It was very refreshing to visit Hapag Lloyds (HL) Hanseatic nature. Although I visited her predecessor, Hanseatic, some time ago this brand has certainly put the X into Expedition cruising.

Measuring just 139 metres, with a top speed of 16 knots and 9 decks she is capable of taking a maximum of 230 passengers on her world-class expedition cruises but to keep up with tradition only 199 are allowed when Antarctica is on the itinerary.  With 17 zodiacs at the ready, she is certainly built for her expedition cruises. As our tender approached this beauty of a ship docked next to HMS Belfast by Tower Bridge our small party of about four was very excited.

We were greeted by HL Karen Lentz on Deck 4 by the main reception desk, which sported a stunning LED wrap-round screen. After about 15 minutes the rest of the party was brought in by James Scott, our dedicated Account manager into the Hanse Atrium lobby. This also is used for light entertainment with a piano or small band.

It was good to see and experience some of the other invitees engaging in expedition cruising. (I was in my element!).

We sat down for a 20-minute or so HL presentation conducted by James Scott. Most of the presentation was based on their two luxury ships, Europa and Europa 2.  

Other presentation elements featured their three identical expedition ships of which Hanseatic nature is one.

What caught my attention was the fact that both Europa 2 and Hanseatic inspiration are currently the only two ships in the fleet of five that are "multilingual”.

Although the weather was not of an accompanying type this certainly would not hinder our ship tour.

As our group was only about 12, we had more manoeuvrability than in previous ship visits I have attended. Unfortunately, but good for Hapag-Lloyd, the ship was sold out, all except for one cabin.

Our first stop was a lead-in ocean view which gave you an idea of the design of the others, I was surprised by the spacious washroom it had. The stateroom looked neat and practical with all the commodities a good ship offers.

The next stop was an area I had never been in before, the mud room or boot room. This is where the Zodiac passengers have their rubber boots disinfected before and after when visiting the polar regions-especially Antarctica.

Hanseatic nature is classified as an expedition ship and her hull is classified as a PC 6 which she can cut through new year ice up to just over three feet wide.

On Deck 8 you have the sauna, SPA, hairdresser, relaxing room, and gym all offering good service. The sun deck opens for all passengers to relax, whether it's on the pool or whirlpools all offer scenic views. At the front of the ship, you have the Observatory lounge. The lounge which covers the width of the ship (about 22 meters) also doubles up as a library/study centre. Near the entrance, I did observe an unusual Earth globe with a big ring around it surrounded by some sort of map… And yes, there is a bar/café in the lounge situated at the back of the lounge.

Staying on Deck 8 and next to the SPA area you have another first for me, the Ocean Academy, a world of science and geology. Inside this room there is an array of “Futuristics gadgets”, a “large study wall” and two well-equipped large swinging armchairs together with touch screens, which in my opinion Captain James T. Kirk would've been jealous of!  State-of-the-art binoculars are also at hand as are many other scientific equipment. Next door you have the Course room with fossils galore and charts together with Leica microscopes. These two rooms are used by scientists or professional personnel, and passengers are encouraged to take part.

Our highlight was undoubtedly visiting the bridge one deck lower- number 7. With some iconic London landmarks in full view such as Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, one can only imagine what other fantastic views the bridge staff officers have seen. From polar bears, and penguins to icebergs. And that is just a few. All the group were very excited to be there as it's not normally on many ship visits. The ship does offer an open bridge policy on her voyages.

As our tour was coming into the final stretch, we were invited to go to the Lido Buffet Restaurant on Deck 5 which also has an al-fresco area at the back. The two specialty restaurants are one deck down-4, the smaller one Nikkei offers traditional food from Japan to Peru. Hamptons is the other specialty restaurant.

The ship was on the start of her " river cruise" voyage, the Thames being her first stop from Hamburg. From here French rivers around Bordeaux where wine tasting experience was on the itinerary. Her last stop was in the Guadalquivir River in Seville/Sevilla, southern Spain.

Even though this ship is only in German the crew and staff spoke English.

As we were tendered back to Tower hill pier, I had to take one last look at her and promised myself to go on her identical sister Hanseatic inspiration.

Auf wiedersehen.

Albert