South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands: Aboard MS Hamburg on Cruise "From Cape to Cape"

In January 2026, the German cruise ship MS Hamburg set off on an extraordinary voyage called “Von Kap zu Kap” (From Cape to Cape). The journey took passengers from Buenos Aires to the Falkland Islands, Ushuaia, the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia, before continuing across the South Atlantic towards Tristan da Cunha and Cape Town.

This Cover is from its stop at King Edward Point, South Georgia postmark, dated 26 January 2026. This remote British Overseas Territory is famous for its spectacular landscapes, enormous penguin colonies and its connection to Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

 

The front of the envelope is decorated with several cachets, including two different MS Hamburg ship stamps, a large illustrated cruise cachet, the captain's signature and pale-blue cachet from King Edward Point Research Station.

 

On the backside we find two Ushuaia and Antarctic-themed cachets, a turquoise whale and a personal cachet from the sender and polar researcher Dr. Volker Strecke. Many thanks for sending this great cover!

 

Stamp on this Cover

1×

South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands – Weather Definitive: King Edward Point (£1.25)

Issued: 31-01-2025

USA/Germany: SpongeBob SquarePants on Stamps – From the USA and Germany

The United States Postal Service (USPS) celebrated the popular animated series SpongeBob SquarePants with a set of four colorful Forever stamp designs, issued on August 1, 2025. Two designs feature close-ups of SpongeBob's smiling face (like on follwoing cover), while the others show his friends and fellow residents of Bikini Bottom. The stamps were released in sheets of 16. My cover from St. Louis, Missouri, features one of the bright yellow SpongeBob stamps, accompanied by two additional US stamps.

 

 

Stamps on this Cover

1× SpongeBob SquarePants – Forever Stamp Issued: 01-08-2025

1× Lowriders – El Rey (1963 Chevrolet Impala) Issued: 13-03-2026

1× School Bus – Additional Ounce Issued: 05-01-2023

 

Deutsche Post followed with its own SpongeBob commemorative stamp on March 2, 2026. The €0.95 stamp features SpongeBob, his best friend Patrick Star, and Sandy Cheeks. An interesting feature is its compatibility with the Ravensburger tiptoi interactive pen, which brings the stamp to life with sounds, dialogue, and music.

Stamps on this Cover

1× SpongeBob SquarePants and Friends (€0.95) Issued: 02-03-2026

Special commemorative postmark from Berlin, March 3, 2026, celebrating the official stamp presentation.

Switzerland: Heididorf, Maienfeld

During our summer trip to Switzerland in August 2026, I had the opportunity to visit a particularly charming place for both travellers and cover collectors: the Heididorf in Maienfeld, the village dedicated to the world-famous story of "Heidi" by Swiss author Johanna Spyri.

 

Stamp on this Cover

1× Swiss Macro Nature "Moos" Issued: 01.01.2024

 

One of the several postcards sold there

For me as a collector, however, there is another very special reason to visit: Heididorf is home to what is described as the smallest post office in Switzerland. Located within the Heididorf visitor and souvenir shop, this tiny postal facility has its own special Heididorf postmark, making it an unusual philatelic destination. 

Smallest Post Office in Switzerland, picture taken by me

Seychelles: Praslin Island

Some postcards are special not because they are particularly rare, but because of the story behind their journey. This postcard from the Seychelles is a perfect example.

It was sent to me by Martin Daldrup, whose sailing adventures I have been following for quite some time. Martin is an experienced bluewater sailor who has crossed the Atlantic several times and documented his voyages in three books. His journeys have included some extraordinary experiences, including the loss of his former yacht "Jambo" in the South Atlantic and a dramatic rescue after spending around 20 hours in a life raft.

While sailing through the Seychelles in June 2026, Martin kindly agreed to send me a postcard. A few weeks later this beautiful card from Praslin Island arrived in my postbox. The front shows some of the classic scenery of Praslin: tropical beaches, granite rocks and palm trees, together with the famous Coco de Mer, one of the most distinctive symbols of the Seychelles.

