The naming ceremony for the HANSEATIC inspiration, the second of three new Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ expedition ships, was held in the port of Hamburg on Friday evening (11 October).
Godmother Laura Dekker, the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe single-handed, released the mechanism for the traditional champagne smashing ceremony from a river pontoon, watched by 230 invited guests.
Godmother Laura Dekker toasts the arrival of HANSEATIC inspiration in Hamburg Picture: Richard Huebner
“I am sure that this expedition ship will more than live up to her name and take her guests on many inspiring cruises to show them the wonders of nature up close,” she said.
The HANSEATIC inspiration was transformed into a ceremonial stage as 11 high-powered projectors put on a 12-minute multimedia show on the outside of the ship, top of page, that took the audience on a virtual cruise through the destinations the ship will visit.
The new expedition class, completed by HANSEATIC nature and HANSEATIC spirit, is being financed by an investment from the parent TUI Group.
“The second ship in our new expedition class is a further milestone in our company’s history. With these three new ships, we are positioning ourselves in the exclusive 5-star expedition segment – as already demonstrated by the HANSEATIC nature”, said Karl Pojer, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
Captained by Ulf Wolter, HANSEATIC inspiration left Hamburg today (12 October) and will arrive in Antwerp on Monday to begin her maiden 15-day voyage to Tenerife with stops in La Coruna, Lisbon, Casablanca and Madeira.