Hapag-Lloyd Cruises launched its first English language brochure to the U.S. marketplace, featuring comprehensive information on the 516-passenger Europa 2, which will join the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet (currently 4 ships) in May 2013.

This contemporary new brochure, with pricing in dollar, features:

•  The Route: 26 itineraries

•  The philosophy: A blend of casual elegance combined with state-of-the-art technology.

•  An introduction to the crew (370 plus).

•  The Europa 2 facilities: Eleven decks – with the largest space per passenger ratio in the cruise industry; all 251 suites (in seven categories) will have their own outdoor verandas (minimum size 28 square meters/301    square feet); eight restaurants; six bars; a culinary school; the OCEAN SPA and fitness area; a modern theater; and Jazz Club.

Built at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France and promising to set new luxury standards on the worldwide oceans, Europa 2 takes to the high seas for her inaugural 14-night voyage from May 11-25, 2013 from Hamburg to Lisbon.

The 40,000 ton Europa 2 will be positioned as the modern, lifestyle-orientated sister ship of the world’s only 5-star-plus ship the MS EUROPA (according Berlitz Cruise Guide 2013), and will cater to a sophisticated, international and cosmopolitan audience.

“I am thrilled to present our first English language brochure. The design of which we believe succeeds in reflecting our new concept for the Europa 2, together with the high standards of hospitality our return guests can expect,” said Julian Pfitzner, Director of Product Management for the Europa 2.

He added, “With the Europa 2 we have broken new ground – she represents a casual and modern interpretation of luxury cruises in terms of her design, facilities and entertainment program. The voyage routes are shorter and thus more flexible – mostly 7 nights – and will appeal to professional working people and families, who have very demanding lives and are looking for individuality, choice, and an elegant yet informal atmosphere on board.”

The Europa 2 will offer an international atmosphere on board, with all the cruises being conducted in German and English. The lecturers also speak English and in addition, English-language excursions will be offered on 10 – 12 selected cruises each year. As a matter of course, anyone interested can also enquire about individual excursion arrangements for all the other cruises.

The Europa 2 will also focus on wellness and fitness, forgoing some of the cruise traditions such as the Captain’s Dinner, and the on-board announcements generally will be reduced to a minimum and be made in German and English at all times.

Personalized service is always a priority for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. The Europa 2 will have 370 crewmembers looking after a maximum of 516 guests, including the options of offering butler and travel concierge services.

New standards will also be set with regards to environmental protection – the Europa 2 is the FIRST cruise ship equipped with catalysts (SCR = process of Selective Catalytic Reduction), which reduces the emission of nitrogen oxides by almost 95%.

Travel Agents: For every Hapag-Lloyd Cruises booking by a new customer (for their first Hapag-Lloyd Cruises trip) – placed and confirmed through a travel agents until 12/31/2013 – the agent will receive an additional 2% commission on the cruise-only price. This applies to all bookings for cruises onboard the Europa 2 departing in 2013. For further information visit www.europa2-campus.com

The Europa 2 lead-in fare for 2013 is $4,060 per person/ based on double occupancy, in a Veranda/Ocean Suite, for a 7-night voyage from Lisbon to Barcelona, departing on May 25.

A sample Europa 2 voyage in 2013, featuring shore excursions is $4,660 per person/ based on double occupancy in a Veranda/Ocean Suite, for a 7-night voyage Monte Carlo to Valletta, Malta, departing on June 8.

Cruise-only fares include: Accommodation in the category booked; full board on the ship; mini-bar in the suite; a different entertainment program each day; port fees; travel cancellation insurance; bankruptcy insurance; and a share of the ship fuel costs.