Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Returns to South Africa and Indian Ocean in Expansive 2028 Global Programme

The world of luxury and expedition cruising is set for a fresh wave of excitement as Hapag-Lloyd Cruises reveals its comprehensive 2028 programme, featuring 127 journeys spanning all seven continents. Among the headline news for Africa’s travel sector is the return of Hapag-Lloyd’s renowned vessels to South African shores and the Indian Ocean islands, marking a significant opportunity for the region’s tourism and hospitality sectors to tap into a high-value, international clientele.

This new programme signals the German cruise line’s continued global ambitions, blending an established reputation for refined luxury with a dynamic spirit of adventure. The deployment combines the strengths of both its luxury and expedition fleets, offering a broad spectrum of experiences to discerning travellers. The five-ship fleet—EUROPA, EUROPA 2, HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration, and HANSEATIC spirit—is set to offer fresh destination pairings, seasonal highlights, and a host of “firsts” for loyal guests and new explorers alike.

Travel professionals and cruise enthusiasts in Africa can now preview the upcoming collection, with non-binding pre-bookings available through the Hapag-Lloyd website and travel partners. The formal sales launch, including detailed itineraries and fares, is scheduled for December 2025.

For the African market, the most exciting development is the planned return of EUROPA and HANSEATIC nature to the region. The flagship EUROPA will commence its 2028 season in Asia, with immersive cruises around the Philippines and Japan timed to coincide with the celebrated cherry blossom season. From there, the ship will chart a course through Southeast Asia before turning its bow westward for an extended exploration of Cape Town, the Indian Ocean, and a return to European waters. This routing positions Cape Town not only as a high-profile port of call but also as a critical link in a journey connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe.

EUROPA’s Mediterranean programme will include short luxury escapes to the Côte d’Azur, as well as island-hopping through Corsica, Sardinia, and the Balearics. Longer itineraries along Italy’s coast and a summer in the Baltic and Western Europe will follow. In late 2028, the ship will cross the Atlantic to Canada and the US, culminating in festive-season cruises through the Caribbean and Central America—an itinerary set to appeal to well-travelled, high-spend guests seeking seamless global connections.

Sister ship EUROPA 2 will offer a different flavour of adventure. Early in 2028, it will sail the Americas, with stops in Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Mexico, as well as the US ports of Miami, New Orleans, and Galveston. The ship’s spring Atlantic crossing will take it via Cape Verde and the Canary Islands to Hamburg, from where it will offer summer voyages into Norway, Svalbard, and the Baltic. Later, EUROPA 2 will shift focus to the Mediterranean and the Arabian Gulf, with a December itinerary through the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. The year will close with a Christmas cruise from Dubai to Singapore, calling in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia, offering new multi-regional possibilities for African travelers seeking extended, culturally rich experiences.

The expedition segment is also set to shine in the 2028 programme, with HANSEATIC nature debuting a dedicated Indian Ocean season. This will focus on Madagascar and the Seychelles, including ultra-rare landings at sites such as the Aldabra Atoll—a UNESCO site and one of the world’s most remote and pristine ecosystems. Such itineraries are expected to attract adventure travelers and nature lovers eager for unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Meanwhile, HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit will continue their Antarctic focus, offering shorter South Georgia sailings alongside classic semi-circumnavigation routes to New Zealand. As the seasons change, both ships will pivot to warmer waters: HANSEATIC spirit is set to explore the wild coasts of Indonesia and Western Australia’s Kimberley, while HANSEATIC inspiration will venture through the Amazon and the Great Lakes—further evidence of Hapag-Lloyd’s commitment to providing bold, global exploration options across its fleet.

The return of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises to South Africa and the Indian Ocean underscores a growing recognition of the region’s importance in luxury and expedition cruising. Local tourism providers, hoteliers, and destination managers should be alert to the potential for increased inbound demand from high-net-worth international travelers—particularly as cruise guests often extend their stays pre- or post-voyage, seeking bespoke land-based experiences, safaris, and cultural tours.

For industry professionals, this development is a call to action: now is the time to forge partnerships, design tailored excursions, and enhance service offerings to capture the attention of sophisticated cruise passengers. The appeal of the African coastline, combined with Hapag-Lloyd’s luxury positioning and the spirit of adventure embodied by its expedition fleet, creates a powerful platform for collaboration between global cruise brands and local businesses.

As the 2028 cruise calendar comes into focus, Hapag-Lloyd’s expanded presence signals a new era of opportunity for Africa’s travel sector—one where the continent is not just a port of call, but a central player in the evolving story of global luxury cruising.