Hapag-Lloyd Cruises‘ Christmas and New Year voyages for the 2026/2027 season take guests to some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations. From the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean to snow-covered Scandinavian landscapes and Antarctica, the entire fleet combines intimate luxury, personalised service and unique travel experiences throughout the festive season.
Whether it is Christmas morning in Saint Barthélemy, New Year’s Eve off the coast of Barbados, an Advent cruise through tropical islands or welcoming the New Year amid Antarctica’s spectacular ice landscapes, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers a distinctive way to celebrate the holidays. Exceptional destinations, luxury and expedition ships, and an intimate onboard atmosphere create memories that last a lifetime.
Time for What Truly Matters: Festive Days Filled with Freedom, Fine Dining and Togetherness
For many, the weeks leading up to Christmas are a busy period, increasing the desire for relaxation, quality time and meaningful moments with family and friends. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Christmas and New Year itineraries provide exactly that.
On board EUROPA and EUROPA 2, guests enjoy contemporary luxury, outstanding gastronomy, cultural enrichment, wellness and complete freedom of choice. Flexible concepts, including open dining and a relaxed atmosphere, allow guests to celebrate the festive season exactly as they wish—from elegant Christmas dinners and the Captain’s Christmas address to romantic sunsets at sea and sophisticated New Year’s celebrations.
Meanwhile, the expedition ships HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit offer immersive nature experiences combined with exceptional service and comfort. Guided by experienced expedition teams and during Zodiac excursions, guests explore spectacular landscapes ranging from Antarctica’s icy wilderness to the tropical beauty of the Indian Ocean.
Sunny Festive Holidays on Board EUROPA
The festive season aboard EUROPA begins during Advent. This special voyage combines the vibrant energy of New York with the colourful, laid-back atmosphere of the Caribbean. Relaxing days at sea, culinary highlights and a carefully selected collection of tropical islands create the perfect setting to unwind during the holiday season.
The Caribbean Dream Route (EUR2628 – 5–20 December 2026, 15 days) sails from New York to Miami via Saint Barthélemy, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Bonaire, Curaçao and Jamaica. Guests experience Advent surrounded by personalised luxury, outstanding cuisine and sunny Caribbean scenery. Fares start from €6,570 per person (double occupancy) in the PLATINUM fare, cruise only, excluding travel to and from the embarkation and disembarkation ports.
EUROPA then continues to the festively decorated Caribbean for her Christmas and New Year cruise. Christmas Eve is spent in Saint Barthélemy, renowned for its relaxed exclusivity and Caribbean lifestyle. For New Year’s Eve, the ship sails to Barbados, where the festive atmosphere of Bridgetown and Carlisle Bay provides the backdrop for an elegant celebration on board.
The Idyllic Festive Days in the Caribbean voyage (EUR2700 – 20 December 2026–6 January 2027, 17 days) is a roundtrip from Miami calling at Saint Barthélemy, St. John’s, Martinique, Saint Lucia, Mayreau, Bequia, St. George’s, Barbados, Saint Kitts and Norman Island. Christmas and New Year are celebrated with exceptional cuisine, effortless relaxation and the charm of Caribbean island life. Prices start from €10,590 per person (double occupancy) in the PLATINUM fare, cruise only, excluding travel to and from the embarkation and disembarkation ports.
Exotic Advent Cruises with EUROPA 2 and HANSEATIC spirit
Warm temperatures and exotic destinations define the Advent cruises aboard EUROPA 2 and HANSEATIC spirit. While EUROPA 2 sails through the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, combining modern design, cosmopolitan elegance and cultural inspiration with relaxed luxury, HANSEATIC spirit focuses on immersive wildlife and nature experiences. Zodiac landings and expedition activities take guests to remote regions rarely accessible to conventional cruise ships.
The Exotic Dream Destination cruise (EUX2628 – 4–20 December 2026, 16 days) sails from Port Louis (Mauritius) to Mahé (Seychelles) via Réunion, Madagascar, Zanzibar, Mombasa and the Seychelles. White-sand beaches, fascinating cultures and ample time to embrace the festive season make this a truly memorable journey. Prices start from €11,990 per person (double occupancy) in the PLATINUM fare, cruise only, excluding travel to and from the embarkation and disembarkation ports.
The Expedition Madagascar and South Africa: Two Wonderful Wildernesses voyage (SPI2624 – 3–21 December 2026, 18 days) sails from Mauritius to Cape Town via Madagascar and South Africa’s coastline. Extraordinary wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery and Zodiac expeditions make this an exceptional way to celebrate the festive season. Prices start from €12,770 per person (double occupancy) in the PLATINUM fare, cruise only, excluding travel to and from the embarkation and disembarkation ports.
Winter Adventures with HANSEATIC nature
HANSEATIC nature offers a completely different festive experience with winter cruises across the Baltic Sea to Lapland and the Gulf of Bothnia. The ship’s intimate size, expansive open decks and close connection with nature allow guests to enjoy unforgettable winter moments among charming Scandinavian cities, frozen landscapes and, if conditions allow, the magical Northern Lights.
The Hygge Baltic Sea Advent Cruise (NAT2626 – 10–20 December 2026, 10 days) is a roundtrip from Hamburg via Copenhagen, Stockholm, Visby, Gdańsk and Kalmar. Snow-covered cities, Scandinavian charm and enchanting winter light create a unique atmosphere throughout this relaxing Advent voyage. Prices start from €6,940 per person (double occupancy) in the PLATINUM fare, cruise only, excluding travel to and from the embarkation and disembarkation ports.
The Christmas Adventure in Lapland cruise (NAT2700 – 20 December 2026–5 January 2027, 16 days) is a roundtrip from Hamburg through Swedish and Finnish Lapland to Kemi, located at the northern end of the Gulf of Bothnia. Surrounded by snow and ice—and, with favourable conditions, the Northern Lights—guests celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year in one of Europe’s most magical winter landscapes. Prices start from €11,170 per person (double occupancy) in the PLATINUM fare, cruise only, excluding travel to and from the embarkation and disembarkation ports.
Welcome the New Year at the End of the World: Antarctica with HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit
For travellers wishing to begin the New Year with an unforgettable adventure, HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit set course for Antarctica. The remarkable Cape to Cape expedition is especially unique, connecting two continents in one extraordinary voyage. Sailing from warm South Africa via remote islands to Antarctica’s frozen wilderness, the journey combines encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife and the fragile ecosystems of the Antarctic, offering far more than a traditional Antarctic expedition.
The Expedition Antarctica: Weddell Sea Intensive voyage (INS2700 – 13 December 2026–4 January 2027, 22 days) is a roundtrip from Ushuaia via the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the South Orkney Islands, the South Shetland Islands, the Weddell Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula. Spectacular expedition days, unforgettable wildlife encounters and dramatic ice landscapes create an extraordinary festive experience. Prices start from €26,520 per person (double occupancy) in the PLATINUM fare, cruise only, including charter flights and transfers to and from the embarkation and disembarkation points.
The Expedition Antarctica: From Cape to Cape voyage (SPI2700 – 21 December 2026–12 January 2027, 22 days) sails from Cape Town to Ushuaia via Tristan da Cunha, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. One of the fleet’s most extraordinary expeditions, this remarkable journey connects Africa and Tierra del Fuego through breathtaking landscapes, spectacular wildlife encounters and unforgettable natural wonders. Prices start from €29,370 per person (double occupancy) in the PLATINUM fare, cruise only, including the charter flight and transfers to the arrival port.
Photo credit Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
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