Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ BREMEN, underwent a two-week shipyard stay in June. Some of the cabins had already undergone a comprehensive makeover during the previous shipyard stay in 2008. Now, all remaining 46 cabins on decks 3 and 4 were equipped with new furniture, fabrics, carpets and new bathrooms. A staff of 550 technicians, tradesmen and engineers were busy fulfilling the hundreds of tasks on the list to successfully complete the many upgrades and renovations on the BREMEN.

Additional soft refurbishments included:

•  2952 square feet of new carpeting, as well as 820 square feet of new fabrics were installed.

•  In addition to the cabins, the Bremen Club, which is the heart of the ship, received new furnishings in light shades, as well as a new wall and lamp design.

•  Wi-Fi access in all public areas and cabins were added.

•  New DVD players were added to all cabins, including modern flat-panel displays, and an extensive selection of DVDs, enabling passengers to enjoy movies in the privacy of their cabins.

•  Professional sound systems in the pool area and on the Lido Deck were installed, allowing background music to accompany events under the open sky.

•  A cooking unit was added on the Lido Deck, allowing guests to enjoy culinary delights outside.

The BREMEN, a 4-star expedition ship, according to the 2010 Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships, was created to provide intensive exploration in the most elegant surroundings for a maximum of 184 guests. The ship well equipped for travel in difficult waters, holds the highest ice class ranking for passenger vessels (E4). Also shallow drafts and high manoeuvrability allow the ship to enter waters larger cruise vessels cannot reach. Guests explore the world’s best-kept secrets in zodiacs (small motorized boats) with only 10-12 guests. Onboard experts include a team of experienced scientists, expedition leaders and specialists who guide landings and offer guests the rare opportunity to observe plant and animal life up close. The ship also has warm parkas and rubber boots for all passengers on-loan.

2011 – Expedition Highlights on the BREMEN:

NORTHWEST PASSAGE: The very popular Northwest Passage will be offered in August 2011 on the MS BREMEN. The famous passage starts in Nome, Alaska amidst impressive testimonies of the Inuit culture before sailing through the Canadian Arctic and thus the heart of the Northwest Passage, on a 25-day journey. This cruise starts on August 13, 2011 and ends on September 7, 2011.

ALASKA/CHUKCHI PENINSULA: Even globetrotters who have traveled the world extensively will discover unknown territory on the BREMEN in Alaska and the Chukchi Peninsula in Summer 2011. The Chukchi Peninsula is in the far northeast of Russia. It is a region far removed from our civilization, where unforgettable days full of expedition experiences and pioneering spirit await. The BREMEN is one of only a few ships with which you can reach not only the east, but also the north coast of this peninsula. The BREMEN will be in making stops at the following new ports in the Chukchi Peninsula: Lorino, Cape Vankarem and Kolyuchin Island. From Seward to Nome, July 28 – August 13, 2011

For more information on the BREMEN’S exciting expedition itineraries visit www.hl-cruises.com. Pictures of the renovations available upon request.