Hapag-Lloyd to build two expedition ships

Hapag-Lloyd to build two expedition ships

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is to launch two luxury expedition vessels in the spring and autumn of 2019.

Both of the ships — which are unnamed — will primarily focus on the German-speaking market. However, one will also be aimed at English speaking guests, according to Tui, the line’s parent company.

Both will carry just 240 passengers and come in at 16,100 tonnes. They will be fitted with three restaurants and a spa.

The luxury vessels will both offer good crew-to-guest ratios as well as a good spread of balcony cabins. They will also both be capable of sailing through polar waters and come with zodiacs.

The announcement comes as the company celebrates its 125th anniversary.

Karl Pojer, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ chief executive, said: “We are perfectly positioned in the luxury market with our cruise ships Europa and Europa 2. In the anniversary year, we are charting the course for the future. We already operate successfully in our expedition segment, which offers growth potential for five-star cruises.

“Our new-builds will help us to further develop the expedition segment and offer a modern interpretation. They will also serve to strengthen our leading position in this market, in particular at the international level.”

Sebastian Ebel, member of the Executive Board of TUI Group in charge of Cruises, said: “The cruise business is one of the key elements of TUI’s growth strategy. Our ambitions are underpinned by our investment in the two new ships for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ luxury and expedition cruise segments serve as world-class benchmarks.”

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