For travellers who believe the journey should be as rare as the destination, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ newly unveiled 2027–2028 season offers something quietly extraordinary. Known for its small ships and pioneering spirit, the brand continues to push beyond the familiar—crafting routes that feel less like itineraries and more like discoveries.
With more than 500 ports of call across its fleet, this latest collection is defined by first-time experiences, unusual route combinations and a clear focus on depth over distance.
New perspectives on familiar waters
Even seasoned travellers will find something unexpected here. Among the highlights is a 29-day voyage aboard EUROPA that connects South, Central and North America in a single seamless journey—from Valparaíso to San Francisco. It is a rare itinerary that blends continents, cultures and coastlines into one fluid narrative.
Meanwhile, the Philippines emerges as a new focal point, with in-depth itineraries featuring 13 calls across 10 ports. Accessible only to smaller ships, these lesser-known islands and bays offer a more intimate and authentic glimpse into the archipelago.
EUROPA 2 ventures even further, introducing remote routes through Papua New Guinea and Palau—destinations that remain largely untouched by mainstream tourism.
Nature, deeply experienced
For travellers drawn to biodiversity and raw landscapes, new itineraries along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast bring the country’s ecosystems into sharp focus. From rainforest canopy walks to wildlife encounters in Manuel Antonio National Park, the experience is immersive rather than observational.
Elsewhere, the expedition fleet continues to redefine access. The HANSEATIC ships, carrying fewer than 230 guests, unlock remote regions through Zodiac landings and expert-led exploration.
A first for the Indian Ocean
One of the season’s most intriguing developments is the first-ever winter deployment in the Indian Ocean. Sailing to Madagascar, the Seychelles and Mauritius, HANSEATIC nature offers access to remote islands, coral reefs and uninhabited atolls—places where strict visitor limits preserve their untouched beauty.
It is a region where luxury feels quieter, more elemental and deeply connected to nature.
From polar extremes to inland waterways
The polar regions remain central to the expedition program, with new compact 14-day itineraries focusing on South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula—ideal for travellers seeking intensity without extended time commitments.
Equally distinctive is the Great Lakes voyage aboard HANSEATIC inspiration, the only cruise to combine all five Great Lakes with the St. Lawrence River in a single journey. Linking cities like Toronto and Montreal with lesser-known coastal communities, it offers a fresh perspective on North America’s inland waterways.
Remote, rare and remarkable
Further afield, the Kimberley region of Western Australia stands out as one of the most remote and visually dramatic destinations in the collection. Towering waterfalls, ancient rock formations and Indigenous heritage sites create a sense of place that feels both powerful and profoundly untouched.
It is the kind of destination that stays with you—not just for its beauty, but for its rarity.
A philosophy of discovery
At its core, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ 2027–2028 season reflects a simple idea: luxury is not just about comfort, but about access—to places, perspectives and experiences that feel genuinely new.
With small ships capable of reaching where others cannot, each journey becomes an opportunity to see the world differently—whether that means sailing into hidden harbours, exploring remote ecosystems or simply taking the time to truly connect with a destination.
Because for those who have already seen much of the world, the greatest luxury is discovering something they have not.
Explore the full collection of premiere routes:
https://www.hl-cruises.com/premiere-routes
