The future is part of the tradition: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises to further develop MS EUROPA and MS EUROPA 2 during docking periods next year

It was 135 years ago when Albert Ballin had a vision: to rethink ocean travel and enable people to experience the world in a truly special way. His vision ushered in a new era of travel. Today, 135 years of expertise give Hapag-Lloyd Cruises – the provider of luxury and expedition cruises – the insight to anticipate developments at an early stage and to continually challenge and refine the cruise experience. Next year, this commitment will become tangible on board the two luxury ships EUROPA and EUROPA 2. The EUROPA 2 will enter the shipyard in Singapore in January – followed by the EUROPA in Bremerhaven in the autumn. At Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the future has always been part of the tradition.

The EUROPA and EUROPA 2 have long been regarded as benchmarks in the domain of international luxury cruise ships. Ever since their commissioning, both have consistently been named the “best cruise ship in the world” by Insight Guides Cruising & Cruise Ships, formerly the Berlitz Cruise Guide – with the latest accolade coming in 2025. The EUROPA 2 also recently received a Kreuzfahrt Guide Award in the “Service & Comfort” category.

Two originals that move with the times

Building on their successes to date, both ships will undergo strategic further refinements in 2027. The focus will be on accommodation, dining and social interaction, three areas that help define the character of a cruise with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. The measures range from design-centred improvements, technical upgrades and maintenance work all the way to further conceptual enhancements.

The EUROPA 2 will be the first to go to the shipyard – in Singapore in January 2027. Around 250 suites will receive a new colour scheme. The Atrium and the Piano Bar, which is located there, will also be modernised while the Sakura and Elements speciality restaurants are set to undergo visual enhancements. Further conceptual developments are also planned for Elements.

Experience as the benchmark for change

“Progress, for us, means drawing on our experience to understand what makes our ships distinctive, while at the same time having the courage to change what is right to change,” says Isolde Susset, Managing Director Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. “We change what can be improved. We invest in what creates new possibilities. And we preserve what makes our ships unique.”

The ships’ further developments are guided by guest expectations, evolving perceptions of luxury as well as technological possibilities. The key lies in combining the tried and tested with new aspects: the identity of each ship provides the foundation for its continued evolution.

Shipyard stay for the EUROPA to follow in autumn

While the measures planned for the EUROPA 2 have already been finalised, planning for the EUROPA is currently being further refined. The small luxury ship will head to the shipyard in Bremerhaven next autumn. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will therefore provide further information on the measures and developments planned for both ships over the coming months.