Hanseatic Inspiration will be the first-ever ocean cruise ship that has been named in the Belgian city
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is to name its new expedition vessel Hanseatic Inspiration in Antwerp on 13 October 2019.
Hanseatic Inspiration’s christening will mark the first time the Belgian port city has hosted an official naming ceremony for an ocean cruise ship.
“Hanseatic Inspiration will be the first ocean-going cruise ship to be christened in the city of Antwerp,” said Koen Kennis, deputy mayor of Antwerp. “That is something very special. On behalf of the city of Antwerp, I would like to thank Hapag-Lloyd Cruises for the years of trust and confidence that the company has shown in the city.”
Following her naming ceremony, Hanseatic Inspiration will embark on a 15-day maiden voyage from Antwerp to Tenerife in Spain with calls in Honfleur, France; Guernsey in the Channel Islands; numerous destinations on the Iberian Peninsula; Morocco; and Madeira, Italy.
“We are delighted to be celebrating the launch of our second expedition ship, the Hanseatic Inspiration, against the beautiful backdrop of Antwerp,” said Karl J. Pojer, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. “We have enjoyed many years of excellent collaboration with all of the city’s representatives and our choice of location for the ceremony demonstrates our deep connection with Antwerp. It also underlines our growth strategy for the international market.”
Currently under construction at Vard shipyard, the 230-guest Hanseatic Inspiration is the second of Hapag-Lloyd’s two new expedition cruise ships – the first will be named Hanseatic Nature and will be christened in Hamburg, Germany on 12 April 2019. Both vessels will be built to Polar Class 6 standards, and feature advanced equipment and environmental technology, so she can operate in the polar regions and in warmer destinations such as the Amazon and the South Seas. The ship will also be equipped with a watersports marina and onboard Zodiacs.
Read our new interview with Karl J. Pojer to learn more about Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ expedition ships and the company’s priorities for the year ahead.