Hapag-Lloyd Cruises to Host the Ocean Sun Music Festival and the Stella Maris Vocal Competition Aboard the MS Europa

Hapag-Lloyd CruisesMS Europa is offering guests two music festivals in 2012. The “Ocean Sun Festival” will feature internationally acclaimed classical music stars performing on board, as well as exclusive concerts at historical sites ashore. Additionally, the “Stella MarisInternational Vocal Competition will feature up-and-coming young singers from renowned opera houses throughout the world to perform and compete on board a Middle East and Africa itinerary. These two music cruises are the highlights of a total of nine music cruises aboard the Europa in 2012.

Now in its sixth year, the “Ocean Sun Festival” has been compared to the Festival del Sole in Napa Valley, Calif., and the Tuscan Sun Festival in Italy. For an added dimension to this musical experience, international music critics will offer lectures along the route. This 12-day itinerary from Aug. 12-24, 2012, starts at $6,670 per person, based on double occupancy for a suite.

In cooperation with the international opera houses, the Europa will also be hosting their fourth annual classical music competition at sea, “Stella Maris.”

Under the direction of Canadian tenor Michael Schade, a jury of personalities in the classical music field will judge the top talent represented by international opera houses. The competition will occur on board an 18-day Middle Eastern and Africa cruise through the Indian Ocean from Nov. 7-25, 2012, making stops in Dubai, Oman, the Seychelles and Madagascar this November. The itinerary starts at $9,150 per person, based on double occupancy for a suite.

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