Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is adding warm-weather cruises in the western Indian Ocean for the Hanseatic Nature in winter 2027/28.

Ten cruises will be available between October 2027 and March 2028, exploring remote islands, atolls and coastlines from West Africa to South Africa, the Seychelles and Madagascar.

“For us, expeditions are not defined by temperature, but by mindset,” said Isolde Susset, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises managing director. “Madagascar and the Seychelles offer extraordinary biodiversity, remote regions, and sensitive ecosystems, ideal conditions for authentic expedition-style travel.”

The cruises open access to what the company says are two of the world’s most species-rich regions: Madagascar and its endemic wildlife and the Seychelles and its remote atolls and protected conservation areas.

Highlights of the winter 2027/28 program include “Expedition Seychelles: Premiere – A Warm Winter on Tropical Islands” which will sail from Mahe to Mauritius Dec. 8-20, 2027), and “Expedition Madagascar: One of Evolution’s Most Beautiful Gifts” sailing from Mahe to Mauritius via Madagascar Jan. 15-30, 2028.

he trips will feature zodiac landings in small groups that enable close-up nature experiences.

Further combined routes will operate between Cape Town, Madagascar, the Seychelles and Mauritius through March 2028.

Two earlier Madagascar expeditions aboard Hanseatic spirit are also available in November and December 2026.

Hapag-Lloyd’s two other expedition ships will continue operating in Antarctica.