Jamie Lafferty

Jamie Lafferty

GALLERY

Expedition Central America With Panama Canal - the Beauty of the Panama Canal on the Hanseatic Inspiration

Close gallery

Jamie Lafferty

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Hanseatic Inspiration, Exterior cropped

12 day expedition

Class of ship

Large Expedition Ship

Sustainability

Science Centre (Ocean Academy), Ship to Shore Power

Berths

230

Zodiacs

Ice Class

PC6 Rating

Class of ship

Large Expedition Ship

Sustainability

Science Centre (Ocean Academy), Ship to Shore Power

Berths

230

Zodiacs

Ice Class

PC6 Rating

Expedition overview and highlights

Transit the Legendary Panama Canal – Witness the engineering marvel from sea level on a daylight crossing
Discover lush rainforests, waterfalls, and rich wildlife of Costa Rica
Experience the authentic culture and daily life of Indigenous communities such as the Kuna and Emberá in Panama
Spot monkeys, toucans and other wildlife up close on guided zodiac excursions

Discover Central America in-depth on an expedition aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration. Witness the natural beauty, cultural richness and engineering wonders of Panama and Costa Rica. Journey through tropical waters, explore vibrant forests and transit the world-famous Panama Canal in daylight—a once-in-a-lifetime maritime experience. Enjoy guided Zodiac outings through mangroves, spot tropical wildlife in its natural habitat and connect with remote communities preserving centuries-old traditions. This expedition offers the comfort of a small ship combined with an immersive experience of nature in a region brimming with life and legend.

Map & Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Panama City

Expect incredible morning views as you arrive into the port for Panama City. Tinged with a silver pre-dawn light, the city will metamorphosise into a golden glow as the sun rises above it. And from then on expect one stunning view after another. Very interesting in its own right, Fuerte Amador is obviously overshadowed by its proximity to Panama City. So should the Miraflores museum of the Canal, which offers a comprehensive and immersive tour of the Canal including a 3-D experience, four exhibition halls, an observation deck, and a surprisingly good restaurant not interest you then there is always the option of lovely Casco Viejo – literally the old quartier of Panama. The grand old colonial houses, cobbled streets, independent boutiques and buzzing street scene make this a must stop on your itinerary. And if you like seafood, you will not want miss the many restaurants and market stalls serving different variations of so-fresh-it’s-still-practically-swimming ceviche. Best eaten like the Panamanians do, with salty crackers and a cold beer on the beach. And if money is no object, a cup of geisha coffee – supposedly the world’s best and definitely the world’s most expensive at $7 a shot is definitely a pick me up! Cool cosmopolitan capital aside, Panama has a skyscraper filled skyline that is worthy of some of its North American counterparts. But if urban utopia is not your scene then fear not, the sandy beaches and lush rainforests are never more than a short cab ride away.

Day 2

At sea

Relaxation at sea

Day 3-7

Costa Rica (Quepos, Bahia Santa Elena, Playa Panama , Playa Mantas/Punta Leona , Puntarenas)

Quepos allows tourists to experience a once in a lifetime nature experience in Manuel Antonio National Park without leaving any of the familiar amenities behind. The close proximity of the park, located just 4.3 miles (7 km) to the south, and a wide array of services makes Quepos the perfect place to visit for those who wish to explore this enchanting area. The amenities available include everything from banks, restaurants, hotels, gift shops, bakeries, bars, a hospital, supermarket and even a post office. The area was once dependent on banana plantations which used to line the surrounding area. After disease infiltrated the harvest, interest transferred to African Palms as the prominent crop. Now, tourism has deemed itself the major economic factor, contributing to just about everything in the area. Quepos lures in many tourists for its fantastic sport fishing. In fact, some have come solely to participate in this world class experience and have never left, but besides sport fishing, many other activities are available. Exploring this maze of wetlands by boat is amazing but not the only way to see crocodiles, monkeys, herons, raccoons and more. This small paradise has the perfect balance between nature and the comfort and facilities someone might need.

Day 8

At sea

Relaxation at sea

Day 9-10

Panama (Isla Iguana, Gulf of San Miguel)

The Gulf of San Miguel is located off the usual tourist paths on the Pacific coast of Panama and is a sprawling marine basin that stands out for its natural beauty and peaceful environment. This Gulf, known for its biological diversity, provides protection for the lush mangrove forests, which in turn serve as nurseries for numerous marine species. Remote and barely developed, this area is home to indigenous communities such as the Kuna and Emberá, who have preserved their traditional way of life. The Gulf of San Miguel is therefore a place to experience nature in its purest form and to develop a deeper understanding of the harmonious coexistence of humans and the environment.

