From Great Lakes to Indian Ocean: Hapag-Lloyd charts new routes in 2027-28

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is expanding its lineup of luxury and expedition voyages for the 2027-28 season, introducing new itineraries that take guests to destinations ranging from the Indian Ocean and the Philippines to the Great Lakes and the American West Coast.

The cruise line says its five-ship fleet will continue to call at more than 500 ports annually, with the new season featuring several firsts, including the company's inaugural winter season in the Indian Ocean, an itinerary combining all five Great Lakes with the St. Lawrence River, in-depth voyages through the Philippines and a new sailing along the U.S. West Coast.

On the luxury side, EUROPA and EUROPA 2 will continue focusing on destinations that are difficult for larger cruise ships to access.

Among the highlights is EUROPA's new 29-day voyage from Valparaiso, Chile, to San Francisco in February 2027. The sailing links South, Central and North America, visiting eight countries, including Peru and Costa Rica, before arriving beneath San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge.

The ship will also debut an in-depth exploration of the Philippines in 2028 across two consecutive cruises. The itinerary includes 13 calls at 10 ports, including a first-ever visit to Mantigue Island, with stops ranging from Manila to smaller, less-visited islands accessible to boutique vessels.

Meanwhile, EUROPA 2 will introduce a new South Pacific itinerary featuring first-time visits to Papua New Guinea and Palau. Another new voyage will explore Costa Rica's Pacific coastline, including inaugural calls at Isla Tortuga and Puerto Jiménez, offering access to rainforests, national parks, wildlife and secluded beaches.

New destinations

The expedition fleet is also adding new destinations.

For the first time, HANSEATIC nature will spend the winter season in the Indian Ocean, sailing among Madagascar, the Seychelles and Mauritius.

The vessel's shallow draft allows it to reach remote islands and protected atolls, where guests can take part in Zodiac excursions, guided hikes, snorkeling and wildlife experiences led by experts.

The company is also expanding its polar program with three new 14-day voyages in early 2028 focused exclusively on South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, offering a shorter option for travelers looking to experience Antarctica.

North American travellers may be particularly interested in a new summer 2027 itinerary aboard HANSEATIC inspiration, which Hapag-Lloyd Cruises says will be the only cruise to combine all five Great Lakes with the St. Lawrence River on a single voyage.

Thanks to the ship's retractable bridge wings, it can navigate the locks along the waterway while calling at cities including Toronto, Montreal and Quebec, as well as smaller ports.

Rounding out the new offerings, HANSEATIC spirit will debut a new expedition through Western Australia's remote Kimberley region in May 2028, showcasing towering sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, Indigenous rock art and abundant wildlife.

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