A cruise aboard the Hanseatic Spirit took an unexpected turn when the ship became trapped in thick sea ice off the coast of Kemi, Finland. With more than 200 passengers on board, the vessel operated by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises required assistance from icebreakers to continue its journey.

The ship, which boasts the highest PC6 ice-class rating for passenger vessels, encountered ice up to three meters thick, far beyond its capabilities. Despite being designed to navigate 60–70 cm thick ice, the Hanseatic Spirit was no match for the frozen expanse of the Bothnian Bay, where temperatures plunged to -5°C (23°F).

Captain Claas Fischer informed guests that help was on the way: “We are waiting for the Kontio.” The 20,000-horsepower icebreaker was dispatched to clear a path, attaching a steel towline to the stranded ship. However, even this powerful vessel struggled with the extreme ice conditions.

High-Stakes Rescue by Finland’s Icebreaker Fleet
The Finnish icebreaker fleet, one of the most advanced in the world, regularly assists stranded ships in these Arctic waters. After Kontio reached its limit, the even more powerful Polaris—a 25,800-horsepower icebreaker was called in to forge a path forward. By Monday, the Hanseatic Spirit was able to resume its course toward the Finnish port of Rauma.

Despite the delay, the ship remains on schedule to complete its two-week Lapland expedition, concluding at Hamburg’s Cruise Terminal Altona on Saturday. Onboard, an expert team led by General Expedition Manager Sascha Richter continues to offer lectures on polar regions, the Northern Lights, and climate change, turning this icy adventure into an educational experience.