Jens worked on a cargo ship for the first time in 1984 at the age of 17 in East Germany which was one of the rare opportunities to pass the iron curtain and discover the world. As a deckhand he worked on reefer, bulk and general cargo vessels. He joined the Maritime University in Bremen, graduated in 2002 and started as Nautical Officer for a German tanker company where he later became Chief Mate. Dreams came true with a new opportunity on the luxury cruise ship Europa and especially on his first expedition ship Hanseatic and its worldwide itinerary. His passion and curiosity for expeditions, nature and wildlife and his fascination with the Arctic and Antarctic finally brought him to the Hanse Explorer in 2009. Jens loves whales and dolphins and close contact with these magnificent animals. He lives with his wife in beautiful Sedona/Arizona.
JENS KÖTHEN
Captain
Sergiy was born in Chornomorsk, a city on the Black Sea coast near Odessa, one of the main ports of Ukraine. In his youth he used to be a handball player but at the age of 17 he decided to connect his life with sea and studied at Odessa National Maritime Academy. After completion Sergiy was working on merchant fleet all around the world. In 2023 he had a chance to become part of the Hanse Explorer team and he took this opportunity without having second thoughts. Sergiy is looking forward to discover the most remote places on the plane
SERGIY GREBENYUK
First Officer
A native from Berlin, our latest galley gem for the Hanse Explorer crew. He brings 22 years of experience in high-end gastronomy to the table. He specialises in Thai cuisine, Texas BBQ grill and Mediterranean cuisine. His love for cooking was nurtured in the Austrian Alps and many gourmet restaurants across Europe. Marek always welcomes you into his culinary world and looks forward saying hello in his kingdom below. Marek is always open to questions and requests and is happy to share recipes.
MAREK SCHMIDT
Head Chef
Oscar was born in Alajuela in Costa Rica. So far, he has worked for over 22 years on ships. For nine years he worked on the Sea Voyager with Lindblad Expeditions and 8 years with Uncruise as a Sous Chef and Chef. For the last five years Oscar was with Lindblad Expeditions on the Quest. He is now for over two years on Hanse Explorer and is really happy for all the new experiences here.
OSCAR PICADO
Chef
Born in Austria, Marcus developed a love of cooking at an early age as his mom was usually so busy making a living that Marcus cooked for himself and his siblings. He studied at the hotel and catering school in Vienna. After catering school, life took him on a journey to many countries where he soaked up culture and food styles. He learned to cook from locals working in restaurants that needed a hand and a good attitude. His experiences took him to France, Portugal, New Zealand, Denmark and other countries and finally lead him to Hanse Explorer.
He is open and friendly and loves sharing his knowledge about food and cooking with anyone who is interested, so don’t hesitate to come for a chat in the galley if you have any questions or requests.
MARCUS GAN
Head Chef
Iris graduated with a Bachelor degree in hotel & restaurant management and spent over 17 years in housekeeping and hospitality service. She began her career at sea on a passenger ship and residential mega-yacht. After ten exciting years she decided to continue her leadership journey on land as housekeeping supervisor in a 5-star hotel in Makati/Philippines and later as a corporate supervisor assigned to create and implement procedures and guest set-up in all pre-opening hotels of the company. After 7 years, the sea was calling her back and she is very excited to be part of this expedition yacht to apply her skills and learn new trades.
IRIS GRACE DE JESUS
Chief steward/ess
Growing up in the Ukraine in the early 90s, shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union Andriy was captivated by Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the adventures of “Calypso”, and the beauty of the underwater world. Living on the coast of the Black Sea he learned free diving and Scuba diving in a local dive school. After graduating from high school, he applied for the maritime academy and was 17 when he joined a cargo ship as an apprentice. After obtaining his Officer’s license in 2010 Andriy joined Hanse Explorer. Here Andriy has been to some of the most remote locations in the world, captaining various expeditions and navigating ice-covered waters. He has travelled Cocos Island, many other remote islands in the Pacific, the polar regions of Svalbard, Greenland, Canada, Antarctica and Sub-Antarctic Islands. His favourite destination remains, without a doubt, Antarctica, where he tries to return every year.
ANDRIY BRATASH
Captain
Back in 1984 in the former USSR Nikolai started to work at sea which gave him the opportunity to explore the world. In 2010 he found his way to Harren & Partner and later in 2014 he joined the crew of the Hanse Explorer. He likes everything about working onboard Hanse Explorer, the destinations, the expeditions and having guests on board. Nikolai is responsible for all technical equipment on board: main & auxiliary engines, osmosis plant, electrical systems and so much more. He’s always happy to welcome you for a tour in his engine room. He likes it quiet when at home, taking care of his family, his two dogs and enjoys gardening.
NIKOLAI CHORNY
Chief engineer
Kamil started his career in 1995 as an ordinary seaman on cargo ships. His first ship was general cargo ship. He has worked on most types of cargo ships. In 2015 a new path opened up with the opportunity to work as Bosun on the HANSE EXPLORER. Kamil is responsible for all deck maintenance of the ship, also carrying out interior carpenter jobs, launching and driving Zodiacs. Kamil has his own sail boat in Kusadasi where he does day trips with tourists from all over the world. Kamil’s home is in Rize which is on the coast of the Black Sea. At home he loves to go fishing and on the terrace outside his house enjoys the view of the Black Sea with his family.
KAMIL KEMER
Bosun
Michelle started her hospitality career shortly after she left school. She went on to manage a 40-bed roomed hotel as General Manager. Looking for a change in career, she studied a complimentary health technique and ran her own Body Stress Release Practice for 6 years in Plettenberg Bay. An enthusiastic environmentalist, she held the post of Chairperson of the local Wildlife and Environment Society for 4 years in Plettenberg Bay. A new opportunity raised its head and she set off to the Med to sign on as a luxury yacht stewardess in 2004. Along the way she discovered expedition ships and is now happy to be a part of the HANSE EXPLORER team. She enjoys photography, swimming and is a keen lover of nature and all its spectacular offerings.
MICHELLE SERRURIER
Chief steward/ess
Price: $245,000 - $245,000 / Per Week
Length: 0 Ft
Guests: 12
Speed: 12 Knots
Cabins: N/A
Build year: N/A
Crew: N/A