VITAL STATISTICS
Passengers: 184 Crew: 125
Built: 1993 Refurbished: 2011
Target demographic: Grown-up, empty-nester couples. While most
Hapag-Lloyd passengers are Germans, this historic company actively
seeks English-speaking guests through its multi-lingual programs.
Every staff member I met spoke excellent English.
Who would love it: Inquisitive mature folks looking for exceptional
expedition and soft adventure experiences while travelling in
superior comfort. High service levels create an air of luxury and
exclusivity. While Hapag-Lloyd works hard to say it’s not snobbery,
some might be forgiven for thinking so. Sociable cruisers with some
experience in this bracket will feel more comfortable.
Who wouldn’t: Premium pricing excludes bargain-hunters, lounge
lizards and poseur cocktail sippers. It’s not a party boat, nor is it
particularly well set up for young children, and unless your kids are
mature beyond their years and happy around a majority older age
group, best you leave them at home. Cruisers will be mixing with
passengers from other nationalities, so if you’re uncomfortable with
foreign flavours, you’d best cruise elsewhere.
Itineraries: Worldwide, with emphasis on polar regions and remote
islands. Able to work in areas with little or no shore infrastructure
such as the Pacific Islands and uninhabited territories.
Facilities: Two excellent restaurants, solarium, sauna, hair salon,
pool, observation deck, laundry service, elevator, boutique and a
fleet of zodiacs for expedition landings.
Cabins: All outside cabins, no balconies. Freshly refurbished,
spacious with in-flight style entertainment and connectivity.
Included minibar with basic beers and soft drinks. In-cabin dining is
available.
Food: Best-in-class gourmet cuisine served in Marco Polo fine dining
restaurant with included wine. Or else dine in the casual Bistro
Lemaire on the upper rear deck. Expect themed cuisine nights
ranging from European to Asian and a few surprises. Hapag-Lloyd
take dining seriously.
Service: A bit more formal than other expedition ships, and more
luxurious, with room service, butlers and silver service dining.
Aussies, though, have a knack of creating a relaxing atmosphere
wherever they go, so don’t be put off.
Tipping: Not obligatory; at your discretion.
Entertainment: While there is no formal entertainment aboard
Hanseatic, there is evening music in the Explorer Lounge and
occasional, impromptu staff performances. Instead, time is spent
on educational lectures in the theatre by expedition staff and
destination-relevant documentaries on your in-room TV.
Excursions: Run by trained, expert staff with their fleet of Zodiac
rigid inflatable runabouts, combined with regular shore excursions
from wharf tie-ups where available.
Dress code: Smart casual, but a suit or dress with subtle bling could
come in handy for occasions such as Captain’s dinner. You’ll also need
to bring clothing suitable for your chosen destination. Parkas are
loaned for polar destinations.
Further information: www.hl-cruises.com/ships/Ms-hanseatic.
Bookings: Hapag-Lloyd is represented in Australia by Landmark
Travel – phone (02) 9977 7100.
