New MS EUROPA 2 of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Leaves the Drydock

Four months after the laying down of the keel, the EUROPA 2 has already left the dry dock of the STX France shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.

In an open festive ceremony, the dock was flooded and the new addition to the fleet of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises took to the water for the first time.

Now that the EUROPA 2 has left the drydock the next construction stage is due to begin – the completion of the interior at the outfitting pier.

251 all-balcony suites, eight restaurants, a modern theater as well as bars, lounges and public areas will be featured on board the EUROPA 2.

A total of 835 shipyard workers are involved in the construction of the new ship – until the delivery of the latter in the spring of 2013. They will dedicate around 2.5 million hours of labor to the project, and 10,000 tons of steel have already been used in the process of building the EUROPA 2. The ship is expected to be delivered to Hapag-Lloyd Cruises at the end of April 2013 – her 14-day maiden voyage from Hamburg to Lisbon will take place from May 11 – 25 2013.

The EUROPA 2, the sister ship of the EUROPA will be positioned in the luxury segment as a lifestyle-oriented, casual alternative. The EUROPA 2 will offer a maximum of 516 guests more space per passenger than any other cruise liner, with 251 all-balcony suites. All the ship suites have a veranda and a minimum size of 301 ft². Eight restaurants, as well as six bars will offer culinary diversity, and a large spa and fitness area takes into account the trend towards health and well-being at sea.

For more information on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ exciting destinations and itineraries visit www.hl-cruises.com or visit the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises profile at Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine

Another reason to cruise European

European cruise lines are finally following the trend set by Yachts of Seabourn, Silversea Cruises, SeaDream and lately Regent Seven Seas Cruises in the provision of all-inclusive cruises, but they’re doing it in a slightly different way – by offering packages that cruise passengers can purchase before the cruise or on embarkation.

Thomson Cruises, for example, offers an all-inclusive drinks package that includes draft beer, spirits, aperitifs, house wines, soft drinks and a range of cocktails.

Louis Cruise Lines’ drinks package includes drinks from the bar and wine in the restaurant.

MSC Cruises offers an unlimited drinks package that includes a selection of bottled wines, mineral water, beer and soft drinks, and a second package that includes soft drinks and mineral water.


And starting in 2011, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will be offering a new and attractive price structure for its premium ship, the MS Columbus. With the “Columbus all-inclusive package,” extras on board will become a thing of the past. For anyone booking a “Columbus all-inclusive package,” all 81 drinks on the beverages list – from soft drinks to exotic cocktails – all tips on board and even a package of two to four shore excursions per cruise are included in the price.


The larger cruise lines plying the waters of the Caribbean seem reluctant to follow the trend - though some cruise lines, like Celebrity Cruises are offering wine packages and will be offering more elaborate drinks packages in the future.

For the moment - it’s just another reason to cruise European.

For more information about all-inclusive cruises visit the ALL INCLUSIVE CRUISES page at Prow’s Edge Cruise Magazine

Hapag-LLoyd Cruises Returns to the Great Lakes in Fall 2011

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is happy to announce the return of their Great Lakes cruises in 2011. MS COLUMBUS, built in 1997 was specifically designed to navigate the locks of the Great Lakes, and is therefore one of the few ocean-going cruise ships that can successfully travel through the wonderful scenery of the Great Lakes of North America. The COLUMBUS offers a unique opportunity to experience a European cruise ship on two Great Lakes itineraries in 2011.

The two international (German/English) Great Lakes itineraries provide the rare opportunity to visit seven different states, two Canadian provinces, and all five lakes. A highlight of the Great Lakes journeys is when the COLUMBUS proceeds through the eight locks of the 28-mile long Welland Canal, after tackling a height difference of almost 328 feet. Guests will also be presented with numerous opportunities for outings which include: attending a real Pow-Wow and traversing the Agawa Canyon on an excursion that takes them where tourists seldom go, through a breath-taking wilderness with waterfalls, ravines and steep passes.

