Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has put the spotlight on its 2026-27 Christmas and New Year cruises, featuring routes across the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, Nordic landscapes and the Antarctic.

The company said in a press release that for many, the run-up to Christmas is a hectic season paired with a growing desire to spend mindful moments and true quality time with friends and family.

The Christmas and New Year cruises offered take this wish onboard and turn it into a variety of travel experiences, the company added.

The focus of the itineraries is on modern luxury, exceptional cuisine, cultural insights, well-being and personal freedom.

With the Europa, the travel season begins in Advent. The festive cruise combines New York with the Caribbean. Highlights include days at sea, gourmet delights and a selection of island destinations.

Immediately afterward, the Christmas cruise with the Europa heads to the islands of the Caribbean. Guests will spend Christmas Eve on Saint-Barthélemy. At the turn of the year, the Europa sets course for Barbados.

The Europa 2 will sail through the Indian Ocean, while the Hanseatic Spirit will focus on in-depth encounters with nature and wildlife, sailing from Mauritius to Cape Town via Madagascar and to the coasts of South Africa.

Zodiac landings and expedition experiences will offer guests unique access to regions that remain hidden on traditional cruise ship routes, the company stated.

The Hanseatic Nature will offer winter cruises on the Baltic Sea as far as Lapland and Christmas in the Gulf of Bothnia. Highlights include open decks and experiences in Nordic cities, icy landscapes and the Northern Lights.

In addition, the Christmas and New Year cruises onboard the Hanseatic Inspiration and Spirit set course for the Antarctic. The cruise “From Cape to Cape,” in particular, connects two continents: from warm South Africa, via remote island worlds, to the icy Antarctic.