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Updated: 08 September 2025 ·

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Cruise: News from the ITB

What an expedition trip with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises might look like.
What an expedition trip with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises might look like.
The two new expedition ships for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises are expected to look like this: 'Hanseatic nature' and 'Hanseatic inspiration'.
The two new expedition ships for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises are expected to look like this: 'Hanseatic nature' and 'Hanseatic inspiration'.

There is news from the cruise industry: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is getting two new expedition ships. And TUI Cruises' 'Mein Schiff 6' will be christened near the Elbphilharmonie.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is building two new expedition ships, naming the new 5-star expedition vessels 'Hanseatic nature' and 'Hanseatic inspiration'. The company announced this on Wednesday, March 8, at the ITB in Berlin.

The expedition ships, planned for 2019, are an investment by the TUI Group for its Hamburg subsidiary. The tourism group is focusing heavily on its growth strategy with its own hotels and cruise ships.

Construction of the identical ships is set to begin in May and October 2017. They will be 138 meters long and 22 meters wide, accommodating up to 230 passengers each (up to 199 for Antarctic expeditions). In addition to having the highest ice class for passenger ships, they will also feature three restaurants, as well as spa and fitness areas.

The design concept: 'Inspired by nature'. Highlights will certainly include the two retractable glass balconies, according to the company. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises states guests should feel as if they are floating above the ocean.

TUI Cruises: Christening of 'Mein Schiff 6' at the Elbphilharmonie

'Mein Schiff 6' will be christened in Hamburg on June 1, 2017, and is the fourth new build from TUI Cruises.
'Mein Schiff 6' will be christened in Hamburg on June 1, 2017, and is the fourth new build from TUI Cruises.

TUI Cruises announced a new partnership at the ITB: The 'Mein Schiff 6' will be christened on June 1, 2017, near the Elbphilharmonie. The godmother will be Iveta Apkalna, the titular organist of the concert hall.

Elbphilharmonie Director Christoph Lieben-Seutter said: 'The Elbphilharmonie is a venue for extraordinary experiences. This is a vision we share with TUI Cruises. I am delighted that 'Mein Schiff 6' is being christened by Hamburg's cultural landmark.'

'Mein Schiff 6' has 1,267 cabins and accommodates 2,534 guests. Further details will be announced ahead of the christening. However, one thing is certain: music will play a significant role. After the christening and maiden voyage, 'Mein Schiff 6' will sail in Northern Europe and the Baltic until mid-August 2017. Following that, it will depart from Hamburg for New York. From September 2017, the newest fleet member will cruise in the USA and Canada, and from November in Central America.

Travel reporter