The 2011 COLUMBUS international cruises ensure English-speaking passengers feel comfortable from the moment they step onboard. Travel Documents and information is provided to guests in English prior to their trip. Documentation in English onboard includes: daily programs, menus, announcements, lectures/video presentations, and safety drill instructions. Shore excursions are offered in English at each port of call. Lastly, the entire crew is fluent in English.

For an overview of Hapag-LLoyd Cruises visit the Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine page on Hapag-LLoyd Cruises or visit the official web site here.

Photo courtesy Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ MS EUROPA Wins Prestigious Award for the Third Year In a Row

For the third time in a row, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ MS EUROPA is the only cruise line in the world to be awarded the prestigious six star diamond award by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.

The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences is renowned worldwide for awarding excellence in the global travel and luxury services sector. Each year the Academy bestows its coveted International Star Diamond Award exclusively to five star establishments that are deemed to be the pinnacle of quality by its esteemed Board of Trustees.

“The MS EUROPA is the only ship amongst our members deserving of the six star diamond recognition, it’s the most elite of its kind, said Academy president, Joseph D. Cinque. “We believe the MS EUROPA is one of the most beautiful yachts in the world and has earned its right as a six star diamond award recipient for three consecutive years.”

EUROPA is the first “all-suites” cruise ship, with staterooms that are never less than 290 square feet, 80% of them having their own veranda, assuring privacy and relaxation. The EUROPA is one of the few ships in the cruise industry that offers guests the largest space per passenger, as well as one of the highest staff passenger ratios, with 280 staff members for max. 408 guests.

The EUROPA offering international cruises (German/English) ensures English-speaking passengers feel comfortable from the moment they step on board.

See the Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine profile of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, or for more information on the EUROPA’s ‘10-’11 bilingual itineraries visit www.hl-cruises.com

Photo Courtesy Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

What IS a Luxury Expedition Vessel?

Well, according to the 2010 Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Five-Star Expedition Ship MS Hanseatic is exactly that!

The MS Hanseatic was created to provide intensive exploration in the most elegant surroundings for a maximum of 184 guests. Outer cabins measure 237 sq. ft. and suites measure a very comfortable 474 sq. ft. Each cabin features a complimentary TV information network with private e-mail, movies on demand and radio and cruise information. Internet is available in the business center and also in each cabin, at an additional charge.

The ship also has a swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool and fitness center.

A shallow draft and high manoeuvrability allow the ship to enter waters larger cruise vessels cannot reach. Its versatile Zodiacs allow passengers to navigate closely to natural habitats and make shore landings in complete safety.

Onboard experts include a team of experienced scientists, expedition leaders and specialists who guide landings and offer guests the rare opportunity to observe plant and animal life up close. The ship also has warm parkas and rubber boots for all passengers on loan.

For news about two new and unique expeditions aboard the MS Hanseatic to the Northwest Passage and through Kamchatka take a look at the latest Prow's Edge news item at http://www.prowsedge.com/cruises-news-080410-hapag-lloyd-cruises.html

Or visit the official Hapag-Lloyd Cruises at www.hl-cruises.com

Photo: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

HAPAG-LLOYD CRUISES' MS EUROPA CELEBRATES HER 10TH BIRTHDAY

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' MS EUROPA celebrated her 10th birthday last night with a grand harbor cruise in Hamburg after returning from a 14-day shipyard stay. During the shipyard stay all of her 204 luxury suites received fresh new fabrics and colors, and the Penthouses Deluxe Suite (measuring 484 sq. ft.) and the Penthouse Grand Suite (measuring 915 sq. ft.) were fully renovated. The extraordinary birthday celebration on the EUROPA, on September 21st sailed along the banks of the River Elbe from Blankenese all the way to the bridge Koehlbrandbruecke in the Port of Hamburg. The festivities included an eight hour tour of the harbor, a gourmet sampling onboard from six of Hamburg’s best chefs, culinary masterpieces prepared by EUROPA’s top chefs, a 30 liter champagne bottle for toasting, and a grand finale fireworks display for guests onboard and onlookers ashore.

For a profile of Hapag-LLoyd Cruises please visit http://www.prowsedge.com/cruise-lines-hapag-lloyd-cruises.html at Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine