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Hapag-Lloyd unveils more detail on Europa 2

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A first impression of Europa 2's atrium
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ new Europa 2, currently under construction at STX’s St Nazaire yard, will undertake her maiden voyage between May 11-25, 2013 from Hamburg to Lisbon.

The newbuild will feature eleven decks, all-suites with their own outdoor verandas, and the largest space per passenger ratio in the cruise industry, claims the German operator.

All of the cruises on Europa 2 will be international, conducted in both German and English for the duration of all voyages. An English-language brochure will be published this coming autumn.

‘We are breaking new ground with the Europa 2. She will represent a modern and casual interpretation of luxury cruises in terms of her architecture, her restaurants and her entertainment programme,’ said Sebastian Ahrens, managing director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

‘The ship will be positioned internationally, English-speaking guests will feel comfortable on every cruise,’ he added.

‘Most of the entertainment on-board, does not rely on language. The on-board announcements will generally be reduced to a minimum and made in German and English at all times, remarked Ahrens.

There will be more than 370 staff members for a maximum of 516 guests, as well as butler and travel concierge services.

Hapag-Lloyd said Europa 2 is the first cruise ship equipped with catalysts, ‘which reduce the emission of nitrogen oxides by almost 95%’. The catalysts are supplied H + H, located in Southern Germany.

The ship will call at a total of 123 ports, with 26 different itineraries in 2013. Deployment will be in the Mediterranean, the Arabian Peninsula, as well as Southeast Asia. 12 Zodiacs will be on-board, to take passengers to lagoons and beaches.

The 251 suites in seven different categories, measuring in size from 28 to 99sq mtr will offer their own whirlpools with ocean view in the highest categories.

In addition, 16 Spa Suites will have whirlpool tubs and rain showers with steam saunas. There will be seven family style suites, where parents and children can live in two separate areas, connected by a door and a shared balcony.

Eight restaurants will offer three speciality restaurants with Mediterranean, French and Asian cuisine, as well as a Sushi Bar. All restaurants are included in the cruise price (excluding beverages). On special occasions, guests can book the private dining room. There will also be an on-board cooking school, equipped by Miele, where professional chefs will provide guests with unique insights.

The theatre will have modern stage technology and a large LED wall extending across two stories – a novelty on a relatively small ship. For the first time for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the entertainment programme will feature spectacular productions, performances and light shows. Two different shows per week will be offered. Passengers who spend 14 days onboard will see four different shows. International guest artists will further enhance the entertainment program.

The wellness area of Europa 2 will cover 1,000sq mtr offering treatments in the spa’s eight rooms plus sauna and whirlpool facilities, as well as massage beds and relaxation area plus fitness and cardio equipment, as well as a room where Pilates and Spinning will take place.