The launch of the MS EUROPA 2’s May 2013-April 2014 brochure for the international marketplace

The launch of the MS EUROPA 2's May 2013-April 2014 brochure for the international marketplace – setting new standards in relaxed luxury cruising

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has launched to the international marketplace its first English language brochure, featuring comprehensive information on the 516-passenger MS EUROPA 2, which will join the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet (currently 4 ships) in May 2013.

This contemporary, new brochure, with pricing in Euro, sterling and USD, features details of:

•           the route concept: 26 itineraries from May 2013 to April 2014 across 4 regions – Western Mediterranean, Eastern Mediterranean, Arabian Peninsula and Asia – and calling at 123 ports
•           the philosophy – a blend of casual elegance combined with state-of-the-art technology
•           an introduction to the crew (370 plus)
•           the EUROPA 2 facilities: eleven decks – with the largest space per passenger ratio in the cruise industry; all 251 suites (in seven categories) with their own outdoor verandas (minimum size 28 square metres/301 square feet); eight restaurants; six bars; a culinary school; the OCEAN SPA and fitness area; a modern Theatre; and Jazz Club

Built at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France and promising to set new luxury standards on the worldwide oceans, EUROPA 2 takes to the high seas for her inaugural 14-night voyage on 11 – 25 May, 2013 from Hamburg to Lisbon. The 40,000 ton EUROPA 2 will be positioned as the modern, lifestyle-orientated sister ship of the world's only 5-star-plus ship MS EUROPA (according Berlitz Cruise Guide 2013) and will cater to a sophisticated, international and cosmopolitan audience.

Says Julian Pfitzner, Director Product Management MS EUROPA 2:

"I am thrilled to present our first English language brochure, the design of which we believe succeeds in reflecting our concept philosophy for EUROPA 2, together with the standards of hospitality which our guests can expect.

"With EUROPA 2 we have broken new ground – she represents a casual and modern interpretation of luxury cruises in terms of her design, facilities and entertainment programme. The voyage routes are shorter and thus more flexible – mostly 7 nights – and will appeal to professional working people and families, who have very demanding lives and are looking for individuality, choice and an elegant yet informal atmosphere on board.

"The EUROPA 2 will offer an international atmosphere on board – all our cruises being conducted in German and English. The lecturers also speak English and in addition, English-language excursions will be offered on 10 – 12 selected cruises each year. As a matter of course, anyone interested can also enquire about individual excursion arrangements for all the other cruises.

"We have consciously increased the focus on wellness and fitness; and also decided to forgo some of the cruise traditions such as the Captain's Dinner; and the on-board announcements generally will be reduced to a minimum and be made in German and English at all times."

Personalised service is a priority for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, with 370 crew on EUROPA 2 looking after a maximum of 516 guests, including the options of offering butler and travel concierge services.

New standards will also be set with regards to environmental protection – the EUROPA 2 is the FIRST cruise ship equipped with catalysts (SCR = process of Selective Catalytic Reduction), which reduces the emission of nitrogen oxides by almost 95 per cent.

Travel Agents: For every Hapag-Lloyd Cruises booking by a new customer (that is, for the first time) - placed and confirmed through travel agents until 31.12.2013 - the agent will receive 2% additional commission on the cruise-only price. This applies to all bookings for cruises on board MS EUROPA 2 departing in 2013. Further information at www.europa2-campus.com

The EUROPA 2 lead-in fare for 2013, based on double occupancy, is EUR 3,380/ £2,640/ $4,060 per person in a Veranda/Ocean Suite, for a 7-night voyage Lisbon to Barcelona, departing 25 May.

A sample EUROPA 2 voyage in 2013, featuring shore excursions in English: based on double occupancy, costs from EUR 3,880/ £3,030/ USD 4,660 per person in a Veranda/Ocean Suite, for a 7-night voyage Monte Carlo to Valletta, Malta, departing 8 June.

Cruise-only fares include: accommodation in the category booked; full board on the ship; mini-bar in the suite; a different entertainment programme each day; port fees; travel cancellation insurance; bankruptcy insurance; and share of ship fuel costs.

For Reservations: 0049 (0) 40 3001 4580 or www.hl-cruises.com/contact-services for local Agents

For more information on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' exciting destinations and itineraries visit www.hl-cruises.com. For bookings or brochure requests, please look for your nearest sales agent in your country at www.hl-cruises.com, link "Contact & Services".