After the Seychelles, his voyage continues eastwards towards Australia – a journey across the Indian Ocean and one that I will certainly continue to follow. If you like to follow too, check his website: www.mjambo.de, his Instagram or Facebook Account. 

Stamps on this Postcard

1× Fish (Rp. 15) Issued: 03-10-2005

1× Fish (Rp. 3) Issued: 03-11-2003

Many thanks to Martin for taking the time to send this little piece of the Seychelles. It is a wonderful addition to my collection.

Germany: EUROPA 2026 - "The 70th Anniversary of the Europa Stamp"

This German first-day cover commemorates the 70th anniversary of EUROPA stamps. It bears the 95-cent German EUROPA 2026 stamp and was cancelled with the matching first-day postmark (Bonn) on 7 May 2026.

A particularly interesting feature is the row of circular openings of the the stamp design. These are not merely printed white dots: they are genuine die-cut holes in the stamp itself. This gives the German issue a distinctive three-dimensional effect and sets it apart from, for example, the French EUROPA stamp also shown on this blog, where the circles are only represented graphically.

Stamp on this Cover

1× EUROPA 2026 - "The 70th Anniversary of the Europa Stamp" Issued: 07-05-2026

France: EUROPA 2026 - "The 70th Anniversary of the Europa Stamp"

First launched in 1956, EUROPA stamps have become one of the most popular collecting areas in European philately, symbolising cooperation, cultural exchange and a shared European identity. For 2026, the 70th Anniversary, the participating postal administrations return again (after 2023) to the idea of a common design. The official design features a dynamic diagonal line of seven dots, representing seven decades of EUROPA stamps. Its modern and abstract visual language connects the past of post-war European cooperation with the present-day idea of unity across borders.

Stamp on this Cover

1× EUROPA 2026 - "The 70th Anniversary of the Europa Stamp" Issued: 09-05-2026

Many thanks to Eric!

USA: Muhammad Ali

On January 15, 2026, the United States Postal Service issued two Forever Stamps honoring Muhammad Ali. The designs were created by USPS art director Antonio Alcalá, based on a 1974 Associated Press photograph of Ali in his boxing pose. Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.; January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016) was an American professional boxer and activist. A global cultural icon, widely known by the nickname "the Greatest", he is often regarded as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time.

The first-day-of-issue ceremony was held in Ali's hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, which is reflected in the cancellation on this cover: First Day of Issue – January 15, 2026 – Louisville, KY 40231. The envelope carries three of the stamps side by side, two showing the portrait design and one the typographic "ALI – The Greatest" variant.

 

Stamps on this Cover

3× Muhammad Ali Issued: 15-01-2026

Many thanks to John!

Germany: Minehunter Fulda (M 1058) on Mission SNMCMG2 - May 2026

This cover shows a Missioncachet of the Minehunter Fulda (M 1058) from its departure in Kiel on 4 May 2026 heading to the Mediterranean as part of SNMCMG2 (Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2). The Fulda is being pre-positioned as a precautionary measure for a potential deployment related to the Strait of Hormuz crisis, where mine-hunting vessels like this one could play a critical role. She is equipped with underwater drones and sonar systems for locating and neutralizing sea mines.

Stamp on this Cover

1× Lüneburg Heath Issued: 02-04-2026

Many thanks for the help to Kay Neuthor!

Picture of the Ship:

© Bundeswehr/Alexander Ullmann

North Korea: Sports

The "Democratic People's Republic" (DPR) of Korea is one of the most isolated nations on earth – and also one of the most prolific producers of thematic stamps. This illustrated cover was sent by the Korea Stamp Corporation, the state philatelic agency based at Yonggwang Street in the Central District of Pyongyang, which regularly dispatches philatelic covers to collectors worldwide. 

