EUROPA 2: Launch of 2014/2015 Brochure

[HostDave]

-- EUROPA 2's second English-language brochure features maiden calls in Denmark, Sweden and Norway
-- New cruising areas: Western Europe, the Caribbean and South America
-- For the first time: four-day short cruises in the North and Baltic Seas
-- Première: Transatlantic crossing

The EUROPA 2, the latest addition to the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ fleet, will take to both new and familiar waters in its second season of operation. In addition to two première cruises across the Atlantic with spectacular arrivals in New York and Hamburg, the schedule will feature new cruising areas in the Caribbean and South America. For the first time, lovers of modern, casual luxury will be able to experience this concept on board the EUROPA 2 while sailing on short cruises in the North and Baltic Seas. The new brochure, illustrated with high-resolution photographs of the modern cruise ship, will be available in travel agencies from September 2013 and will feature cruises from April 2014 until April 2015.

An all-round route concept with numerous maiden calls
The new ship, christened in Hamburg in May 2013, will set sail on its second season bound for 167 ports in five regions. These include the eastern and western Mediterranean and Western Europe with Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway, North America as well as the Caribbean and South America. A total of 32 routes feature calls at small, attractive ports far away from the tourist centres, not to mention ports of departure and destination with excellent accessibility. The Mediterranean routes are distinguished by their shorter seven-day cruise duration. This route concept unlocks numerous possible combinations – one-week cruises can be combined into one longer, several-week stay on board. Selected cruises with identical or similar routes are offered on a range of dates to allow guests flexibility when planning their holidays. The new, four-day short cruises are ideal for people embarking on their first-ever cruise, or who are only looking to indulge in a short break. Four of these cruises sail from Hamburg and Kiel to the Scandinavian capitals of Oslo and Copenhagen, or to Wismar, Bornholm and Usedom.

The EUROPA 2 in domestic waters – arrivals in Germany
Since its launch the EUROPA 2 is expected to return to its home city of Hamburg for the first time on 07 June 2014. The cruise ship will call at this Hanseatic city twice in total.

The Caribbean and South America
Three appealing cruises in the Caribbean and five to South America – the choice is not an easy one! The Caribbean lures guests on board the EUROPA 2 with, for example, exotic destinations such as Pink Beach (Barbuda), Grand Turk and Jost Van Dyke (British Virgin Islands). Alternatively, cruise lovers can circumnavigate South America in 76 days in this casual luxury ship. The South America combination is especially attractive for anyone wanting to do this. Booking all five cruises and guests receive a free bonus of €5,000 plus an excursion voucher to the value of €1,800. An additional extra: Free use of full laundry service (laundry, dry-cleaning, ironing) during the entire cruise.

Themed cruises: Family and golf cruises
Family cruises on board the EUROPA 2 do offer relaxation for the parents, variety for the children and fun for the whole family. Coordinated to match the school holidays, these cruises offer extraordinary on-shore and on-board programmes – the Steiff bear Captain Knopf will also come along as a mascot. Parent-free children and teens’ excursions are on offer alongside family trips with the parents. Children of all age groups will find their own favourite spot on the EUROPA 2, be it in the Knopf Club (2-3 years), the Kids’ Club (4-10 years) or the Teens' Club (11-15 years). The 12 family cruises in the 2014/2015 programme will sail, for example, from Malta to Piraeus, from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona and from Miami to Miami.

The Golf & Cruise voyages are especially suited either to experienced golfers, or also golfers in the making. Four visits will be organised to the most beautiful golf courses in Bilbao, Malaga, Casablanca and many more. Guests can perfect their learning on board: each cruise will be accompanied by an experienced golf professional from the Professional Golfers Association of Germany (PGA) who, on request, can train sports enthusiasts both on land and on board. Another PGA golf pro will be on the cruise ship 365 days each year and can also train guests between golf trips. The EUROPA 2 features two golf simulators where guests can perfect their technique using the integrated video analysis.