A premiere route to Pacific island gems and cities of the Far East. This cruise on the HANSEATIC spirit is like a magnificent photo book of distance worlds. Filled with exciting pages of natural and cultural highlights, it makes a stunning complete work.
- New route, new insights: this cruise will surprise even those already familiar with Asia
- Philippine island hopping
- Zodiac rides and landings on idyllic beaches
- Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi: Asian metropolises between urban life and tradition
- Highlight Halong Bay: majestic limestone formations in emerald-green waters
- Tours, boat trips and cookery courses: a variety of activities for in-depth insights
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Koror/Palau/Micronesia
Overnight stay on board
Koror/Palau/Micronesia, departure 16.00 hrs
In the treasure trove of the Pacific, the island gems of Palau will also sparkle in your explorer’s eyes. The island state is made of more than 300 separate islands. Welcome to a picture-book world of dazzling images both above and below the water. Swim, snorkel and let your spirits soar: enjoy daydreaming on Koror and soak in this paradise. The Rock Islands of Palau rise up out of the sea like mushrooms – covered in dense jungle flora, the comparison with “floating gardens” is very apt.
Philippines
(Bucas Grande Island , Bohol, Cagayan Islands , El Nido )
With around 7,000 islands, the Philippines is an island realm inviting you on an expedition beyond the horizon. Thanks to their many years of experience, the captain and crew will navigate your small expedition ship through a mosaic of colours and landscapes. Each island is a sparkling jewel in a stunning overall picture. Here, your curiosity is the drive for reaching natural beauty spots and discovering cultural secrets.
You will almost feel like you’re in heaven on Bucas Grande Island, with its beaches and sea caves to explore by Zodiac. The coastal fringe of the hilly limestone island with mangrove forests transitions into a rainforest in the interior of the island. As well as exotic plants, your experts will direct your gaze to dozens of different species of dragonfly.
An unimaginable diversity is revealed on Bohol. The bizarre landscape is made up of more than a thousand little hills, known as the Chocolate Hills – the only place in the world you can see the phenomenon on this scale. The cones formed by the wind and weather look like oversized molehills. Your experts will shed light on their geological formation for you. In the traditional villages behind the green curtain of the jungle, some more interesting insights await. With a little luck, you might be able to see the tiny primates known as tarsiers along your discovery trail.
The Cagayan Islands are real unchartered territory. There are no photos of these islands in the heart of the Sulu Sea, only vague ideas. How will this paradise in the Pacific be revealed to you? On an individual shore visit, you will set foot on the deserted beach and feel like one of the first explorers.
The beautiful coastline of Helicopter Island in the province of El Nido is an idyllic picture-postcard view. You will be taken to this dream setting by Zodiac. Overgrown limestone cliffs rising out of the turquoise sea, hidden aquamarine lagoons and long palm-lined beaches: almost too beautiful to leave behind.
Ho Chi Minh City/Vietnam, arrival 13.00 hrs
The economic heart of Vietnam beats in Ho Chi Minh City, a metropolis located in the south of the country at the mouth of the Saigon River. Formerly known as Saigon, it was renamed after the reunification of north and south Vietnam in 1976 in honour of the former president, Ho Chi Minh. The city’s skyline features buildings that can be seen from miles away, including the 461 m (1,512 ft) high skyscraper Landmark 81 and the Bitexco Financial Tower at a height of around 260 m (853 ft). As well as its economic importance, Ho Chi Minh City is also a culinary centre with a variety of Vietnamese and international restaurants. Chinatown, also known as Cholon, in the busy city centre is an inviting place to spend time browsing and admiring the curiosities on offer at the markets. Use the overnight lay time to explore the city by night.
Ho Chi Minh City, departure 18.00 hrs
Da Nang, 07.00 – 21.00 hrs
Once a small fishing village, now a lively coastal city: Da Nang combines long sandy beaches, museums and bridges. Between the 4th and the 14th centuries, the city belonged to the Champa Kingdom, which was heavily influenced by Indian culture. The year 1858 marked a historical milestone for the city: French troops landed here under orders form Napoleon III to colonise the region. Da Nang then grew to become one of the biggest cities in Indochina. You can find out more about the city’s turbulent past from your experts on board and in Da Nang’s many numerous museums. And if you want to get to the bottom of the city’s soul: just stop for a moment and watch the world go by, taking in the scents of the street food and the typical bicycle rickshaws. In the neighbouring city of Hoi An*, the evening atmosphere with colourful lights and lanterns will transport you to another world.
