A Day In The Life Of… an Expedition Cruise Captain

Our marketing executive, Mihaela Enasoae, had the opportunity to meet Claas Fischer, an experienced expedition cruise captain aboard the HANSEATIC spirit during a voyage along the Norwegian coast. In an interview on the ship’s bridge, he shared insights into his incredible journey with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and what first ignited his passion for the polar regions. With over 15 years at sea, captain Claas reflected on unforgettable moments, the unique challenges of polar exploration, and offered valuable tips for first-time travellers to the polar regions.

Can you tell us about your journey to becoming an expedition cruise captain?

My journey with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises started in the very beginning of my career, I’m truly a child of the company. I started as a cadet while studying in Bremen, and my first steps at sea were aboard the Europa as a young officer, gradually working my way through various positions. Eventually, I moved into the expedition fleet, serving as staff captain on HANSEATIC nature, and later on HANSEATIC spirit. For the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of being the captain of HANSEATIC spirit, a ship I was fortunate enough to take out of the yard myself, an experience that’s very special to me.

How does a typical day start for you?

It usually starts with a good cup of coffee. Then I head up to the bridge to check in with the officers, see what happened overnight and go over the plan for the day. In expedition areas, I also meet with the expedition team to discuss landings, weather conditions, and logistics.

Checking the weather is a key part of every day, whether we’re in Norway or Antarctica. It often dictates whether we stick with plan A or jump to plan D, or even plan K! In places like South Georgia, plans can change three or four times a day. That’s part of the responsibility, of course, but it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of the job. Having the freedom to make decisions on the spot and adapt in real time is something I really enjoy. On many ships, that flexibility is a thing of the past, but here at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, it’s still very much alive, and it’s something I truly value.

What time of the day you start?

Oh, I’m definitely an early bird – always have been, even at home. It’s not unusual for me to start my day around 5 a.m., simply because I enjoy being up that early. Back when I was a young officer, I spent about eight years on the early watch, often starting at 4 a.m., and I think that routine just stuck with me. Even though it’s been a couple of years since I left the watch system, the habit remains.

For me, mornings are easier than evenings. There’s something really special about the early hours – like this morning, with the soft light and peaceful atmosphere. I love having a quiet cup of coffee and just enjoying the view. It’s moments like these that remind me why we’re out here, sailing.

Navigating in the polar regions must be very different from other areas. Can you explain some of the unique challenges you face while navigating the icy waters?

Navigating in the polar regions is a completely different experience from regular shipping. Weather is a major factor – especially in areas like Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Drake Passage, where conditions can change quickly and are often unpredictable.

Ice is another constant consideration. Sometimes we seek it out to give guests that amazing experience, and other times we need to avoid it to reach our destination safely. That daily challenge, adapting to ever-changing conditions, is part of what makes polar navigation so fascinating.

In the Arctic, around Svalbard for example, you also have polar bears to consider. It’s exciting to spot them, but safety always comes first. Every day brings new challenges, and that’s what makes polar navigation so dynamic and rewarding.

What types of technology and tools do you use to ensure safe navigation?

For me, the most important part of safe navigation is having well-trained, experienced officers who understand their responsibilities. Technology is important, of course, but it’s the crew’s ability to stay calm and switch into high-focus mode at the right moment that really matters, especially during night operations. As captain, I need to trust that my team will make the right decisions and call me when necessary. That trust is more valuable than any piece of equipment.

That said, HANSEATIC spirit is a modern ship, only four years old, and equipped with advanced radar systems. It’s a Polar Class 6 vessel with an ice-strengthened hull and special propellers for navigating polar waters. We work with a reliable service provider who supplies us with satellite images and ice charts through an app and direct consultation. We also have access to a meteorological service in Miami through the Royal Caribbean Group network. These tools help us monitor ice conditions closely, whether we’re avoiding it or actively seeking it out.

On board you have often interactions with guests. What is the most common question or curiosity you get from passengers during an expedition cruise?

One of the funny questions I get asked is “Who’s on the bridge when you’re here?”, but the most common questions are weather-related, like “Will we be able to land?”, “Will the weather stay like this?” or “Can we follow the plan?” Another question I sometimes get, especially from surprised guests, is something like: “You’re so young, how can you have so many responsibilities?”. But in fact, the main curiosity is always about the feasibility of the day’s plan and whether conditions will allow us to go ahead.

When you get a rare moment of downtime what do you enjoy doing on board?

The hardest part of the job is being on call 24/7. Even if the phone doesn’t ring, just knowing it could keeps your mind switched on all the time, and that can be really exhausting. It took me a few years to realise how important it is to carve out a little space for myself. These days, my reset button is the gym. I don’t chat, I don’t take calls, I just move. It’s not always some intense workout; sometimes it’s just light exercise. The key for me is that it’s quiet and clears my head. I usually go super early, around 5 a.m., when no one else is there. That hour of peace makes a huge difference in how I handle the rest of the day.

Do you have any memorable or funny stories from your expeditions that you’d like to share?

One of my most memorable moments came during an expedition in South Georgia. As a staff captain for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, I was responsible for the Zodiac landings, driving the first boat to assess whether the landing would be safe. On the first day of the Antarctic season, I remember landing on a beach at around 6 or 7 in the morning. As I stepped off the boat, I was surrounded by thousands of penguins and seals. It was a surreal moment – thinking, “I’m the first person to set foot here in seven months.” Every time I experience that, it’s incredibly moving. It’s not just about the penguins, though – it’s the moment itself, the privilege of being the first to witness this untouched place. It never gets old, and it’s always a quite impressive experience.

As for the Arctic, a funny experience happened just last year in Svalbard. We were navigating through dense ice, approaching a glacier front, and the passengers were all out on deck, taking it all in. Out of nowhere, a polar bear appeared, following our ship. We immediately retreated, as the rules state, still this young bear was clearly curious and kept following us for over an hour. With the bright blue sky, the dense ice, and the polar bear so close, it truly felt like something out of a movie.

What’s one thing about the polar regions that most travellers wouldn’t know, but you wish they did?

I’d say to understand the difference between the Northern Arctic and Antarctica. The Arctic is incredibly silent, with vast, still landscapes and very little movement. It’s a place of peace and solitude. In contrast, Antarctica, especially areas like South Georgia, is full of life – penguins, seals, and constant activity. I’ve had passengers visit the Arctic expecting the same wildlife activity and being surprised by the quiet. But that silence is part of the beauty. In places like Northeast Greenland National Park, you’ll see small ships surrounded by huge, silent fjords, and the view is breathtaking. The key is not to compare the two – they offer very different but equally amazing experiences.

What advice would you give travellers who are thinking about joining an expedition cruise to the polar regions for the first time?

That’s a great question, and honestly, an important one. My biggest piece of advice is: make sure you’re truly ready for this kind of adventure. An expedition cruise to the polar regions isn’t a “test run” or a typical holiday – it’s a unique and often challenging experience. You’ll be in remote regions with unpredictable weather and limited comforts, so it’s important to know what to expect. If you’re unsure whether this kind of trip is right for you, it’s worth doing some research and speaking with people who’ve done it before. The more prepared you are, the more rewarding the experience will be.

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Ready to start planning your expedition cruise to the polar regions? Simply complete our enquiry form to get in touch, or call our Polar Specialists on 0203 196 1000.

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