Three se-tenant stamps from the sheet "Sports" issued 25th July 2020 are used here, showing Volleyball, Speed Skating and Diving – each at a face value of 50 won. An additional 10-won definitive stamp depicting the North Korean national flag completes the franking to a total of 160 won. 

What makes this cover particularly special is a purple framed handstamp reading "Delivery delayed due to COVID-19 / DELAYED". North Korea closed its borders in January 2020, making it one of the first countries in the world to do so in response to the pandemic – and one of the strictest. International mail services were severely disrupted or suspended entirely for an extended period. Now, almost 6 years later, it seems the letters that have been sitting there are finally starting to be mailed out.

Stamps on this Cover

minisheet Sports Issued: 25-07-2020

1x 10-won Definitive stamp (Flag) Issued: unknown

Many thanks to Yue Xu!

Germany: Lufthansa Codeshare First Flight LH878/9110/WF934 - Frankfurt a.M. - Tromsø - Alta, Norway

Two covers from 1st November 2025, both for the occasion of Widerøe joining the Lufthansa Group and entering the Star Alliance. The philatelic interest of these covers lies partly in the route itself. The mail travelled on a flight under a codeshare arrangement: first on LH 878 from Frankfurt to Tromsø, operated by Lufthansa with an Airbus A321, then onward as LH 9110 / WF 934 from Tromsø to Alta, flown by Widerøe on a De Havilland DHC-8. The dual flight number on the second leg - a Lufthansa code (LH 9110) on a Widerøe-operated service (WF 934) - reflects the new partnership being celebrated: Lufthansa marketing seats on a regional Norwegian carrier's aircraft into destinations it could not otherwise serve with its own equipment.

1. Frankfurt a.M. - Tromsø 

This Cover got an additional round cancel from the Hurtigruten Ship MS Midnatsol. The ship happened to be in port at Tromsø at that time.

2. Frankfurt a.M. - (Tromsø)  - Alta

This Cover got an additional arrival cancel from the Nord-Kapp. Alta is more than 200 km from the Nordkapp, but the Norwegian postal service was kind enough to use this cancel.

Stamps on both Covers

1× World of Letters Definitive (1,25 €) Issued: 01-03-2025

South Korea: New Year's Greetings 2026 - Year of the Horse

The Korean postal service (Korea Post) welcomed the upcoming Year of the Horse with a delightful New Year's Greetings stamp issue, released on 1 December 2025. In the Chinese zodiac, the horse is the seventh of the twelve animals – a symbol of energy, freedom, and perseverance. The Year of the Horse 2026 began on 17 February 2026 with the Lunar New Year celebrations across East Asia.

Stamps on this Cover

full set New Year's Greetings 2026 - Year of the Horse Issued: 01-12-2025

Many thanks to Park Pyo Jun!

Malaysia: Malaysian Pottery

In January 2026, Pos Malaysia issued the “Malaysian Pottery” stamp series to celebrate the country’s rich ceramic heritage. The 30 sen, 50 sen, and RM1.00 stamps, along with the RM5.00 miniature sheet, showcase traditional pottery forms and decorative styles influenced by indigenous, Malay, and Chinese cultures. Pottery has played an important role in daily life and ceremonial practices in Malaysia for centuries, from food storage to ritual use.

Stamps on this Cover

4× Malaysian Pottery Issued: 22-01-2026

mini sheet Malaysian Pottery Issued: 22-01-2026

Many thanks to Henry!

China: The 100th Anniversary of Yunnan University

Yunnan University (YNU; 云南大学) was founded in 1922 and officially opened on April 20, 1923. As one of the earliest comprehensive universities established in the southwest border area of China. The university is part of Project 211 and the Double First-Class Construction. Students studying on the campus of Yunnan University have reached 19,872, of whom 9,919 are full-time undergraduates, 2,853 are postgraduates (94 are studying for their doctorate, 684 are studying for their master's).

