Hapag-Lloyd Cruises increases its English-speaking guest numbers sailing on board EUROPA 2 by 230% in 2014

• In 2014 Hapag-Lloyd Cruises increased the number of international guests on board its fleet by 52%; and on its newest ship EUROPA 2 by 230%
• Second EXPERIENCE.tv episode now online showcasting the international experience on board EUROPA 2
• Episode 2 now online at www.hl-cruises.com/experiencetv

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ efforts to attract more business from the English-speaking markets for its newest fleet member EUROPA 2 has resulted in achieving a 230% increase in guest numbers in 2014 compared with 2013; and for the entire fleet, the cruise line increased its international guest share by 52% in the same year. A new film episode of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ EXPERIENCE.tv has just been released and explains why EUROPA 2 is the perfect ship for English-speaking guests. Click here to see the latest film online: www.hl-cruises.com/experiencetv
With a fleet of four unique and award-winning cruise ships, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is the leading operator of expedition and luxury cruises in the German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The cruise line, however, since the end of 2012, has also been focusing heavily on promoting its luxury cruise ship EUROPA 2 and the expedition ship HANSEATIC to the English-speaking markets, including the USA and Canada, the UK, Belgium, Netherlands, Scandinavia, and Australia. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ EUROPA 2, which has been in operation since May 2013, is the cruise line’s first fully-international ship aimed to appeal to the German and English-speaking markets. Karl J. Pojer, Chief Executive Officer of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises comments: “Over the last year we have been working hard to try and attract more English-speaking guests and it is great to see our efforts are now paying off. EUROPA 2 is the perfect ship for English-speaking guests, as it offers a casual and modern luxury cruise experience, sailing to some of the most exciting destinations in the world. Going forward we would like to have on board an average of approximately 15% English-speaking guests per cruise within the next three years.” Michael Steffl, Manager International Sales of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises says: “We have received some very positive feedback from our English-speaking guests, especially with regard to EUROPA 2. We provide all pre-cruise and on board information in both German and English. All the crew and lecturers are multilingual; and an International Hostess sails on board each cruise, catering solely to the needs of our English-speaking guests.” In January this year, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises launched EXPERIENCE.tv, a new initiative to create more awareness of the cruise style and concept offered on board EUROPA 2 and presented by cruise expert Jonathan Beaumont. EUROPA 2 has been awarded 5-stars-plus by the Berlitz Cruise Guide 2015. Click here to see the latest film online: www.hl-cruises.com/experiencetv Hamburg, February 2015