Hapag-Lloyd Unveils EUROPA 2, COLUMBUS 2

Hapag-Lloyd's EUROPA 2 is seen in this

conceptual illustration.

Illustration courtesy of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Yesterday, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises pulled back the curtain for a technical glimpse at their newest vessel, EUROPA 2.  Due to enter service in the spring of 2013, EUROPA 2 promises to be an evolution of the line's hugely successful, five-star-plus EUROPA, and will be utilized as an informal, lifestyle-oriented luxury vessel.

Spanning eleven decks in height, EUROPA 2 will be capable of carrying just 516 passengers in 258 all-veranda, all-suite accommodations.  It will also offer one of the largest space-per-guest ratios at sea, with staterooms starting at roughly 300 square feet.  Spa, Penthouse and Family suites will round out the mix.

Expect the line to outdo itself in terms of decor and onboard amenities.  EUROPA 2 will feature seven restaurants, two lounges and four bars.  A large spa and wellness area will allow Hapag-Lloyd Cruises to diversify and enhance their onboard health and wellness offerings, and judging by the initial rendering available to the press, this area will boast expansive windows as well.

Rather than positioning EUROPA 2 on lengthy voyages, the line has opted to make their newest vessel available to a vast market of business and family travelers by offering seven-day voyages to the Mediterranean during the summer months which can be combined to create unique voyages that are longer in length for those with time to spare. 

The ship will also be equipped with Zodiac boats, allowing her to venture into small harbors and isolated bays for itineraries that feature a more expedition-like feel.

The new COLUMBUS 2, formerly Oceania's Insignia,

will enter service for Hapag-Lloyd in 2012.

Photo courtesy of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises also announced details of the forthcoming COLUMBUS 2.  Currently sailing as Oceania's Insignia, Hapag-Lloyd has chartered the ship for a period of two years, beginning in April, 2012.  

Painted in Hapag-Lloyd colors and re-christened, COLUMBUS 2 will sail as one of Hapag-Lloyd's premium vessels focused on unique itineraries and offering one of the highest standards in accommodation for this segment of the market.  While it's not clear what will change from her current incarnation as Insignia, that may not be a bad thing: the ship is already highly regarded for its intimate atmosphere and old-world, country-club charm.  

To properly introduce COLUMBUS 2,  Hapag-Lloyd will be sending her on a variety of short preview cruises ranging from two to three days in length.  In the summer months, she will sail twelve-day voyages to the Baltics and in the winter of 2012, COLUMBUS 2 will set off on her first World Cruise for Hapag-Lloyd.

More information on COLUMBUS 2 and her initial routes will be made public on Tuesday, January 25th.  Voyages will be open for booking at that time, and we will keep you up-to-date here at From the Deck Chair.

For more information on either of these exciting vessels, visit the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises webpage.