Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Small Expedition Ships Won’t be Affected by New Bans That Will Keep Large Cruise Ships Out of Antarctica Starting in 2011

he International Maritime Organization adopted a ban on the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil for ships sailing in Antarctica this month, effectively meaning that beginning August 1, 2011 most large cruise ships will no longer be able to sail in Antarctica. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ two expedition ships, the 5-star* MS HANSEATIC and the 4-star* MS BREMEN have always used diesel fuel, state-of-the-art waste disposal systems (rubbish-incinerator and biological sewage treatment plant on board) and environmentally-friendly underwater paints (TBT-free), which will allow both ships to continue this very popular route in 2011 and beyond. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ expedition ships carry no more than 184 passengers. Zodiac (small motorized boats) landings, under the guidance of experienced experts who give detailed instructions to passengers about proper conduct while in Antarctica, never exceed 20 people.

łWe support all changes to current regulations, if they are geared towards protecting and conserving Antarctica, said Sebastian Ahrens Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. łWith our passengers, cruises to Antarctica have not suffered a loss of fascination in that the secret of an unforgettable cruise to Antarctica is to have a small-ship operator that offers trips off the beaten paths. And this is exactly what our expeditions are all about ­ all under the premise of leaving the environment intact.˛

Hapag-Lloyd cruises is an active member of IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) ­ a voluntary union of Antarctic tour operators that have agreed to promote ecologically sustainable tourism in the Antarctic continent and, at the same time, benefit from the experience of the other members.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will be offering two Antarctica international (German/English) cruises in early 2011 on the MS HANSEATIC and the MS BREMEN. Both ships are well equipped for travel in difficult waters, with both holding the highest ice class ranking for passenger vessels (E4). Also shallow drafts and high manoeuvrability allow the ships to enter waters larger cruise vessels cannot reach. Guests explore the world’s best-kept secrets in zodiacs (small motorized boats) with only 10-12 guests. Onboard experts include a team of experienced scientists, expedition leaders and specialists who guide landings and offer guests the rare opportunity to observe plant and animal life up close. Both ships also have warm parkas and rubber boots for all passengers on-loan.

The Antarctica itineraries below offers guests a once in a lifetime experience to view the gigantic colonies of birds, particularly penguins as they gather for the start of their summer in Antarctica. In addition to observing the massive bird colonies, guests will also have the opportunity to hike on the Falkland Islands, explore South Georgia, bath in the hot waters on Deception Island and observe the gleaming icebergs and whales in the Antarctic Sound.

MS BREMEN: ANTARCTICA and the ANTARCTIC CIRCLE

(South Georgia, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Circle)

Dates: January 5 ­24, 2011 (19 Days)

Embarkation: Ushuaia/Argentina, Disembarkation: Ushuaia/Argentina

Rate: Starting at $11,710* per person based on double occupancy for an outside cabin, rate includes flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia.

MS HANSEATIC: ANTARCTICA

(South Georgia, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula)

Dates: January 7­26, 2011 (19 Days)

Embarkation: Ushuaia/Argentina, Disembarkation: Ushuaia/Argentina

Rate: Starting at $13,640* per person based on double occupancy for an outside cabin, rate includes flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia.

For more information on other HANSEATIC AND BREMEN international cruises, visit www.hl-cruises.com.

The only 5-star (according to the 2010 Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships) expedition vessel in the world, the MS HANSEATIC will be offering two of the last great unexplored routes in the world, the Northwest Passage and Kamchatka this year. Both routes, rarely traveled by cruise ships, offer a luxury cruise experience and a once in a lifetime adventure.

THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE In August 2010, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will be offering their Northwest Passage itinerary with MS HANSEATIC, departing Kangerlussaq, Greenland on August 16, 2010 for a 24-day voyage along Greenland and near the Arctic Circle, and ending in Nome, Alaska on September 9th. It is the most famous sea route in the world, and has been both a myth and challenge for centuries.

The legendary passage for the HANSEATIC starts in Greenland and crosses Disko Bay. Guests will be thrilled to encounter caribou, polar bears, musk oxen, bald eagles, and whales, while taking full advantage of the many Zodiac landings to explore the impressive glacial coasts along the route. Planned highlights (weather permitting): a visit to a former whaling base in Herschel Island; a landing in Cambridge Bay on Victoria Island, including a visit to the wreck of the “Maud,” in which Roald Amundsen conquered the Northwest Passage; zodiac landings in Peel Sound, the Franklin Strait and Larsen Sound; and a stop in Barrow, Alaska, the most northern city in the world. Shore excursions at an additional charge.

