Hapag-Lloyd’s Europa 2 recently became the first cruise ship to visit the Chinese port of Qingdao this year.

Offering a 16-night cruise in Asia, the 516-guest vessel arrived at the port for a transit call on March 1, 2025.

A ceremony was held at the port to mark the call and the opening of the season, which included a plaque exchange between ship officers and Shandong Port Cruise Development Group.

According to local sources, passengers were received by a special welcoming ceremony that included cultural performances of Jiaodong drum, mantis boxing, Taoist boxing and more.

The event also included an interaction area that featured handcraft samples, including presentations on sugar painting, Chinese knots and clay tigers.

After departing from Shanghai in late February, the Europa 2 is offering Hapag-Lloyd’s “Welcome In the Land of Smiles” itinerary.

The 16-night cruise sails to Tokyo and features visits to seven destinations in China, Japan and South Korea.

In addition to Qingdao, the vessel is also scheduled to sail to Tianjin, Nagasaki, Busan, Fukuoka, Beppu and Kobe.

The 2025 cruise season in Qingdao is highlighted by visits of the Zhao Shang Yi Dun, which is operated by a joint venture between Viking Cruises and China Merchants.

The upscale 930-guest vessel is scheduled to visit the port eight times during the year, carrying foreign guests.

Adora Cruises’ Adora Magic City is another highlight of the season. As the largest cruise ship ever built in China, the 5,246-guest ship arrives in Qingdao in April for homeport operations.

Over 40 cruise calls are expected, Shandong Port Cruise Development Group said, with guest numbers expected to reach record levels.

Before hosting the Europa 2, the group stated it organized more than ten meetings to analyze the dynamics of cruise ship operations and optimize its service by implementing new measures and policies.