Stamps on this Cover

4× The 100th Anniversary of Yunnan University Issued: 20-04-2023

1× World EXPO 2010 Shanghai China Issued: 19-12-2007

Many thanks to Xu Wei!

Austria: In Memoriam - Pope Francis (1936 - 2025)

Pope Francis passed away on 21st April 2025 (almost one year ago) at the age of 88. His twelve years in office as the head of the Catholic Church were characterised by his commitment to social justice. Other countries like the Philippines issued a stamp on this occasion, too.

Stamp on this Cover

1× In Memoriam - Pope Francis (1936 - 2025) Issued: 23-05-2025

Greenland: Qaqortoq - Cruise w/ MS Hamburg from Hamburg via Iceland to Greenland (**1000th Cover**)

Worldwide Covers Blog

1000

Covers

This post marks a historic milestone. It's the 1000th Cover I posted here since I started this Blog in May 2015. Thank you for being part of it.

1000 covers documented  ·  100+ countries  ·  10+ years of collecting

This cover arrived as part of the cruise "Von Hamburg über Island nach Grönland" (From Hamburg via Iceland to Greenland), a voyage running from 16 July to 2 August 2025 aboard the MS Hamburg. The cover was posted in Qaqortoq (pop. ~3,000). It is the largest town in South Greenland and the administrative centre of the Kujalleq municipality. Its name means "the white place" in Greenlandic. The town's natural harbour makes it a regular call for expedition cruise ships traversing the West Greenland coast. Besides the regular postmark, the cover shows four cachets applied on board the MS Hamburg, all in blue ink.

 

Stamps on this Cover

left Kofoed´s School Nuuk (+Additional Value) Issued: 18-10-2017

right SEPAC 2023 - "Traditional markets" Issued: 30-05-2023

Many thanks to Volker! 

 

 

 

Picture of the Ship:

 

(c) https://www.plantours-kreuzfahrten.de

 

 

Pakistan: Skardu G.P.O

This cover I received from Skardu, Pakistan back in 2025. Skardu is a regional town in northern Pakistan and the administrative center of the Skardu District in Gilgit-Baltistan. It lies at an altitude of roughly 2,200 meters and is situated along the Indus River, surrounded by the mountains of the Karakoram range. The cover was cancelled in the Skardu General Post Office, the back side of the cover shows two transit postmarks from Islamabad, indicating that the cover was routed through the country’s main postal hub before onward transmission. 

Backside:

Stamps on this Cover

4× Definitive - Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1876-1948) Issued: 14-09-2024

Many thanks to Alex!

Germany: "Stolpersteine" and Margot Friedländer (1921–2025)

Two stamps frank this cover, both from the 2025 German commemorative stamp programme and each valued at 0.95 €. The upper stamp is the "Stolpersteine" issue, the design reproduces one of Gunter Demnig's brass cobblestones. His "Stolpersteine"-project, now comprising well over 100.000 individual memorial stones embedded in pavements across Europe, commemorates Holocaust victims at the very places they last lived or worked. The lower stamp honours Margot Friedländer (1921–2025). Friedländer was a well-known Holocaust survivors and a tireless advocate for remembrance until her death at the age of 103 in May 2025. 

Stamps on this Cover

top-right Stolpersteine Issued: 04-12-2025

bottom-left Margot Friedländer (1921–2025) Issued: 04-12-2025

USA: Ship Mail from the RV Thomas G. Thompson – University of Washington

This cover was mailed aboard the RV Thomas G. Thompson, the oceanographic research vessel operated by the University of Washington School of Oceanography in Seattle. The circular ship cachet shows a scenic landscape illustration and prominently features both the vessel's name and the School of Oceanography.

Adding a further official touch, the cover also bears the embossed seal of the University of Washington (founded 1861) in the lower left — a blind emboss used on formal university correspondence, and a nice philatelic bonus for this piece.