Day 11

Daytime passage through the Panama Canal

Colon/Panama, arrival 20.00 hrs
Overnight stay on board

Fares & Departure Dates

Sat 08 Nov 25 — Wed 19 Nov 25 (12 days)

View all cabins, from $7,029pp

Panoramic Cabin

Show gallery

STARTING AT:

PER PERSON

Stylish and comfortable option with large panoramic window.

Capacity Up to 2

Beds Double bed or two single beds

Rooms 0 room

Footage 226 sq ft.

Windows Yes

Balcony No

View Ocean

Location Deck 4 and 5

Suitable for Couples

Accessibility None

Amenities Heated wall in the bathroom (e. g. for towels and wet parkas), rain shower, free mini bar (soft drinks), coffee machine, separable beds, extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more, binoculars, Nordic Walking poles, 24-hour cabin service.

More details

Show details

Balcony Cabin

Show gallery

STARTING AT:

PER PERSON

The ideal option if you would like to have your own private balcony.

Capacity Up to 2

Beds Double bed or two single beds

Rooms 0 room

Footage 291 sq ft.

Windows Yes

Balcony Yes

View Ocean

Location Deck 5,6 and 7

Suitable for Couples

Accessibility None

More details

Show details

Grand Suite with Veranda

Show gallery

STARTING AT:

PER PERSON

Add some extra luxury to your expedition cruise with the Grand Suite, featuring separate living/sleeping area, separate dining area, sleeping area with panoramic view, separable beds, TV in living and sleeping areas, Veranda with space heaters,

Capacity Up to 2

Beds Double bed or two single beds

Rooms 2 rooms

Footage 764 sq ft.

Windows Yes

Balcony Yes

View Ocean

Location Deck 6 and 7

Suitable for Couples

Accessibility None

Amenities Daylight bathroom with two sinks, free-standing bath, rain shower and veranda access, steam sauna in shower area, heated wall in bathroom (e.g. for towels and wet parkas), free mini bar, coffee machine, extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more, binoculars, Nordic walking poles, 24-hour cabin service, Butler service, table reservation in main restaurant and free use of Wi-Fi.

More details

Show details

Junior Suite with Balcony

Show gallery

STARTING AT:

PER PERSON

A luxurious choice of suite, the Junior Suite offers a separate living/sleeping area, separate dining area and sleeping area with panoramic view.

Capacity Up to 2

Beds Double bed or two single beds

Rooms 2 rooms

Footage 452 sq ft.

Windows Yes

Balcony Yes

View Ocean

Location Deck 6 and 7

Suitable for Couples

Accessibility None

Amenities Separable beds, TV in living and sleeping areas, bathroom with two sinks and rain shower, Steam sauna in shower area, heated wall in bathroom (e.g. for towels and wet parkas), free mini bar, coffee machine, extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more, binoculars Nordic walking poles, 24-hour cabin service, table reservation in main restaurant (applies to the PLATINUM and GOLD fares) and a Butler service.

More details

Show details

French Balcony Cabin

Show gallery

STARTING AT:

PER PERSON

The French Balcony option is ideal for stunning ocean views.

Capacity Up to 2

Beds Double bed or two single beds

Rooms 1 room

Footage 224 sq ft.

Windows Yes

Balcony French Balcony

View Ocean

Location Deck 6 and 7

Suitable for Couples

Accessibility None

More details

Show details

Outside Cabin

Show gallery

STARTING AT:

PER PERSON

The ideal choice if you'd like ocean views but without having a balcony.

Capacity Up to 2

Beds Double bed or two single beds

Rooms 1 room

Footage 237 sq ft.

Windows Yes

Balcony No

View Ocean

Location Deck 4,5 and 6

Suitable for Couples

Accessibility None

More details

Show details

Your Ship

Hanseatic Inspiration

Searching for the unknown and finding your inner self in the process. Respectfully encountering nature and perceiving yourself as part of it. Appreciating foreign cultures and gaining profound insights. For more than 30 years, we have been offering expedition cruises that touch your soul.Whether you’re heading to the Hebrides or the Azores, to Antarctica or the South Seas, intensive adventures on spectacular routes both near and far await you with the HANSEATIC inspiration – and you’ll share your personal expedition with a small group of no more than 230 passionate explorers. Welcome on board!Please note: The HANSEATIC inspiration is an international ship, with all cruises conducted in both English and German.

A new kind of freedom between adventure and pleasure.Come with us on a culinary voyage of discovery around the globe: on board, three spacious first-class restaurants create a unique and indulgent combination of expedition spirit with international gourmet cuisine. Spend your days and evenings however you wish thanks to flexible mealtimes, a free choice of seating and attentive 24-hour cabin service.

