This cruise offers a unique spring adventure in the icy, lesser-known north of the Baltic Sea, featuring active winter experiences like snowshoe hikes, snowmobile safaris, and dog sled rides (shore activities not included). Highlights include exploring the frozen expanses of the Bothnian Sea and Bay, with potential Northern Lights sightings from the deck, and visiting Stockholm and Copenhagen during their quieter off-season. The journey, framed by scenic passages through the Stockholm Archipelago and Kiel Canal, blends expedition-style exploration with the charm of Nordic cities and the thrill of icy landscapes, starting and ending in Hamburg.
Departure 18.00 hrs
Evening cruise on the Elbe
Night passage through the Kiel Canal
Cruising off the chalk cliffs of Mon
A real winter with snow and lots of light on long days – simply wishful thinking? Not at the end of March in Swedish and Finnish Lapland. Because while spring is almost upon us at home, the northern Baltic Sea is still icy and snowy. But life is awakening here too, in the middle of a wintry world where the days, which are longer again, are particularly eventful. And on starry nights, there is a good chance of admiring the magical Northern Lights in the sky. Draw on the wealth of experience of the experts on board: they will provide commentary while cruising off the chalk cliffs of Mon, their presentations turning the entire route into a journey of discovery.
Stockholm/Sweden, 9.00 – 19.00 hrs
When cruising through the Stockholm Archipelago, you will find yourself in the middle of a network of 24,000 islands. The deck provides the best views. At this time of year, away from the peak season, you will feel a serenity that makes you see Stockholm with different eyes: take a relaxed stroll through the dreamy old town, explore Stockholm on a city tour1 or visit the open-air museum Skansen.
(depending on the weather and ice conditions)
What awaits you in the northern extension of the Baltic Sea, which is iced over until the end of April? Only a small expedition ship like the HANSEATIC nature, which is suitable for polar regions, can navigate this area. Depending on the weather and ice conditions, a flexible expedition day in the Bothnian Sea and Bothnian Bay lies ahead of you. Enjoy your exclusive front-row seat on the many open deck areas and look forward to spectacular views of the shores of Swedish Lapland.
Arrival 14.00 hrs
Experience the tradition and close relationship with nature of the Sami1 in snowy Lulea, an ideal starting point for discovering Swedish Lapland on a variety of tours. During a winter experience with huskies1 or a ride on a fat bike1 across the ice and snow, the city’s surroundings become a real winter adventure for you. Explore the Gammelstad Church Town1 UNESCO World Heritage Site on a guided tour with insights into the northern Scandinavian past. Alternatively, winter hiking and ice fishing1 provide a taste of adventure. In clear weather, you will have a good chance of observing the Northern Lights from the deck of your ship.
Departure 14.00 hrs
7.00 – 19.00 hrs
The Finnish town of Kemi is situated not far from the Arctic Circle. You can experience for yourself how the locals get around on a snowmobile safari1, on a dog sleigh ride1 or on a snowshoe hike1 through deep snow-covered forests and along frozen lakes and rivers. Perhaps you would also like to try your hand at ice fishing1? Extend your knowledge about life in northern Europe in Rovaniemi1 on a visit to the Arktikum museum. You will also be amazed by the SnowCastle, a hotel and restaurant that are rebuilt every year.
7.00 – 18.00 hrs
Oulu is also popular among outdoor enthusiasts. How about an example? Then take a ride in a reindeer sleigh and on a snowmobile1 or go cross-country skiing through Finnish Lapland.
(depending on the weather and ice conditions)
On the second flexible expedition day in Bothnian Bay and the Bothnian Sea, nature keeps enticing you with new views that are only possible with a small expedition ship like the HANSEATIC nature.
8.00 – 13.00 hrs
With bobbin lace and picturesque wooden houses, Rauma is a living example of Finnish craftsmanship. You will have the place almost completely to yourself at this time of year. Wind your way through the charming old town that is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
8.00 – 17.00 hrs
In keeping with the contented feeling of hygge, explore the Danish capital of Copenhagen on foot with glogg and a pastry. Use the long lay time into the evening to stroll through the charming streets on your own and pay flying visits to the Little Mermaid and Amalienborg Palace.
Reflect on your many unforgettable impressions and experiences during the daytime passage through the Kiel Canal with the best views from the many open deck areas of marshes, forests and meadows.
Arrival 7.00 hrs
Individual travel arrangements from cruise arrival point
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Vessel Type: Expedition
Length: 138 m
Passenger Capacity: 230
Built: 2021
The HANSEATIC inspiration, a small, state-of-the-art expedition ship with a maximum of 230 guests, offers a perfect blend of adventure and comfort for explorers seeking to uncover the world’s wonders. As an international vessel conducting cruises in both English and German, it brings over 30 years of expertise from a market leader in German-speaking countries to every journey. Each expedition is a masterpiece, passionately crafted to reveal far-flung worlds—be it icy realms, tropical paradises, wildlife havens, or cultural gems—making every voyage a unique discovery aboard this exceptional ship.
Features of all cabins and suites
An ocean view with even more: exclusively outside cabins and suites, almost all with balconies or French balconies
Spaciously designed - enjoy a relaxing stay in rooms from 21 m²/226 ft² up to 71 m²/764 ft² in size
Exceptionally equipped - for example, with binoculars, Nordic Walking poles, air conditioning, coffee machine and mini bar (free of charge) and 24-hour cabin service
Separable beds
Rain shower and heated wall in bathroom (e.g. for towels and wet parkas)
Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forwardview camera, navigation chart, films and much more
Restaurants
Aboard the HANSEATIC inspiration, a new kind of freedom blends adventure and pleasure with a culinary journey across three exceptional restaurants. The spacious HANSEATIC Restaurant offers flexible mealtimes and a free choice of seating, serving a daily-changing menu of global flavors inspired by local specialties, paired with fine wines and supported by attentive 24-hour cabin service. At the Lido Restaurant, guests can savor breakfast under the open sky or enjoy a perfectly grilled steak from the outdoor barbecue, complete with panoramic views and an open show kitchen. The specialty restaurant Nikkei fuses fine Japanese creations with modern Peruvian cuisine, delivering a unique dining experience that elevates exploration to new heights—all while bars in the Observation Lounge and HanseAtrium offer favorite drinks against stunning backdrops, from Nordic fjords to icy Antarctic vistas.
Fitness and Wellness
On the HANSEATIC inspiration, an extraordinary time out awaits after thrilling Zodiac rides, challenging hikes, or Arctic adventures. Unwind in the Ocean Spa, where a Finnish sauna with stunning ocean views, a gentle steam sauna, an ice fountain, and a relaxation room rejuvenate your senses, complemented by professional massages, cosmetic treatments, and eco-friendly products made from natural, vegan ingredients. Stay active in the 100 m² fitness room or separate course room—both with ocean vistas—guided by a fitness coach offering personalized advice and a variety of courses, either indoors or on deck. The pool area, with its flexible canopy, invites relaxation year-round, featuring water loungers, a whirlpool, and a bar, ensuring a perfect blend of indulgence and revitalization against the backdrop of the open sea.
Knowledge
Shore excursions and Zodiac rides come alive with deeper context through fascinating presentations in the HanseAtrium, a high-tech lounge where experts share daily precaps and recaps, doubling as an atmospheric evening bar for films and discussions. The Ocean Academy enhances the journey with a Study Wall and interactive poster of scientific insights, microscopes for exploring hidden wonders alongside experts, and Study Seats—with swivel touchscreens—for personal dives into science. Supported by travel diaries and destination videos, this immersive experience broadens horizons with cutting-edge tools and expertise.