The Deutsche Atlantik Line was formed in December 1965 to finance a new ship. Axel Bitsch-Christensen, the manager of Hamburg Atlantik, drew up a scheme to offer past passengers on Hanseatic shares in the new company. This was successful, and an order was placed for the 25000 ton Hamburg in November 1966.
In September 1966, the Hanseatic had been badly damaged by fire . She was towed to Hamburg, but considered unsuitable for repair. The loss-making Shalom of Zim Lines was bought in 1967 by a third new company, the Hanseatic Schiffahrts Gesellschaft, and renamed Hanseatic. The Hamburg Atlantik Line was then wound up, and the Hanseatic was marketed as the Deutsche Atlantik Line. She was joined by the new Hamburg in 1969, by which time both ships were cruising full time, with annual positioning trips across the Atlantic. The company was by this time co-operating with Holland America Line, who were general agents for Deutsche America Line in the US, Canada and Mexico.
1973 was a difficult year for cruise operators, and Hanseatic was sold to Home Lines as their Doric. The Hamburg was briefly renamed Hanseatic, but was then sold herself to the Soviet Union (Black Sea Shipping Co) in early 1974, becoming the Maxim Gorky. She has subsequently spent many years catering for the German market, on charter to Phoenix Reisen of Bonn.