ITB 2011: Concept Details of the EUROPA 2 and COLUMBUS 2 from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

ITB 2011: Concept Details of the EUROPA 2 and COLUMBUS 2 from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

• Route and theme concepts for the EUROPA 2
• EUROPA 2: Start of construction on 1st September 2011
• Presentation of the cross-section of the COLUMBUS 2

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has used the ITB as an opportunity to present more details of the newcomers to their fleet with a computer-generated view of the EUROPA 2 and a cross-section of the Premium ship COLUMBUS 2. Besides details of the route and board concepts, the German cruise-operator explained the various stages in the building of the MS EUROPA 2. Building is due to commence on 1st September in the French STX shipyard in St. Nazaire.

7th February 2012 will mark the keel laying of the new EUROPA 2. The ship is due to leave dry dock five months later and the complete interior fit-out will begin in July 2012. The naming ceremony is planned in spring 2013.

The newly-built EUROPA 2 will support the company in extending its leading role in the luxury segment. All planned routes have one thing in common: they are oriented on the requirements of professionals, employees as well as families. In the spring and summer, the plans are to offer seven-day, combinable routes to the Western Mediterranean, optionally from Barcelona to Monte Carlo, from Monte Carlo to Malta and from Malta to Venice. In autumn, cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean are included on the itinerary. The EUROPA 2 will spend the winter in the Arabian See and in South-East Asia.

The concepts in the gastronomy and entertainment field cater for the interests of a life-style oriented target group. A spacious Wellness Section with health-related facilities, for example Body Care and Anti-Aging, are designed to follow the trend towards active holidays and well-being. Besides incorporating family suites, three children's sections are planned. Nannies will offer day care and a dedicated programme for children from 2 years of age upwards – a new feature in the family concept of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. The entertainment concept remains true to the principle of diversity and exclusivity with its own production shows, music theatre, banks, solo artistes and open air events.

In the gastronomy segment seven restaurants offer culinary delights at no extra charge: Asia, Italy, Brasserie Grill, Wine Bistro, Lido, Sushi Bar, Special Dining and Fine Dining are the basic gastronomy concepts that are augmented by gourmet events and four bars.

COLUMBUS 2 sets standards in the Premium segment

A new cross-section of the COLUMBUS 2, that will be sailing for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises from April 2012 onwards, now allows a detailed insight into the interior of the Premium ship. The COLUMBUS 2, with a maximum capacity of 698 passengers, is a small ship in the Premium segment, which offers freedom of movement and diverse facilities on a total of 11 decks. With a generous amount of space per passenger and a very high proportion of balcony cabins with a standard size of 20 sqm/ 215 sqf, the Premium ship provides a very high standard of comfort for this market segment.

MS Columbus 2 begins service with HL in 2012

With low starting prices the COLUMBUS 2 is the ideal ship for cruise newcomers. The so-called Complete Package, which is additionally on offer also ensures full planning security as far as extra costs are concerned, because it includes all beverages and a shore excursion package. The family travel concept incorporates selected voyages during the holiday periods complete with children's programme, which are free for the under-15s (if accommodated in a cabin with two adults). The new Kids' and Teens' Clubs are to be fitted on the Pool Deck especially for this purpose after taking over the ship in March 2012 in the course of an overhaul stay in the shipyard.

The gastronomy concept with four restaurants offers a diversity of culinary highlights in a casual to elegant-casual atmosphere. Besides the Fine Dining Restaurant Albert Ballin and the Italian speciality restaurant Toscana there is the Polo Grill or the Lido Restaurant in the open air. These are supplemented by three bars: the Ballin Bar, Martinis and the Pool Bar. Various stages and lounges are available for the entertainment programme, in particular the Show Stage on the Pool Deck with its irresistible open-air summer events. An impressive feature of the Observation Lounge, located two decks above the bridge, is its all-round panoramic glazing. The Ocean Spa and the large Fitness Section ensure full wellness and fitness amenities. A highlight are the Cabanas on the highest deck 11 – there passengers can sunbathe in a very private atmosphere.

For more information on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' exciting destinations and itineraries visit www.hl-cruises.com. For bookings, inquiries or to request a brochure, please look for your nearest sales agent in your country at www.hl-cruises.com, link customer service.