The itinerary starts at $21,000 per person, based on double occupancy for an outside cabin. Charter flights from Hanover/Germany to Kangerlussuaq/Greenland and from Nome/Alaska to Vancouver/Canada are included in the cruise price. UNIQUE EXPEDITION THROUGH KAMCHATKA The remote reaches of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, and the distant and isolated Kuril Islands have mesmerized explorers and traders for centuries. This exploration takes guests along the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’, cruising to Japan’s northern islands, through the Kuril Islands and along the Kamchatka coast.

The wildlife is some of the richest in the world and the scenery of snow-capped volcanoes, dense forest, tundra and meadow is spectacular. Geysers, hot springs and active volcanoes set amidst towering mountains and fast flowing rivers make this area unique. This itinerary will be fully bilingual, departing Nome, on September 9, 2010 for a 19-day expedition voyage to the Chukchi Peninsula, Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands, the Japanese islands of Hokkaido and Sakhalin, and ending in Yokohama, Japan on, September 29th.

Highlights of this cruise include the following shore excursions (weather permitting): a helicopter flight over the Kamchatka Volcanoes, a visit to the remote fishing village of Meynipilgino, a drive up to the Avacha Volcano in Kamchatka, and a walk around Atlasova, an uninhibited island with the biggest active volcano of the Kuril Islands.

Shore excursions at an additional charge. The itinerary starts at $12,240 per person, based on double occupancy for an outside cabin. This price included a complimentary charter flight for guests from Vancouver/Canada to Nome/Alaska.

BOOKING DETAILS For more information on the itineraries above, visit www.hl-cruises.com.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises vessel, MS HANSEATIC left the Bredo shipyard in Bremerhaven/ Germany after a two-week stay. Thoroughly overhauled and smartened up in many areas, the world’s only five-star expedition ship (according to the Berlitz Cruise Guide 2010) shines in new splendour. Besides plenty of technical work, the primary focus was on refurbishing the suites.

The staff at the shipyard worked several shifts in order to complete all the items on the comprehensive “to do“ list in time. The most elaborate tasks included replacing the cabin windows as well as removing and rebuilding the bathrooms in the suites. Separate bath tubs and showers were installed and sophisticated materials such as marble for the walls and granite for the floors were used. Two suites have been completely redesigned. Another modification, clearly visible for the passengers, is the transformation of the hairdressing salon into a modern styling and cosmetics studio. A new lighting and sound system adds to the evening atmosphere on deck.

The new “art on board“ concept creates a modern ambiance; the premium-quality black and white photographs portray extraordinary nature and animal scenes, emphasising the spirit of expedition.

The new ITV system offers direct access to the Internet from all cabins whilst the additional installation of Wireless LAN makes it possible to use the Internet in many public spaces on board.

The HANSEATIC combines the adventure of global expedition and study cruises with first-class comfort. The highest ice class gives the maximum of 184 passengers the opportunity to travel to remote destinations in polar waters or in the South Seas. Its shallow draft means it can also sail on rivers like the Amazon. Trips with the ship’s own Zodiac inflatables, talks and recaps about the destinations by lecturers are among the highlights of the programme. Those top-flight experts accompany the cruises to deliver
spellbinding background information.

The HANSEATIC cruise program 2010 offers the following enticing itineraries, all of them operated bilingual in English and German.

Destination Antarctica:
Trip logistics: from Ushuaia to Puerto Montt, 13 February to 5 March 2010, 21 days, with stops in/ at the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula; cruise only rates starting at £7553 per person. Exclusive special: passengers booking a category one guarantee cabin will get an automatic upgrade to a category three cabin. This saves £2107 per person. Additionally, passengers will receive a Euro 300 – on board credit for beverages and laundry.

Destination: the legendary Northwest Passage
Trip logistics: from Kangerlussuaq to Nome, 16 August to 10 September 2010, 25 days, with stops in Greenland, Cruising in Disko Bay, Baffin Island, Devon Island, Barrow Strait, Northwest Passage and Alaska; cruise only rates starting at £11,536 per person including charter flight Hanover – Kangerlussuaq

Destinatian Kamchatka
Trip logistics: From Nome to Yokohama, 9-30 September 2010, 20 days, with stops in Alaska, Chukchi Peninsula, Chukotka, Kamtchatka, Kuril Islands, Sakhalin, Japan; cruise only rates starting at £6725 per person

All of the dedicated bilingual cruises included in the enclosed brochure, ensure English-speaking passengers feel comfortable from the moment they step onboard. Documentation in English onboard includes: daily programs, menus, announcements, lectures/video presentations and safety drill instructions. Shore excursions are offered in English on a group or individual basis whenever possible in the port of call. Lastly, the entire crew is fluent in English.

