HANSEATIC Spirit

The deck tour at the bow offers extraordinarily intensive experiences: when whales jump for joy and polar bears take an icy bath, you will be the first to see these fascinating natural spectacles.

Stroll the spacious decks and feel the stars almost within reach – the terraced Observation Deck with a panoramic view is but one place to fulfil your dream. You can also quench your thirst for adventure in the comfortable surroundings of the Observation Lounge. The large full-glass windows provide a 180-degree view of the moon and sea while you reflect on your unforgettable travel days over a glass of wine.

Library

You are welcome to borrow a book on board at any time. Our library is located in the Observation Lounge (Deck 8) and is stocked with a selection of the latest fiction books, travel literature and information about the cruising area.

Located on Deck 4.

Post

The Reception staff will post your postcards and letters from all ports where this facility is available. Your onboard account will be debited with the appropriate charges.

Announcements

To create the full expedition experience, commentaries are provided for interesting passages during the cruise and special animal sightings are reported. The ship’s position is reported in the morning on days at sea. We will also announce via the loudspeakers when the local authorities have cleared the ship and we can go ashore. The volume can be controlled individually in each cabin/suite.

Means of payment

The on-board currency is the euro. An account will be set up for you so that you can make cashless payments during the cruise. You can find out your current account balance at any time using the infotainment system in your cabin/suite. You can then settle the entire account at Reception at the end of your cruise. We accept German EC/Maestro cards and the following credit cards: Mastercard, American Express and Visa. You can also pay in cash. Please note that, in general, foreign currencies cannot be changed on board.

reception@hanseatic-nature.com

Feel like getting active? The fitness room and separate course room – both with an ocean view – can be used from morning to night. Our fitness coach will show you what to do and help you with the right movements. He or she will also answer any questions you may have about your health. A wide range of courses – on deck (weather permitting) or in the fitness room – will revive your spirit. Invigorated and relaxed, you are ready for your next adventure.

Thanks to its flexible canopy, the pool area with bar can be enjoyed whatever the weather. Water loungers and a whirlpool offer pure relaxation.

Cabins and suites

Smoking is not permitted in any of the cabins or suites. Smoking is permitted on the private balcony/veranda.

Smoking on board

Smoking is not permitted in any public areas. You may smoke cigarettes, cigarillos, pipes and cigars in the Invisible Lounge (Deck 4). There is also a designated outdoor smoking area on the port side of both ships near the pool. The smoking of pipes and cigars is only permitted in the Invisible-Lounge.

Can I buy cigarettes and cigars on board?

A range of cigarette brands is available for you to purchase on board our ships. Depending on the cruising area, these may also be offered duty free.

On board our expedition ships HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration & HANSEATIC spirit, you will find a small selection of cigars.

Disabled Cabins

HANSEATIC inspiration has one cabin with fully accessible layout and equipment (cabin 404, size approximately 36 m² (387 ft²)).

Can I bring my own wheelchair on board?

Please refer beforehand to our information relating to disabled guests (see previous item).

To ensure the smooth processing of your booking, please submit the forms "Bringing your own wheelchair" and "Information and requirements for disabled passengers" (see previous item) together with your booking form.

You can send the forms to us by email or through the post at:

Please also refer to our information under the item "Arrival and departure".

As a wheelchair user, can I participate in tender and Zodiac rides?

Please note that participating in shore activities and going out in the Zodiacs (subject to weather conditions) may not be possible for guests with physical limitations. We reserve the right to restrict participation in group activities to guests who can manage the entire activity without problem and without external assistance. Unfortunately, guests who are dependent on a wheelchair cannot travel in the Zodiacs. To ensure that you experience a relaxing cruise where everything goes smoothly, before booking please provide us with details of your physical impair¬ment and enquire as to whether we can meet your individual nee

If I have a personal disability, can I participate in shore excursions?

Please note that participating in shore activities and going out in the Zodiacs (subject to weather conditions) may not be possible for guests with physical limitations. We reserve the right to restrict participation in group activities to guests who can manage the entire activity without problem and without external assistance. To ensure that you experience a relaxing cruise where everything goes smoothly, before booking please provide us with details of your physical impairment and enquire as to whether we can meet your individual needs.

Onboard language is German and English on selected bilingual cruises in 2025. As of 1st January 2026 all our cruises are conducted in German and English.

On board

On an expedition cruise, everything revolves around experiencing the natural and there is a sporty and elegant atmosphere of exploration. This is the motto in all our restaurants for evening dining. On special occasions (such as Christmas) and for welcome and farewell evenings, we recommend wearing a jacket. Please consider the following in our restaurants, bars and lounges:

• Swim wear and bathrobes (including bathing shoes) are not allowed in the restaurants, bars and lounges
• Sportswear and outdooe clothes are not allowed during dinner time
• Shorts and open shoes (for men) are not allowed during dinner time on deck 4

Ashore

When you go ashore, you should wear comfortable and practical clothes to suit the particular cruising area. Sturdy, flat shoes are essential – both for on board the ship and when you are ashore. In order to protect yourself from spray when on board the Zodiac, please take waterproof trousers or overtrousers without Velcro if possible with you (especially for expeditions in the polar regions, we recommend avoiding clothing with Velcro as to ensure that flora and fauna are not carried into regions where they are not indigenous). A protective waterproof bag is useful for your smartphone/camera equipment. For routes in warm waters, please remember to bring enclosed, sturdy beach shoes or waterproof trekking sandals that allow you to walk well and safely. These are also essential for the Zodiacs.

Do you provide rubber boots?

On our expedition ships, rubber boots in sizes 33 to 52 are provided on a loan basis for wet landings in the Antarctic and Arctic. When cruising in the Arctic and Antarctic, please note that rubber boots must be washed in a rubber boots washer when leaving or boarding the ships. 

Are parkas provided?

Depending on the cruising area, parkas are also provided on board the expedition ships for loan throughout the entire cruise. The parkas are available in American sizes S–XXXL and are not available for purchase.