Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is the only cruise operator to travel as far as Iquitos, © Hapag-Lloyd Cruises/Susanne Baade
(IN SHORT) Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers an immersive Amazon expedition experience with voyages starting in 2026. Through its ships, including the HANSEATIC nature, passengers will travel both upstream and downstream through the Amazon, gaining unique insights into the region’s ecology and people. These trips go beyond sightseeing, focusing on interaction with local communities and environmental preservation. Cruises include Zodiac excursions, expert-led discussions, and visits to remote destinations like Iquitos, Peru. These expeditions will deepen the travelers’ connection with the world’s largest river and the communities that depend on it.
(PRESS RELEASE) HAMBURG, 2025-May-9 — /Travel PR News/ — Embarking on an expedition across the Amazon, from the heart of South America to Iquitos, offers an extraordinary voyage into one of the world’s most enigmatic and vital ecosystems. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, a leader in expedition and luxury cruises for German-speaking markets, is redefining tourism as more than just sightseeing—it’s a journey of immersion and understanding.
This adventure takes travelers deep into the Amazon, all the way to Iquitos, a remote rainforest city in Peru. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises stands as the only provider of expedition cruises that travels both upstream and downstream along the Amazon River each year. The HANSEATIC nature, currently on its premiere voyage on the Amazon, is set to return to Belem on May 13. Its sister ships, the HANSEATIC spirit and the HANSEATIC inspiration, completed the same route in 2023 and 2024, making their mark in the Amazon’s upper reaches and delta.
Navigating the mighty Amazon River requires patience and precision, particularly through its narrow Breves channels and tributaries. The river’s current is relentless, and local expertise is essential. The HANSEATIC nature, with its experienced crew, is adept at mastering these challenges, ensuring the safety and comfort of its passengers as they journey through these remote waters.
Guests experience impressive wildlife diversity in the Amazon, © Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
The HANSEATIC nature, one of the smallest yet most capable expedition ships in Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet, comes equipped with numerous Zodiacs for daily excursions. These small, inflatable boats allow guests to explore the river up close, at dawn, dusk, and even in the stillness of night when the jungle comes alive. Onboard, the guests are guided by local experts—spotters who have an intimate knowledge of the Amazon. From identifying the distinctive call of the stinkbird to the playful splashes of river dolphins, the spotters share their expertise with the travelers, enriching their experience.
Along the river, small communities live in open wooden homes. These welcoming locals offer travelers a glimpse into their lives, often greeting the ship with music and dance. Some interactions leave lasting impressions. On one previous voyage, passengers helped repair a broken water filter at a local school, even donating portable filters to bring clean drinking water to nearby villages. These small acts of kindness create a profound impact on the communities visited.
Whether it’s bringing school supplies, medicine, or even just a toothbrush, the HANSEATIC nature’s presence in the Amazon provides essential goods to the isolated populations. “The Amazon is a world unto itself,” says Isolde Susset, Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. “Our expedition to Iquitos is a journey of respect, wonder, and ongoing dialogue with the people who call this place home.”
Sample Expeditions:
Expedition Amazon (Upstream) – A Legendary Route
Onboard the HANSEATIC spirit and Zodiacs, guests will experience the Amazon’s untouched beauty while exploring from the river delta in Belem, Brazil, to Iquitos, Peru. The 18-day expedition from March 11 to 29, 2026, offers countless exploration activities and Zodiac landings along the Rio Negro, Manaus, and other key sites in the heart of the Amazon. Available from €19,290 per person, double occupancy, including charter flight. More details at: www.hl-cruises.com/SPI2604.
Expedition Amazon (Downstream) – The Archetypal River Adventure
In this equally fascinating 18-day downstream voyage from Iquitos to Belem, the HANSEATIC spirit will explore the Amazon River’s secrets. From March 29 to April 16, 2026, guests will navigate through the Rio Negro, Manaus, and deeper into the Amazon. This iconic journey also starts at €19,290 per person, double occupancy, including charter flight. More details at: www.hl-cruises.com/SPI2605.
Media contact:
In Germany please contact
Press Departement Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Phone +49 40 307030-396
presse@hl-cruises.com
In the US please contact
Cindy Tanenbaum PR, Inc.
Phone +1 917 538 1259
Cindy.tanenbaum@gmail.com
SOURCE: HAPAG-LLOYD CRUISES