Haiphong (Hanoi), arrival 08.00 hrs
Welcome to the city of Haiphong in the fertile delta of the Red River. In the time of the Tran dynasty, the city was a busy trading hub. Thanks to its strategic position, it has played an important role in the history of Vietnam over the centuries. However, Haiphong is above all your starting point for visiting Hanoi*. In 1010, Hanoi was declared the capital of the first Vietnamese dynasty. You can also feel the influence of the French conquerors of 1883 in the city’s charming wide boulevards. In 1945, Ho Chi Minh made the declaration of independence in Hanoi, which led to the foundation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
Haiphong (Hanoi), departure 06.00 hrs
Halong Bay, 08.00 – 17.00 hrs
Enjoy one of the most beautiful passages in the world when your ship slowly cruises through Halong Bay. With around 2,000 islands, the bay will be a scenic highlight of your cruise. Over millions of years, corrosion shaped the limestone rocks into amazing structures with caves and grottos. Or, if you believe the local legend, a dragon wanted to protect the land from enemies and threw pearls into the water, which turned to stone and blocked access by invaders. In any case, myths and a magical feeling will accompany you as you cruise through the World Heritage Site. Observe this natural wonder in peace from the many open deck areas. The images of the Far East with traditional junks and limestone formations will stay in your memory forever.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Hanseatic Inspiration
| Length | 138 metres |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 230 passengers |
| Launched | 2021 |
The HANSEATIC inspiration, a small, state-of-the-art expedition ship with a maximum of 230 guests, offers a perfect blend of adventure and comfort for explorers seeking to uncover the world’s wonders. As an international vessel conducting cruises in both English and German, it brings over 30 years of expertise from a market leader in German-speaking countries to every journey. Each expedition is a masterpiece, passionately crafted to reveal far-flung worlds—be it icy realms, tropical paradises, wildlife havens, or cultural gems—making every voyage a unique discovery aboard this exceptional ship.
Features of all cabins and suites
An ocean view with even more: exclusively outside cabins and suites, almost all with balconies or French balconies
Spaciously designed - enjoy a relaxing stay in rooms from 21 m²/226 ft² up to 71 m²/764 ft² in size
Exceptionally equipped - for example, with binoculars, Nordic Walking poles, air conditioning, coffee machine and mini bar (free of charge) and 24-hour cabin service
Separable beds
Rain shower and heated wall in bathroom (e.g. for towels and wet parkas)
Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forwardview camera, navigation chart, films and much more
Restaurants
Aboard the HANSEATIC inspiration, a new kind of freedom blends adventure and pleasure with a culinary journey across three exceptional restaurants. The spacious HANSEATIC Restaurant offers flexible mealtimes and a free choice of seating, serving a daily-changing menu of global flavors inspired by local specialties, paired with fine wines and supported by attentive 24-hour cabin service. At the Lido Restaurant, guests can savor breakfast under the open sky or enjoy a perfectly grilled steak from the outdoor barbecue, complete with panoramic views and an open show kitchen. The specialty restaurant Nikkei fuses fine Japanese creations with modern Peruvian cuisine, delivering a unique dining experience that elevates exploration to new heights—all while bars in the Observation Lounge and HanseAtrium offer favorite drinks against stunning backdrops, from Nordic fjords to icy Antarctic vistas.
Fitness and Wellness
On the HANSEATIC inspiration, an extraordinary time out awaits after thrilling Zodiac rides, challenging hikes, or Arctic adventures. Unwind in the Ocean Spa, where a Finnish sauna with stunning ocean views, a gentle steam sauna, an ice fountain, and a relaxation room rejuvenate your senses, complemented by professional massages, cosmetic treatments, and eco-friendly products made from natural, vegan ingredients. Stay active in the 100 m² fitness room or separate course room—both with ocean vistas—guided by a fitness coach offering personalized advice and a variety of courses, either indoors or on deck. The pool area, with its flexible canopy, invites relaxation year-round, featuring water loungers, a whirlpool, and a bar, ensuring a perfect blend of indulgence and revitalization against the backdrop of the open sea.
Knowledge
Shore excursions and Zodiac rides come alive with deeper context through fascinating presentations in the HanseAtrium, a high-tech lounge where experts share daily precaps and recaps, doubling as an atmospheric evening bar for films and discussions. The Ocean Academy enhances the journey with a Study Wall and interactive poster of scientific insights, microscopes for exploring hidden wonders alongside experts, and Study Seats—with swivel touchscreens—for personal dives into science. Supported by travel diaries and destination videos, this immersive experience broadens horizons with cutting-edge tools and expertise.