27 May 2019
On Sunday, Portland Port welcomed Hanseatic Nature, a brand new state-of-the-art upmarket luxury expedition cruise ship on her inaugural visit
One of 18 German cruise ships Portland have coming in this year, Hanseatic Nature is operated by Hapag-Lloyd who have now entered the expedition travel market. She is the first of three structurally identical ships in the cruise line’s new expedition class. “Inspired by nature” is not only experienced outside but is also reflected in the ship’s interior design. It’s construction, design and routes revolve around providing a true expedition experience and getting as close to nature as possible.
The new ship can accommodate up to 230 guests and was only completed this year. Portland Port has seen an increasing rise in the number of German cruise ships calling this season, and is expecting over 17,000 German passengers alone this year, showing the increasing appeal of the region to the German market.
The ship’s itineraries are based on cruise expeditions to polar destinations including the Arctic and Antarctica, as well as tropical destinations such as the Southseas and the Amazon so for Portland Port to be included is a very proud and momentous occasion. Ian McQuade Commercial Manager commented ‘to have a ship of such unique qualities come into Portland on her inaugural voyage is truly amazing, and we are so privileged to be able to be a part of it and to be included so early on in the vessel’s life’.
This marks a significant development for Portland Port and it shows how attractive the port is, not only to the mass market, but now to luxury brands as well.