Stamps:

Trident Maple Bonsai (Forever, 45¢) - Issued: 23-01-2012

"Freedom Forever" Flag - Issued: 22-02-2012

School Bus (Additional Ounce) - 05-01-2023

Many thanks to John!

 

 

 

Picture of the Ship:

 

By University of Washington - https://www.dvidshub.net/image/4352847/r-v-thomas-g-thompson, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=93242359

 

Bulgaria: Bulgaria in the Eurozone

On 1st January 2026, Bulgaria officially adopted the euro, becoming the latest member of the eurozone. To mark this historic moment, Bulgarian Post issued its first stamp of 2026, titled "Bulgaria in the Eurozone" – carrying a face value of 1 euro and designed by Nenko Atanasov. The stamp was officially issued on January 14th 2026.

Stamp:

Bulgaria: Bulgaria in the Eurozone - Issued: 14-01-2026

Many thanks to Emil!

Liechtenstein: SEPAC 2025 - "Architecture"

As reminder, every year, the members of SEPAC – the Small European Postal Administrations' Cooperation – join forces to release a stamp on a shared theme. For 2025, the chosen theme is "Architecture". Liechtenstein's contribution is a single stamp with a face value of CHF 1.90, issued on 2 June 2025. The motif is the Hagenhaus – a 19th-century farmstead located in the small hamlet of Nendeln. The building complex has been a listed monument since 1988 and is considered the best-preserved early 19th-century farm complex in the entire Principality.

Stamp:

SEPAC 2025 - "Architecture" - Issued: 02-06-2025

Luxembourg: The Accession of Grand Duke Guillaume

On 3 October 2025, Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg abdicated after nearly twenty-five years on the throne, passing the crown to his eldest son, Guillaume V, Grand Duke of Luxembourg. The change of throne was formalised at the Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg City and followed by Guillaume’s oath before the Chamber of Deputies, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the world’s only remaining grand duchy. 

Stamp:

The Accession of Grand Duke Guillaume - Issued: 03-10-2025

South Africa: German frigate "Baden-Württemberg" (F 222) - Mission: "Indo-Pacific Deployment 2024" (May - December 2024)

This is another cover of german frigate "Baden-Württemberg" on its 2024 "Indo-Pacific Deployment"-Mission. After I got a cover from its port call to Tokyo in August 2024, this comes from the port call to Cape Town, South Africa in late November 2024. As a reminder, the Indo-Pacific Deployment marked a strategic effort by European and allied navies to reinforce maritime security, uphold freedom of navigation, and strengthen partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region. 

The cover was posted in Cape Town but was actually postmarked about 1,500 kilometers to the north, near the capital, Pretoria in Tshwane.

 

Stamp:

Birds - Woodpeckers (from a set of 10) - Issued: 12-03-2020

Picture of the Ship during the port call to Cape Town:

(c) Bundeswehr/ Julia Kelm

 

France: 50 years of Radio France

In 2025, Radio France celebrates its 50th anniversary. The public broadcaster was founded in 1975 after the breakup of ORTF and has since become a central part of France’s media landscape. Radio France runs several well-known stations, including France Inter, France Info, and France Culture. Together, they offer news, music, culture, and entertainment to millions of listeners every day.

Stamps:

50 years of Radio France (Bloc stamp & stamp) - Issued: 29-08-2025

Many thanks to Eric!

Malaysia: 160th Anniversary of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU)

In 2025, the world marks 160 years since the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), established in 1865 to advance global connectivity and international cooperation in telecommunications. For this occasion Pos Malaysia issued 2 stamps as se-tenant pair and 1 miniature sheet containing 2 different circular stamps.

 

 

 

Stamps:

160th Anniversary of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) - Issued: 17-05-2025

Stamp:

160th Anniversary of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) (mini sheet) - Issued: 17-05-2025

 

Many thanks to Henry!

