Interior refurbishment: around 250 new COR sofas for the EUROPA 2

During the ship’s dry-dock stay in Singapore from 9 to 23 Jan 2027, the suites of the luxury ship EUROPA 2 will be refitted. The individually customised sofas mark the continuation of a long-standing partnership between Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and the East Westphalian furniture brand.

“The sofa is the smallest form of home,” claims Leo Lübke, owner of COR. “Especially when travelling, people need places where they can relax, unwind and feel at ease.” On the EUROPA 2, the suites are such havens. During the ship’s stay at the dry dock in Singapore, they will be fitted with around 250 new sofas, especially made for the ship by the East Westphalian furniture manufacturer.

Customised design for maritime conditions

The furniture’s design is inspired by the character of the ship, whilst also taking into account the specific on-board requirements. The materials and construction are tailored to the climatic conditions at sea and meet the applicable fire safety requirements. At the same time, the sofas create a cosy atmosphere and blend harmoniously into the existing interior of the suites.

Around ten 40-foot containers filled with carefully packed sofas have already been prepared for transport to Singapore. Long-term planning is required before the new sofas can be brought on board. Drawings, designs, material samples and visualisations form the basis for the subsequent implementation. Representatives from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises visit the COR production facility to inspect materials and discuss options for customisation. A video offers insight into the craftsmanship, precision and care that go into making the furniture: https://youtu.be/qE0ndWV-05s

A partnership based on shared values

Ever since the commissioning of the EUROPA 2, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and COR have been united by a shared commitment to high-quality materials, craftsmanship and design. COR has been manufacturing furniture in East Westphalia for more than 70 years. The family-run business, based in Rheda-Wiedenbrück, uses materials such as leather from southern Germany and selected fabrics from Italy. The upholstered furniture for the EUROPA 2 is predominantly covered with high-quality woollen fabrics from the German manufacturer ROHI. The designs are by the Hamburg-based interior design firm Cubik3, whose team has been involved in the ship’s design since the initial concept phase.

Even as the furnishings are being updated, selected pieces of furniture will remain part of the interior. For example, the COR Shrimp armchairs in the suites will be reupholstered, whilst the COR chairs in the Belvedere will be retained. The existing stock will be supplemented by COR tables as well as the newly designed Kagu armchairs by Jehs + Laub in the Owner Suites. New Alvo chairs from the manufacturer will be added to the theatre. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is donating the sofas and armchairs that are being replaced during the dry-dock stay to a charitable organisation in Singapore.

Further information on the dry-dock stay and selected itineraries following the modernisation of the EUROPA 2 is available at www.hl-cruises.de/werft2027