Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is introducing a new, user-friendly concept for digital learning never seen before on an expedition ship – the study wall, which will be found on board the new HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration, and HANSEATIC spirit expedition ships. With innovative touch technology and an attractive design, the 6 × 1.8 m (19.6 × 5.9 ft) screen allows guests to research complex topics and background information about their cruise destinations. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has been developing this concept for around two and a half years, in partnership with the Hamburg-based companies mgp ErlebnisRaumDesign GmbH and Intermediate Engineering GmbH.
More than 250 topics from the fields of oceanography, ethnography, and geology have been digitised for the study wall, together with regional information. Articles are divided into five categories such as “Seas and Oceans” and “Countries and People”. The content – provided by the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel, as well as scientists, experts and journalists – is displayed on the study wall in the form, for example, of articles, videos and biographies. The new, innovative study wall format allows guests to deepen their knowledge of the expedition cruise, whenever and however they wish.
Ocean Academy
The study wall is the heart of the Ocean Academy on Deck 8. Here guests can conduct individual studies and research to deepen their knowledge of the natural wonders they encounter on shore excursions and Zodiac rides. In addition to the study wall, the Ocean Academy has four Study Seats with swivel touchscreens where guests can explore for themselves the content of the study wall in more detail. The Ocean Academy also features the Study Poster, which provides clear visual explanations of selected scientific contexts, as well as a microscope area.
The new expedition class
On 13 April 2019, the HANSEATIC nature, the first of the three new expedition ships from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, will set sail on its maiden cruise. It will be followed by the HANSEATIC inspiration launching in October of the same year and the HANSEATIC spirit in 2021. The three small, first-class expedition ships featuring cutting-edge technology have the highest ice class for passenger ships (PC6). They can each accommodate up to 230 guests – or 199 guests on Antarctic cruises. The almost identical ships raise the bar in the expedition cruise segment and feature numerous details that enhance the expedition experience even more. Retractable glass balconies on the Sun Deck give guests the feeling of hovering directly above the water; and also guests can stand on the foredeck to be closer to the action – even closer than the captain himself.