Germany: Lufthansa Nonstop Flight LH640 Munich, Germany -> Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Starting October 26, 2025, Lufthansa resumed nonstop flights between Munich and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The route had previously been suspended as part of the airline’s network consolidation and capacity adjustments during and after the global pandemic period. As the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is home to nearly eight million people and is known for its sustained growth, dynamic economy, and rich cultural heritage—making it an increasingly important hub for international business and investment. The purple postmark indicates that the flight was operated by D-AIXF, an Airbus A350-900 (A350-941) in the fleet of Lufthansa, bearing the name “Bochum.”

 

 

Backside:

 

Stamp:

World of Letters Definitive (1,25 €) - Issued: 01-03-2025

Poland: EUROPA 2025 - "National Archaeological Discoveries"

 

Stamps:

EUROPA 2025 - "National Archaeological Discoveries" - Issued: 29-04-2025

Many thanks to Jeremy!

Philippines: Personalities - "Carlos Yulo" (First filipino gymnast to win Olympic gold medals)

Carlos Yulo (*16th February 2000) is the first filipino gymnast to win Olympic gold medals. He earned two titles at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning gold in the men’s floor exercise and men’s vault.

 Stamp:

Personalities - "Carlos Yulo" (s/s) - Issued: 24-04-2025 

Many thanks to Danny!

 

In addition to Yulo’s victories, the Philippines also earned other medals in Paris, including a bronze medal by Aira Villegas in women’s boxing (flyweight division) and another bronze by Nesthy Petecio in women’s boxing (featherweight division).

 

Stamps:

Personalities - "Paris 2024 Medalists" - Issued: 24-014-2025

Many thanks to Ani!

Canada: Places of Pride

Released on May 30, 2025, Canada Post's "Places of Pride" stamp series commemorates four historic 2SLGBTQIA+ sites across Canada. The four Permanent™ domestic rate stamps, designed by Kelly Small and illustrated by Tim Singleton, honor landmarks of activism and community, including Club Carousel (Calgary), Hanlan’s Point Beach (Toronto), Truxx Bar (Montreal), and the 3rd North American Native Gay & Lesbian Gathering. 

Many thanks to Linda, for sending me this cover with her own designed offical postmark!

Stamps:

Places of Pride (from a set of 4) - Issued: 30-05-2025

Switzerland: Solidarity for Blatten

Blatten, a small village in the Swiss canton of Valais, was struck by a devastating landslide on 28 May 2025, when a collapse of the Birch Glacier buried most of the community under rock, ice, and debris, destroying homes and infrastructure. The disaster forced the evacuation of residents and shocked the nation as Switzerland rallied to support the affected families. As part of the relief effort, Swiss Post issued a special “Solidarity for Blatten” postage stamp in cooperation with the Swiss Red Cross. Every stamp sold contributes (CHF 5.00) directly to aid for those who lost their homes and possessions, turning the stamp into both a symbol of sympathy and a practical way to help.

 

Stamps:

Solidarity for Blatten - Issued: 01-08-2025

The 50th Anniversary of Swiss Radio International - Issued: 10-09-1985

Many thanks to Hansjürg!

Austria: "Christmas 2025" - 64th "Weihnachtsballonpost" ("Christmas Balloon Post")

Merry Christmas to everyone!

Like last year, I'm happy to show this year's Weihnachtsballonpost ("Christmas Balloon Post"), too. As a reminder, this is an annual tradition and philatelic charity champaigne of sending specially designed Christmas covers and postcards via hot air balloon from Sonthofen, Germany to the town of Christkindl in Austria. The envelope bears a pictorial cancellation from the Christkindl post office on the right and on the left the black Cachet of the Ballon including a customized stamp celebrating the 64rthWeihnachts-ballonpost. The green-framed flight label provides detailed information about the balloon transport. 

Stamp:

Christmas – The Birth of Christ, St Leonhard parish church - Issued: 14-11-2025