Hapag-Lloyd expands Indian Ocean expeditions with science-led cruise focus

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is repositioning the Indian Ocean as a standalone seasonal focus within its expedition portfolio for winter 2027/28.

The cruise line is deploying HANSEATIC nature on ten itineraries centred on the Seychelles and Madagascar between October 2027 and March 2028.

The programme represents a shift in how the operator structures its warm-water expeditions, placing a stronger emphasis on scientific interpretation and structured knowledge transfer alongside traditional exploration.

Rather than positioning tropical itineraries as primarily scenic, the company is framing them within the same expedition framework typically associated with polar regions.

“For us, ‘deeper access – real insights’ is not just about seeing, but understanding,” said Isolde Susset, Managing Director, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. “Warm destinations, in particular, are often reduced to mere aesthetics. Our aim is to combine scientific depth with a direct experience of nature.”

Susset said the approach focuses on interpreting ecological and geological systems, including atoll formation, endemic biodiversity, and coastal ecosystems.

“We look behind the postcard idylls, explain how atolls are formed, why over 80 per cent of Madagascar’s wildlife is endemic, and what role mangrove ecosystems play in the global climate system,” she said.

Each sailing is supported by an expedition team of up to 16 specialists, including marine biologists, ornithologists, geologists, ethnologists, and botanists. The structure of the voyages follows a defined cycle of briefings, field observation, and post-landing analysis, with pre-landing sessions providing context and onboard discussions consolidating findings after excursions.

The itineraries are designed around small-group landings using Zodiacs, a model more commonly associated with polar operations.

With a capacity of approximately 230 passengers, HANSEATIC nature is configured to access remote areas with limited infrastructure, including restricted zones such as the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles and isolated coastal regions of Madagascar.

Daily programmes are adjusted according to environmental conditions, wildlife activity, and research priorities, reflecting a flexible operational model that prioritises field access over fixed scheduling.

The same approach is applied across both tropical and polar deployments, with the company positioning expedition travel as a methodology rather than a destination type.

The Indian Ocean season runs in parallel with Antarctic itineraries, effectively creating two distinct expedition axes within the winter deployment. This allows Hapag-Lloyd to diversify its offering geographically while maintaining a consistent product structure across different environments.

The inclusion of Madagascar and the Seychelles introduces additional operational complexity, particularly in relation to access permits and environmental restrictions. However, the use of smaller vessels and onboard expedition infrastructure enables compliance with local regulations while maintaining itinerary flexibility.

The move also reflects broader trends within the expedition sector, where operators are seeking to differentiate itineraries through content depth and specialist-led programming, rather than relying solely on destination appeal.

Selected Indian Ocean expedition itineraries (2027/28)

December 8th–20th, 2027: Seychelles to Mauritius via Inner Islands, St. François Atoll, Aldabra, and Farquhar Atoll

January 15th–30th, 2028: Seychelles to Mauritius via Madagascar’s east and north coasts, Mayotte, and Réunion

Additional sailings: multiple combined routes linking Cape Town, the Seychelles, Madagascar, and Mauritius through March 2028