Hapag-Lloyd Cruises To Build Two New Expedition Ships

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has announced that it will build two brand new five-star expedition cruise ships, which will launch in April and October 2019. The new ships will weigh 16,100 gross tonnes, measure 138 meters in length and will each accommodate 240 guests.

The two ships will be constructed at the Vard shipyard in Norway. Both vessels will be equipped with state-of-the-art technological features and environmental technologies, including the highest Polar Class designation for passenger ships. PC6. This rating means both ships have the capability to cruise the Arctic and Antarctica as well as also cruising warm water destinations such as the Amazon.

​Both ships will carry on board Zodiacs which will allow guests to go ashore to otherwise inaccessible expedition areas. In addition to this the two new ships will also feature a water sports marina at the stern, as well as three restaurants and a spa and fitness centre.
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Karl J. Pojer, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, said: “The former director Albert Ballin invented the modern cruise concept 125 years ago. We are perfectly positioned in the luxury market with our cruise ships EUROPA and EUROPA 2. In this anniversary year, we are charting the course for the future. Already we operate successfully in our expedition segment, which offers growth potential for 5-star cruises. Our new-builds will help us to develop further the expedition segment and offer a modern interpretation. They will also serve to strengthen our leading position in this market, in particular at the international level.”

​Construction is due to start at the beginning of August 2017. Although both ships will be identical to each other, one will be dedicated to the German-speaking markets of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, whilst the other will serve the German market, as well as Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States.