Hapag-Lloyd Cruises plans Canary Islands, Cape Verde expeditions for 2027-28

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises plans a series of warm-weather expeditions to the Canary Islands and Cape Verde for the winter 2027–28 season, expanding travel options for guests seeking milder climates during Europe’s colder months. 

The voyages will be operated by the company’s expedition ships HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit each carrying about 230 passengers.

The small size allows the vessels to visit remote coastlines and lesser-known islands while keeping shore visits manageable for local communities. 

Company executives say the program is designed around nature, culture and guided exploration rather than traditional cruise itineraries.

HANSEATIC ships built for expedition travel

The HANSEATIC-class vessels are built for expedition travel, with reinforced hulls and fleets of Zodiac boats used for shore landings and coastal excursions.

On these sailings, those small craft will ferry guests to beaches, nature reserves and villages that larger ships cannot easily reach. 

Travel specialists, naturalists and historians accompany each voyage, offering briefings and guided walks ashore. The line says the goal is to give travelers a closer look at local landscapes and traditions while limiting the environmental footprint of each visit.

Canary Islands expeditions focus on nature

Several itineraries focus on Spain’s Canary Islands, including stops in Tenerife, Gran Canaria and La Palma. Excursions are expected to feature volcanic terrain, forest trails and coastal wildlife areas. 

Local tourism officials say small expedition ships bring a different kind of visitor compared with large cruise liners. Passengers often spend more time on guided excursions, local dining and craft markets. 

Because the ships carry fewer guests, shore visits can be arranged in smaller groups. Tourism authorities say that approach helps protect natural sites while spreading spending across smaller communities.

Cape Verde islands added to itinerary

The program also includes calls in Cape Verde, an island nation off West Africa known for rugged mountains and marine life. Planned stops include Sal, Boa Vista and Santo Antão. 

Excursions may range from walks through volcanic valleys to visits with fishing communities and music venues known for traditional morna songs. Local tour guides and small transport operators are expected to play a central role in the shore programs. 

Officials in Cape Verde say expedition travel helps extend tourism beyond peak seasons and directs visitors to islands that see fewer international arrivals.

The winter sailings are aimed largely at European travelers looking to escape colder temperatures. The Canary Islands and Cape Verde typically offer mild conditions year-round, allowing for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming and snorkeling. 

Cruise operators have increasingly added warm-weather expedition routes as interest grows in travel that combines outdoor experiences with cultural visits.

Canary Islands, Cape Verde gain visitors

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises says its ships use fuel-efficient engines and onboard waste systems designed to reduce environmental impact. Shore operations will follow local rules for protected areas in both regions. 

Naturalists onboard also lead lectures and wildlife observation sessions, giving guests a deeper understanding of the ecosystems they visit. 

For destinations such as the Canary Islands and Cape Verde, the cruise line’s winter expeditions could provide a steady flow of travelers during months that are typically quieter, while highlighting landscapes and communities that remain off the usual tourist routes.