German based company Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, a subsidiary of travel and tourism multinational TUI, has announced it will be adding another vessel to its five-star expedition segment. The request for the new ship, Hanseatic spirit, comes following the order of Hanseatic nature and Hanseatic inspiration to the fleet in March last year.

The contract for the construction of Hanseatic spirit has been awarded to the Norwegian firm Vard – itself a subsidiary of Europe’s biggest naval engineering company, Fincantieri Marine Group – after the production of Hanseatic nature and Hanseatic inspiration in 2017. Both of these ships are on target for delivery by the end of 2019.

“TUI is underlining its strategy for this cruise segment and the importance of our luxury brand”

Karl J. Pojer, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, said: “Our expedition segment is already a success and offers potential for growth in the five-star segment that we want to harness with these three new ships. With the new ships, we are launching a new expedition class and strengthening our leading position in this segment.

“By investing in the new Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ ships, the TUI Group is underlining its strategy for this cruise segment and the importance of our luxury brand to the group portfolio.”

Hanseatic spirit, slated for completion and launch in Q2 2021, will be based on the same designs as her sister ships and will feature three restaurants, 120 cabins and suites spread over seven decks and cutting-edge environmental technology.

The ship will also have the highest ice class for passengers currently available, meaning all three boats are as at home in the Arctic as they are in the Andaman. The on-board Zodiacs will make it possible to land in expedition areas that do not have ports, and there will be a marina for watersports.