Major restyling for Europa 2 completed

[HostDave]

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Europa 2 has spent the last 14 days undergoing a restyling at Blohm + Voss in Hamburg.

During the dry-docking, around 550 external specialists and 370 crew members have worked on conceptual changes, cosmetic repairs, maintenance tasks and structural elements. In total, the craftsmen laid 4,000sq mtr of new carpet and used 5,000 litres of paint.

The extensive work focused on modernising Deck 9 with The Belvedere given a completely different look with new furniture, colours and materials. This lounge at the ship’s bow has been transformed into a coffee bar. A newly-integrated library has been added.

The former Library – also on Deck 9 – is now home to the new cruise sales lounge, with an ocean view. A highlight here is the new, small EUROPA 2 museum, which is located in the waiting area of the lounge. Numerous display cases feature special pieces from the short history of the luxury ship, including a model of Europa 2 and a replica of the keel-laying coin.

The auditorium on the same deck has also been redesigned. The new studio will be used for workshops, talks and cinema viewings. Yoga classes will also be held here with a view of the ocean.

The most extensive construction work took place in the Spa area on Deck 5: all four saunas have been renovated and given a new concept. There is now a Finnish sauna, a revitalising Deep Ocean sauna and a mineral steam bath. In the low-temperature herbal sauna, heated to 65°C, the Black Forest-inspired décor creates a relaxing atmosphere. The Spa area now features a lounge corner with a fireplace (electric) and new lounge furniture has been added to the outdoor area.

Deck 4 is filled entirely with public areas with speciality restaurants and bars. The popular Herrenzimmer gin bar has been given a new look and renamed Collins. It boasts 45 varieties of gin. A piece of art by Hamburg duo Sutosuto forms the centrepiece of the room.

Opposite the Collins bar is the former Jazz Club, which has been renamed Club 2. New seating has also been added to the Italian restaurant Serenissima.

The Teens’ Club has moved from Deck 7 to Deck 4 to make the teens’ space even more private.

The former private dining room Speisezimmer has been transformed into a large, relaxing lounge area with alcoves and games consoles. The route to the new Teens’ Club is indicated by graffiti work of Hamburg-based artist Lady Wave.

After leaving the shipyard, Europa 2 will first sail from Hamburg through the Kiel Canal to Oslo and Gothenburg and back to Hamburg.