Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is adding two new ships to its fleet.
The line has signed a 12-year charter agreement for the 258-cabin, 516-passenger Europa 2, which will enter service in 2013.
Construction will start on the ship – a sister to Europa, widely regarded as the best ship in the world – in September this year.
Europa 2 will offer a “modern and casual” five-star alternative to the multi-award winning Europa.
 | Both Europas will operate seven-day cruises in the Mediterranean in the summer and long-haul itineraries in the winter. |  |
Both Europas will operate seven-day cruises in the Mediterranean in the summer and long-haul itineraries in the winter.
The second ship will be a ‘bareboat charter’ – ie without crew – of Oceania Cruises’ Insignia, and will enter service in April next year with the name Columbus 2.
Columbus 2 will have 349 cabins and accommodate 698 passengers, and amenities will include numerous bars and restaurants as well as a spa and ‘wellness’ area.
In the summer months the ship, which was built in 1998, will be cruising the Mediterranean, the Baltic and the Nordic countries on seven- and 12-day itinearies.
During the winter, Columbus 2 is scheduled to go on a world tour.
Sebastian Ahrens, Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, said: “We have identified potential for growth in both market segments, and we would like to make use of it.
“Beyond this, both ships adequately enhance our portfolio, enabling us to serve new target groups.
“Columbus 2 offers more diversity and comfort to the existing Columbus, and Europa 2 will be the logical evolution and modern interpretation of the standards we have set in the luxury segment of the international cruise market.”
To read our review of the original Europa – click here
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