The spacious HANSEATIC Restaurant of the new expedition class redefines on-board cuisine. From breakfast to dinner, experience our endless variety of creative cuisine at any time of day. Where your ship drops anchor, our top chefs will look to local specialities and conjure up for your plate the aromas of South Africa, the far north, or Europe. Daily changing menus will send your taste buds on a global tour of discovery – accompanied by a selection of wines to suit every palate.

Specialty restaurants

Our speciality restaurants will take you on a culinary voyage of discovery: explore exquisite Japanese creations and Peru’s modern and fashionable cooking at the Nikkei on the HANSEATIC inspiration. The Hamptons offers new culinary highlights of the North American east coast on the HANSEATIC nature. Enjoy french cuisine in the specialty restaurant l'esprit on the HANSEATIC spirit. Exploring the world has never tasted so good!

Expeditions bring you particularly close to the elements. The same applies to our Lido Restaurant. Have breakfast under an open sky, or enjoy a juicy steak cooked to perfection on the large outdoor barbecue – garnished with breathtaking panoramic views. Watch our gourmet chefs at work in the open show kitchen or head straight to the ice cream station for dessert. And why not? After all, the daily grind is far away.

That special touch

Land on a secluded island in a Zodiac and enjoy barbecued fish and chilled drinks with your feet in the sand. Or celebrate with a glass of champagne against a stunning icy backdrop. Our service and ingenuity continue ashore – with a barbecue on the beach, a reception in the ice or exotic delicacies in the depths of the rainforest. This is the feeling of true expedition. This is the taste of true delight.

The glass balcony beneath your feet allows you to hover above the water and reveals the endless expanse and beauty of the ocean. Watch whales and large porpoises as they follow the ship, thrilling you as they leap and swim. Being so close to creation is an indescribable feeling.

Inspiration Walk

The deck tour at the bow offers extraordinarily intensive experiences: when whales jump for joy and polar bears take an icy bath, you will be the first to see these fascinating natural spectacles.

Stroll the spacious decks and feel the stars almost within reach – the terraced Observation Deck with a panoramic view is but one place to fulfil your dream. You can also quench your thirst for adventure in the comfortable surroundings of the Observation Lounge. The large full-glass windows provide a 180-degree view of the moon and sea while you reflect on your unforgettable travel days over a glass of wine.

Library

You are welcome to borrow a book on board at any time. Our library is located in the Observation Lounge (Deck 8) and is stocked with a selection of the latest fiction books, travel literature and information about the cruising area.

Hanse Atrium

Draw on our experts’ wealth of knowledge during their daily presentations in the HanseAtrium, the new multifunctional lounge with state-of-the-art technology. Visit the lounge to prepare for upcoming excursions and shed more light on impressions gained (so-called precaps and recaps). Discuss your latest discoveries, enjoy fascinating, relaxed film evenings or listen to our experts’ enthralling travel reports. In the evening, the HanseAtrium is transformed into an atmospheric bar where you can see out the day and reflect on your experiences.

Located on Deck 4.

Hapag Lloyd Cruises Hanseatic Nature Reception

Post

The Reception staff will post your postcards and letters from all ports where this facility is available. Your onboard account will be debited with the appropriate charges.

Announcements

To create the full expedition experience, commentaries are provided for interesting passages during the cruise and special animal sightings are reported. The ship’s position is reported in the morning on days at sea. We will also announce via the loudspeakers when the local authorities have cleared the ship and we can go ashore. The volume can be controlled individually in each cabin/suite.

Means of payment

The on-board currency is the euro. An account will be set up for you so that you can make cashless payments during the cruise. You can find out your current account balance at any time using the infotainment system in your cabin/suite. You can then settle the entire account at Reception at the end of your cruise. We accept German EC/Maestro cards and the following credit cards: Mastercard, American Express and Visa. You can also pay in cash. Please note that, in general, foreign currencies cannot be changed on board.

[email protected]

In today’s seemingly fully developed world, there are still opportunities to make great discoveries and enjoy extraordinary cruises. Where large cruise ships have to turn about or can only sail past, you will experience a renaissance of wonder. Regions that often have no beacons, pilots, harbours, hotels or airports. These are the expedition destinations of our new expedition ships HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration & HANSEATIC spirit, where your curiosity sets the course. Rather than journeys from A to B, these ships offer intensive discoveries from A to Z.In our travel diaries and our films, we take you along on our expeditions and provide intensive insights even before you travel.

Ocean Academy

A large Study wall and an interactive Study poster display the latest fascinating articles and information on various disciplines and cruise experiences are enhanced with scientific content. A separate area with binocular microscopes allows you to discover natural wonders, together with your experts, that cannot be seen with the naked eye. And whenever inquisitiveness takes hold, sit back in a comfortable Study Seat with a swivel touchscreen and immerse yourself in the world of science – away from the presentations and scheduled events.

