Young Explorers Experience the Arctic with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

When Nature Becomes the Teacher: Young Explorers Experience the Arctic with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

From examining plankton under a microscope to spotting whales, walruses and glaciers, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Young Explorers program turns the natural world into a classroom for children and teens ages 10 to 17 aboard selected expeditions.

On voyages to destinations including Iceland, Svalbard and Greenland, young guests experience the Arctic firsthand through Zodiac rides, shore excursions, wildlife encounters and hands-on learning. Rather than traditional lessons, the program encourages children to explore, ask questions and make their own discoveries.

Young Explorers are accompanied by experienced expedition experts, including glaciologist Benjamin Schröter, who brings subjects such as oceans, glaciers and polar ecosystems to life.

Activities vary by voyage and conditions. Young guests might examine plankton in the Ocean Academy, head ashore with expedition experts, explore behind the scenes of the ship, or learn about glaciers and the importance of protecting sensitive habitats. The program is offered when there are at least five participating young guests.

“The core of every expedition is curiosity: the willingness to ask questions and see the world through different eyes,” says Isolde Susset, Managing Director Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. “Anyone who experiences just how fascinating and worthy of protection our natural world is at an early age will carry this awareness with them.”

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises currently offers 19 Young Explorers voyages during school holidays through the end of 2028, with itineraries ranging from Northern Lights adventures in Norway and expeditions around Svalbard to Newfoundland, the St. Lawrence River and the Azores.
For more information, visit Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Young Explorers program page.

Sample Voyage: Expedition Svalbard Circumnavigation:
From Tromsø to Longyearbyen, this 10-day expedition explores one of the Arctic’s great wilderness regions, with glaciers, fjords, Zodiac excursions and opportunities to spot walruses and seals. As with all true expeditions, weather and ice conditions determine the exact route.
Dates: July 12–22, 2027
Price: From €32,240 for two adults and one Young Explorer in the PLATINUM fare, including charter flights and early booking discount valid through October 31, 2026.