For more information on these and other of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ exciting destinations and itineraries, visit www.hl-cruises.com

Returned to its pristine condition, the Hapag-Lloyd expedition cruise ship will be leaving the dockyards of the Japanese city of Yokohama on October the 10th. For two whole weeks, the ship was subject to extensive renovation, modernization and other additional service offerings. The very first guests to benefit from this are the participants of the “Knowledge Expedition” to Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China.

Not only can BREMEN passengers look forward to a first-hand encounter with the treasures of Asian culture and the support of renowned speakers familiar with the area but to numerous improvements on board as well. Additional computers and Internet connections, new carpeting, bathrooms and furniture are but some of the new features. All cabins have also been furnished with new flat screen TVs and converted to non-smoking cabins. A new Cruise Sales Area near the front desk and the renovation of the public convenience facilities round off the refurbishment of the BREMEN. Just prior to the commencement of the renovation, the international renowned “BERLITZ Cruise Guide 2009“ awarded the BREMEN with a 4-star rating.

Shallow draught, the highest ice class for passenger ships (E4) and twelve Zodiacs, characterise the BREMEN as an expedition cruise ship. The ship has been designed to sail through narrow fjords and rivers or to land in hidden bays. There is no better way for the max. 164 guests on board to experience such an intense sense of being at the core of it all, than for instance during a cruise through the Antarctic from New Zealand halfway around the white continent to Tierra del Fuego. This semi-circumnavigation is provided by very few ships, offering up-close encounters with majestic table icebergs in the Ross Sea, whales, gigantic colonies of Adelie Penguins and research stations. The BREMEN also displays many of its strengths on the upper reaches of the Amazon in Peru: Equipped with Zodiacs and local guides, guests can penetrate the very heart of the jungle and partake in discovering river dolphins and tapirs, Indian villages and colonial cities.

Expedition Semi-Circumnavigation (BRE0901) from Bluff to Ushuaia, 11/1/2009 to 15/2/2009, 36 days, from 17,350 Euro.

Expedition Amazon (BRE0907) from Iquitos to Belem, 26/4/2009 to 12/5/2009, 16 days, from 8,238 Euro.

For more information on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ exciting destinations and itineraries visit www.hl-cruises.com. Further information is available from your travel agent or from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Ballindamm 25, 20095 Hamburg, Germany, phone: +49 / 40 / 3001 4600, fax: +49 / 40 / 3001 4601. For bookings, inquiries or to request a brochure in the US call 877-445-7447. To download the latest images of the ships, visit www.hl-cruises.com, link “press”.

- The Only Cruise Ships In the World to Offer this Legendary Voyage Again in 2009 -

Under the command of Captain Ulf Wolter, Hapag-Lloyd’s expedition ship MS BREMEN has completed its crossing of the Northwest Passage. On September 1, 2008, the BREMEN docked in Point Barrow, Alaska, at the western end of the legendary sea route, ending its crossing of the passage. The 142 passengers experienced one of the last great adventures on the planet, traveling over 4,000 nautical miles (approx. 4,603 miles). The vessel holds the highest ice class rating (E4), which allows the 4-star expedition ship access through the Arctic ice independently.

Excerpts from the captain’s log affirm a smooth voyage, which started on August 12, 2008, in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. On a largely quiet sea, with good visibility, the passengers on deck and on the Zodiac excursions experienced a panorama of icebergs, glaciers and tundra.

The first polar bears were sighted early in the voyage in Dundas Harbour, an abandoned settlement on Devon Island. Moving westward, these “Kings of the Arctic” were encountered almost every day. Narwhals, musk oxen, polar foxes and flocks of seabirds, also made the cruise a true adventure. Besides wildlife observations, the journey also followed the trails of historic expeditions and everyday Arctic life in small Inuit settlements. After 25 exciting days, the BREMEN reached Nome, Alaska on September 6, where it ended its voyage.

The BREMEN and HANSEATIC, the two expedition ships in the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet, takes turns crossing the Northwest Passage every other year, and are among the few ships to travel this route. In August 2009, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will exclusively offer the only Northwest Passage cruise ship itineraries on the HANSEATIC and her sister ship the BREMEN. For the first time in Hapag-Lloyd Cruises history both ships will meet in the Northwest Passage, travelling in opposite directions – the BREMEN from Greenland and the HANSEATIC from Alaska. If conditions are ideal, the ships will meet at the halfway point and celebrate an icy beach party and reciprocal visits on board. The HANSEATIC’S and the BREMEN’S itineraries will be fully bilingual.

For more information on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ exciting destinations and itineraries visit www.hl-cruises.com. Further information is available from your travel agent or from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Ballindamm 25, 20095 Hamburg, Germany, phone: +49 / 40 / 3001 4600, fax: +49 / 40 / 3001 4601.