On our expeditions, the Zodiacs are often lowered into the water several times a day. These expedition rubber boats can take you ashore whenever there is no harbour. A sense of pure adventure is never far behind. You will discover nature from a unique perspective in small groups and with no long waiting times.

Camping in the Antarctic

Surely the purest way to experience the sixth continent! Take the unique opportunity to pitch your tent in the endless ice. An intensive experience in the tradition of great pioneers. This activity is offered on selected expeditions with the HANSEATIC nature, the HANSEATIC inspiration and the HANSEATIC spirit.

Conquer the polar waters by kayak in small groups of no more than twelve participants. We offer tours with instruction from an experienced kayak guide on selected cruises on our new expedition ships. These excursions are ideal for beginners with previous experience.

Hikes

Your experts will accompany the hikes and landings and draw your attention to details that often go unnoticed by an untrained eye. Snowshoe hiking in Antarctica is a very special experience. Not only will you enjoy spectacular views, you will gain deep insights into the wonders of our planet.

Hapag Lloyd Cruises - Hanseatic Expedition Ships - Nature Wildlife Excursions Expeditions Zodiacs _1_ (1)

Whales up ahead? Disko Bay in sight? About to pass through the Kiel Canal? Expedition highlights are particularly spectacular under an open sky – and your experts will always be present on the many open deck spaces to provide background information and valuable details that you won’t find in any guidebook. Yearning to explore a specific topic? The experts will be delighted to answer your questions – the thirstier you are for knowledge, the better. After all, what would an expedition be without curiosity?

Exciting and informative: our experts are the perfect accompaniment for your expedition and provide you with invaluable knowledge on board and ashore. Benefit from their inexhaustible know-how during Zodiac rides and landings, in fascinating presentations and personal conversations.

Broadening horizons: whenever possible, you will head ashore and out in the Zodiacs with our experts. This reveals exciting background information and trains you to spot extraordinary things that other travellers would miss. Priceless if this fixes your attention to a particular experience just at the right moment.

A new perspective on nature and culture: complex links and scientific research are made understandable with “living” examples. Our experts have visited each destination many times and conducted in-depth studies and research or written about them in books. As a result, they serve as travel companions, field guides and bridges between cultures.

Our expedition ships as a place of learning: as part of short excursions together and on plenty of Zodiac rides with your experts, you will gain exciting insights and learn new information. On board, interesting exhibits turn into exciting research subjects. Examining, discussing and looking under the microscope will quench your thirst for knowledge.

Organised Shore Activities

From natural excursions and active tours to culinary discoveries and cultural treasures – our organised shore activities provide you with a wealth of exciting experiences. Of course, our programmes are for small groups. They are also planned with great care and you will be accompanied by experienced tour guides. You will receive a detailed itinerary, including prices, around three months prior to departure.

For these great seafarers, the waterways of the world’s oceans were unpredictable routes filled with unknown perils. Today, the uncertainties and hardships of earlier explorers have given way to the many years of experience of the people on board our expedition ships. However, the passion for new destinations has remained and will ensure unforgettable moments during your expeditions.

The 85th line of latitude – 480 km from the North Pole. Thick fields of pack ice cover the water. There seems no way of getting through this untouched landscape of ice with its bizarre floe shapes. But thanks to the long-time experience of the people on board – the captain, officers, expedition leaders and cruise directors – even spectacular routes like the Northeast Passage will be conquered. They know where to find the most beautiful aspects of the polar regions.

A breathtaking Zodiac ride, a challenging hike, a day in the Arctic ice – then close your eyes, feel the heat and indulge your senses: for example, in the Finnish sauna with its astounding view of the vast ocean. A steam sauna will pamper you with gentle heat before the fresh ocean breeze revitalises your body on the adjacent external deck. Thanks to its flexible canopy, the large pool area can be enjoyed whatever the weather – let your mind drift on the spacious Sun Deck or in the warm water of the pool!

Feel like getting active? The fitness room and separate course room – both with an ocean view – can be used from morning to night. Our fitness coach will show you what to do and help you with the right movements. He or she will also answer any questions you may have about your health. A wide range of courses – on deck (weather permitting) or in the fitness room – will revive your spirit. Invigorated and relaxed, you are ready for your next adventure.

OCEAN SPA

A place of relaxation with Finnish sauna with an ocean view, steam sauna, ice fountain and relaxation room. From professional partial- and full-body massages to classic cosmetic treatments and moments of indulgence for your hair, hands and feet, you are in the best possible place. Carefully selected natural products with premium plant ingredients and vegan formulas enhance your beauty while helping to preserve the environment. Holistic. Natural. Sustainable.