Antarctica, Spitsbergen, the rugged coast of Scotland – some destinations seem made for adventure, but travelling there alone can come at a premium. For selected 2027 expedition cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is removing the single supplement, giving solo travellers the opportunity to explore some of the world’s most remote regions without paying extra for their own cabin.
The offer covers a selection of itineraries, from Northern Lights voyages departing from Hamburg to expeditions in the Arctic, Antarctica, South Africa and the Indian Ocean. For solo travellers, it means having their own cabin without the usual additional charge, while enjoying the same expedition experience as other guests on board.
The Appeal of Going Solo
Travelling alone offers a particular kind of freedom. There is no need to compromise on an itinerary or adapt to someone else’s pace. At the same time, an expedition cruise naturally creates opportunities to meet fellow travellers through excursions, shared meals and activities on board.
The smaller ships operated by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises are particularly well suited to this style of travel. Days are shaped by the destination, with Zodiac excursions, shore landings and expert-led activities providing opportunities to explore remote landscapes and encounter wildlife.
There is also a social side to expedition cruising. Guests share experiences with the expedition team and fellow passengers, often spending several days discovering a destination together, while still having their own cabin and plenty of personal space.
Four Expedition Highlights
– Expedition Antarctica
Antarctica is one of those destinations that is difficult to describe without sounding dramatic. Towering icebergs, vast stretches of white landscape and an almost complete absence of human habitation create an experience unlike almost anywhere else.
Aboard expedition ship HANSEATIC spirit, guests can explore the Antarctic environment by Zodiac and make landings in areas inhabited by penguins and seals. Whales may also appear alongside the ship as it navigates between ice-covered islands and channels.
It is the combination of wildlife, immense landscapes and silence that makes an Antarctic expedition so memorable. For many travellers, it remains the ultimate expedition experience.
– Expedition Norway and Northwest Spitsbergen
This 15-day expedition travels from Hamburg along the Norwegian coast before continuing towards Spitsbergen. The further north the ship sails, the more remote the landscape becomes.
Glaciers descend towards the sea, ice drifts through the fjords and steep mountains rise from the water. Zodiacs allow the expedition team to reach smaller bays and secluded areas that are inaccessible to larger cruise ships.
Wildlife spotting is another highlight of the trip. Depending on conditions, guests may encounter walruses on the ice, seabirds around the cliffs and, with a little luck, a polar bear in the distance. The expedition team provides insight into the Arctic environment and the challenges facing this fragile region.
– Northern Lights Adventure from Hamburg
During February and March 2027, HANSEATIC nature will sail from Hamburg towards northern Norway in search of the Northern Lights.
The appeal is obvious: after days spent exploring snow-covered landscapes and coastal communities, the evening brings the possibility of seeing the sky illuminated by green and sometimes violet ribbons of light.
During daylight hours, the itinerary focuses on Norway’s winter scenery, including fjords, mountains and coastal settlements. Expedition guides accompany guests throughout the journey, sharing their knowledge of the region’s wildlife, history and culture.
For photographers and anyone drawn to Arctic landscapes, it offers a very different perspective on Norway.
– South Africa and the Indian Ocean
This expedition connects two very different worlds, beginning in Cape Town and ending in the Seychelles. Along the way, guests encounter dramatic coastlines, islands, tropical landscapes and a wide variety of wildlife.
The journey combines time in destinations such as Cape Town with days spent exploring more remote areas. Seabirds, tropical vegetation and secluded bays are among the sights along the route, while the islands of the Indian Ocean provide a striking contrast to the landscapes of southern Africa.
Back on board, the expedition continues at a more relaxed pace, with the smaller ship providing a comfortable base between excursions.
The Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Expedition Experience
The smaller size of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ expedition ships allows them to reach places that are beyond the reach of conventional cruise ships. Zodiacs are used for shore landings and excursions, while expedition guides and specialists accompany guests throughout the voyage.
Biologists, geologists and other experts provide talks and observations along the way, helping passengers understand the landscapes and wildlife they encounter.
There is also a clear emphasis on comfort. After a day exploring ashore, guests return to a ship with attentive service, refined dining and the amenities expected from a luxury cruise. The combination of expedition activities and an intimate onboard experience is a key part of the appeal.
Selected 2027 Expedition Cruises Without a Single Supplement
The temporary offer applies to the following expedition cruises for solo travellers booking the PLATINUM fare in cabin categories 1 to 8:
- Northern Lights Adventure – Hamburg to Hamburg – 19 February to 6 March 2027, 15 days – cruise NAT2704
- Northern Lights Adventure – Hamburg to Hamburg – 6 to 21 March 2027, 15 days – cruise NAT2705
- Atlantic Crossing – Belém to Porto – 17 to 28 May 2027, 11 days – cruise INS2708
- Expedition Around Ireland and Rugged Scotland – Porto to Hamburg – 28 May to 10 June 2027, 13 days – cruise INS2709
- Expedition Norway and Northwest Spitsbergen – Hamburg to Longyearbyen – 7 to 22 June 2027, 15 days – cruise NAT2712
- Caribbean and Brazil – Curaçao to Buenos Aires – 5 to 26 November 2027, 21 days – cruise INS2720
- Atlantic Crossing – Sal to Montevideo – 10 to 22 November 2027, 12 days – cruise SPI2718
- South Africa and the Indian Ocean – Cape Town to Mahé, Seychelles – 22 November to 8 December 2027, 16 days – cruise NAT2724
- Expedition Antarctica – Montevideo to Ushuaia – 22 November to 14 December 2027, 22 days – cruise SPI2719
The Freedom to Explore, Your Way
For solo travellers considering an expedition cruise, the offer removes one of the biggest financial obstacles to travelling alone. Instead of paying a single supplement, guests can book their own cabin at the standard fare on the selected departures.
The itineraries cover some of the most sought-after expedition destinations, from the Northern Lights and Arctic wilderness to Antarctica and the Indian Ocean. Each offers a different perspective on remote landscapes, wildlife and cultures, with the comfort of a luxury expedition ship as a base.
The offer is available on selected departures and in limited cabin categories. For those who have been considering a solo expedition cruise, it provides an opportunity to experience some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations independently – without the usual additional cost for travelling alone.
Photo credit Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
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