Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is expanding its bi-lingual cruise offerings on its flagship Europa, an "all-suites" ship, with staterooms that are never less than 290 square feet, 80% of them with private verandas. The line's officials say that the Europa product is attractive for Americans, thanks in part to its world-class cuisine, two specialty restaurants, and frequent visits by renowned chefs. As more Americans sail on Europa, which already attracts a strong European clientele, the Americans will repeat the experience. Among those bi-lingual itineraries planned for 2007 are: "Down Under," a music cruise from Melbourne, Australia to Jakarta, Indonesia, departing March 4; "1001 Nights" an Around-the-Arabian-Peninsula cruise from Muscat, Oman to Beirut, Lebanon on April 10; "Ancient World of Europe - Cultural Cruise" from Beirut to Genoa, Italy on April 23; "Western Europe," a gourmet Cruise from Lisbon, Portugal to Monte Carlo, Monaco on Sept. 20; "Fall Feelings" in southern Europe, from Monte Carlo to Istanbul, Turkey on Oct. 4; "Heritage of the Czars," an Oct. 18 roundtrip sailing from Istanbul to the cultural sights of the Black Sea; and "Adventure Amazon," a Brazilian cruise from Rio de Janeiro to Manaus on Dec. 4. In addition, Europa's new 2007 program features shore trips for late risers and those with special interests; bicycle tours are also offered with the ship's own bicycles. Visit [www.hl-cruises.com].
