforests, national parks, mangroves and Pacific beaches.

Expedition ships venture to new frontiers

The expedition fleet—HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit—will also feature several new routes designed for small-ship exploration.

For the first time, HANSEATIC nature will spend the winter season in the Indian Ocean instead of the polar regions. Cruises to Madagascar, the Seychelles and Mauritius will allow guests to visit remote islands, uninhabited atolls and protected marine environments that are accessible only to smaller expedition vessels.

Polar expeditions remain a core part of the programme. Three new 14-day Antarctic voyages scheduled for early 2028 will focus on South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, providing wildlife encounters in one of the world's most spectacular natural environments.

Great Lakes and Kimberley among the highlights

In early summer 2027, HANSEATIC inspiration will become the only expedition ship to combine all five Great Lakes with a complete transit of the St. Lawrence River on a single voyage. Thanks to its retractable bridge wings, the vessel can navigate the region's numerous locks while linking cities such as Toronto, Montreal and Quebec with smaller ports and island communities.

Another premiere will follow in May 2028, when HANSEATIC spirit explores Australia's remote Kimberley region. Guests will encounter dramatic sandstone cliffs, deep gorges, waterfalls including King George Falls, Indigenous rock art and diverse wildlife through Zodiac excursions and guided landings.

"For more than 135 years, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has been defined by its pioneering spirit. With the premiere routes for the 2027/28 season, we continue our commitment to offering well-travelled guests new perspectives through exceptional itineraries, exclusive port calls and carefully curated travel experiences across the globe."

Image Credit: © Hapag-Lloyd Cruises