TUI orders third Hanseatic-class expedition vessel

Germany-based TUI Group has ordered a third Hanseatic-class expedition ships for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises at Norway's Vard Group.

Buoyed by a strong financial performance, TUI Group Chief Executive Fritz Joussen said the board had approved the construction as part of its continuing investments in new cruise ships and hotels.

Scheduled for delivery in 2021, the unnamed vessel will join sister ships Hanseatic Inspiration and Hanseatic Nature.

The 15,650GT vessels, which are powered by diesel-electric engines, are scheduled to be commissioned in April and October 2019.

Classified PC6 for the highest ice class rating, the 138-metre by 22-metre expedition ships have a capacity of 230 passengers in 120 cabins and suites.

Other new vessels will be delivered to TUI Group's cruise subsidiaries in 2018, 2019 and 2023.