Hapag-Lloyd has announced three Art 2 Sea themed cruises onboard the Europa 2 in 2027, each focusing on the art of a different region.
Complementing these will be shore experiences which the cruise line is in the process of planning in collaboration with gallerists, art collectors, curators and art experts.
Thanks to around 890 original works by international artists on display, art is already an integral part of the cruise experience onboard the ship, Hapag-Lloyd said in a press release.
“With Art 2 Sea, we are consistently developing the Europa 2 as a platform for unique cultural encounters. Each cruise has its own curatorial signature: renowned hosts from the art world curate select cruises, contributing their personal expertise, networks and passion for art,” noted Lisa Wilken, head of luxury cruises at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
“Specially designed experiences shape our onboard gallery while vernissages, discussions with artists and curated shore excursions led by our art experts provide authentic insights and perspectives that go far beyond traditional museum visits.”
The three cruises are as follows:
Art 2 Sea in the Indo-Pacific: art between cultural worlds
The first itinerary sails the Indo-Pacific and explores the art and cultural landscapes of Southeast Asia and Australia accompanied by Dr Lisa Zeitz, editor-in-chief of Weltkunst, Kristian Jarmuschek, gallerist and chief curator of Art Karlsruhe as well as Thole Rotermund, art historian and art dealer.
The gallery on Deck 9 will showcase contemporary works by international artists curated by the Berlin gallery Jarmuschek + Partner.
Visits to the Semarang Contemporary Art Gallery on Java, the ARMA Museum & Resort on Bali and an exclusive studio visit with the Indonesian artist Faisal Habibi are planned.
The program will be complemented by a look at Indigenous art in Western Australia.
Art 2 Sea between Japan and China: a dialogue between cultures and collections
The second cruise will take guests from Tokyo to Hong Kong and explore the cultural connections between Japan and China, hosted by future strategists and art collectors Lea and Christian Schwarm, entrepreneur and China analyst Ailin Huang and Bangkok-based collector and exhibition organizer Désiré Feuerle.
Complementing the itinerary, the gallery on Deck 9 will also showcase work by street and fine art photography Nina Papiorek featuring photographs from Japan, China, Hong Kong and Vietnam.
Possible shore excursions include visits to the Kirishima Open Air Museum in Japan, the 798 Art Zone in Beijing and an exclusive studio visit with artist Guan Xiao in Shanghai.
Sample cruise: May 15 – Jun 2, 2027 (18 days), bookable in the Platinum fare from €13,820 per person, double occupancy (cruise only, including early booking discount valid until Oct 31, 2026).
Art 2 Sea in the Mediterranean: Carola Persiehl opens up new perspectives on contemporary art
Hamburg gallerist Carola Persiehl will return to host the third art cruise, focusing on the Mediterranean.
The gallery on Deck 9 will also host an exhibition of contemporary art curated by Galerie Commeter during the cruise.
Options for excursions ashore that are currently being explored include visits to Fondation Maeght on the Cote d’Azur, Commanderie de Peyrassol with its sculpture park, and the art center Hauser & Wirth on Menorca.
Sample cruise: Civitavecchia (Rome) to Palma de Mallorca, sailing Aug 3-15 2027 (12 days). Bookable in the Platinum fare from €9,240 per person, double occupancy (cruise only, including early booking discount valid until Oct 31, 2026).
