As an introductory offer for all international guests, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has announced an “on-board beverage credit” for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The credit will be graded according to the length of the cruise. It will apply to all new bookings on board two of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ cruise ships, the luxury cruise ship Europa 2 and the expedition ship Hanseatic.

This introductory offer will be in place August 1, 2014 and applies to all new bookings after October 1, 2014.

The cruise operator Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has not only reaffirmed its commitment to an international strategy but has also evaluated the different needs of its new, international guests. Following Europa 2s first year of operation, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises was able to increase its international guest base by 42 % between 2013 and June 2014. Taking its marketing activity forward, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has identified the United Kingdom, United States, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, and Scandinavia as priority, international target markets.

Karl J. Pojer, Chief Executive Officer of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises comments: “I am delighted to see the number of bookings increasing from our international markets. We have received a lot of positive feedback, which is reflected by an overall 97% guest recommendation rate. We would like to embrace further our new international markets and therefore address the different needs of our international guests. From October 1, we will apply this introductory offer to all new bookings, an ‘on-board beverage credit’, to all international markets.”

The value of the beverage credit is dependent upon the length of the cruise: For a cruise up to six nights, a beverage credit of €100 per person is offered. For a cruise lasting for seven to nine nights the international guest will receive a beverage credit of €150 per person. If the cruise lasts longer than ten days a beverage credit of €200 will apply to each guest.

Pojer explains further: “Diversity and choice are two of the main elements which define our high standards on board. For example, we have approximately 500 varieties of wines available onboard the Europa 2 2 – one of the largest wine menus on the high seas. By offering this ‘beverage credit’ we are ensuring this diversity, however, are also offering our international guest the flexibility to make choices.”