On Friday April 26, 2013, at a formal ceremony, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises took delivery of the modern and casual luxury ship EUROPA 2 from the STX France shipyard in Saint Nazaire. Dr. Wolfgang Flägel, managing director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and Laurent Castaing, GM of STX France, signed the takeover protocol. Captain Friedrich Jan Akkermann will navigate the newest member of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ fleet across the world's oceans.
After a 20 months construction period, the management of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises took delivery of the EUROPA 2. After the signatures and flag change on deck had taken place, Laurent Castaing handed over a large canvas portrait of the EUROPA 2 to Captain Akkermann. In recent weeks over 1,000 of the shipyard's employees worked to complete the cruise ship. Amongst other materials, 20,000 pounds of steel have been used, approximately 186 miles of cable and 247,570 square feet of carpet were laid.
With up to 516 guests, the EUROPA 2 exclusively provides suites with verandas and a minimum area of 301 square feet. Eight restaurants and six bars are available, and a large spa and fitness area accommodates the wellness trend on cruises.
The ship will be christened in Hamburg on May 10, 2013, as part of the port's anniversary celebrations. The EUROPA 2 will then embark on a 14-day maiden voyage towards Lisbon.
For more information, visit www.hl-cruises.com.