There is no disputing the fact that Hapag Lloyd operate a fleet boasting some of the most comfortable and luxurious adventure ships in the world, sailing the most interesting and inaccessible regions on the cruising map. What has always been contentious is just how accessible their product is to the English speaking market.

I had the unusual pleasure of taking a short trip aboard Bremen from Gambia’s capital, Banjul to Dakar in Senegal via the Gambia River. Although I remain to be convinced about the virtues of exploring this particular region by ship, there is no doubt in my mind about Hapag Lloyd’s ability to deliver soft adventure to English speakers.

First, the ship. Décor is neutral and tasteful throughout. The Bremen Club is a good sized lounge where a buffet breakfast and themed lunch is served, it is also the hub of low key evening activity with a pianist and where possible local entertainment. We were privileged enough to have a performance from Gambian musicians during my time aboard. There is an area on deck behind the Bremen Club which is a fantastic place to eat breakfast and lunch in the open air or enjoy drinks after dinner if the weather is conducive. The Panorama Lounge gives good views of the passing scenery and it also has a small space outside – perfect for taking pictures. The sun deck has a pool and an upper area which in the African sunshine was perfect for enjoying the warm weather, but would be equally good in the icy waters of Antarctica for whale watching and penguin spotting. There is a small gym and spa.

My cabin was comfortable with an area by the window with a dressing table and chair to relax in after a hard days exploring. All cabins have climate control, a small bathroom, and a television which shows movies in both English and German.

Prices onboard are in Euros and drinks and spa treatments reasonably priced, with a good selection offered. The restaurant offers single fixed seating. The food was excellent, offering varied and tasty options each evening. The dress code during the day was casual and bar one formal night was informal in the evening.

The small number of passengers meant that excursions by Zodiac were a fairly efficient process, with each one carrying around a dozen passengers. The drivers also double as guides who have the uncanny knack of spotting wildlife that everyone else missed.

The tender drill and Zodiac safety briefing was carried out in English by the excellent on board staff. The lectures on the destinations and slide shows of the ship’s photographer’s shots were in both German and English, although English lectures were on occasions merged, meaning more than one topic was covered. This didn’t mean that the information offered was any less detailed, it did however mean that the English speaking sessions worked around the regularly scheduled German presentations. They weren’t an afterthought, but as you would expect the lectures in German were prioritised.

Service was efficient, friendly and attentive and throughout my time aboard I was unable to find a member of the staff who couldn’t speak excellent English. The library, although small, did have a selection of literature. The daily programme and the day’s news were delivered to my cabin in English each morning and announcements were conducted in both English and German. The focus is still very much on the German market and so certain signage was not always translated and occasionally I needed to share a menu at dinner, however this really was no inconvenience. The excellent staff were more than able to make up for any slight inconveniences.

I am confident that this vessel with her expert team of guides visiting a remote destination such as Antarctica would come into her own…be you German or English speaking.