Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Makes Push Into U.S. Market

German cruise line Hapag-Lloyd has appointed a dedicated public relations executive and announced a marketing partnership, all to broaden its presence in the North American cruise market. The cruise line, whose flagship is the ultra-luxurious MS Europa, also said it will launch a new advertising campaign and offer more bilingual cruises in 2007. "As more and more Americans are drawn to the allure of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the company will continue to expand its schedule of bilingual (German/English) sailings to accommodate a wider American market," said Hapag-Lloyd's managing director, Sebastian Ahrens. KAI, a full-service travel marketing firm headquartered in Commack, New York, will serve as the cruise line's marketing and public relations arm, and Cindy Tanenbaum, a KAI employee, will head up the effort. Hapag-Llood operates three other ships in addition to Europa and offers itineraries in such destinations as Australia, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.