by Ana Figueroa
Last updated: 12:00 PM ET, Mon March 19, 2018
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has announced that the naming ceremony for the HANSEATIC inspiration will take place Oct. 13, 2019 in Antwerp, Belgium.
It's the line's second expedition ship, and the first time Antwerp will serve as the backdrop for an ocean-going cruise ship naming.
"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."
The Hamburg-based Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will actually put two new expedition ships into service in 2019. HANSEATIC inspiration's sister ship, HANSEATIC nature, is set for a christening April 12, 2019 in Hamburg.
Both new expedition ships feature the highest ice-class rating for passenger ships (PC6). They're built for extreme routes and up-close encounters with nature, while minimizing environmental impact as much as possible. Itineraries will range from the from polar regions to the Amazon.
After the naming, the HANSEATIC inspiration departs for her 15-day maiden voyage to Tenerife. She'll call in Honfleur, Guernsey, several points on the Iberian Peninsula, in Morocco, and in Madeira.
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