MS EUROPA 2 and MS EUROPA: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ luxury ships to undergo scheduled maintenance and updates at Blohm+Voss

• MS EUROPA 2 in dry-dock: 13 September to 27 September 2017
• MS EUROPA in dry-dock: 27 September to 13 October 2017
• Extensive renovations and technical upgrades, plus further enhancements on board the two ships

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ luxury ships are to be given a facelift: in September/October 2017, both the EUROPA 2 and EUROPA will dock at the Hamburg shipyard Blohm+Voss for scheduled maintenance. As well as receiving various technical upgrades, the ships will also undergo renovations and redesigns in certain areas.

“During our ships’ docking periods, not only do we carry out the necessary technical maintenance but also complete various renovations on board that then have a direct impact on our guests and enhance their cruise experience – whether this involves adding a new bar, redesigning the spa, or giving another area a makeover. When implementing this work, we take into account what our guests want and need, however, we also follow current trends,” explains Karl J. Pojer, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

The work to be carried out on board EUROPA 2 this September will include redesigning the Herrenzimmer on Deck 4: the popular gin bar will be given a new look and renamed Collins. For the future, the current Jazz Club will be renamed as Club 2. The Belvedere on Deck 9 will be given a complete makeover: this cosy lounge at the bow of the ship, which provides panoramic views in the direction of travel, is set to include access to the library and a coffee bar.

Projects planned for the EUROPA’s docking period include renovating and redesigning the entire spa area and equipping it with the latest treatment facilities. The 36 suites without verandas will be fitted with new bathrooms, and an Azipod drive-motor computer will be replaced – a complicated undertaking.

“We are very pleased and proud to be able to welcome the luxury ships EUROPA 2 and EUROPA back to Blohm+Voss this year. These important projects will once again put our refit and repair expertise to the test, requiring us to meet all our customers’ requirements and deliver the two ships within the agreed time frame and budget. We have worked successfully with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises for many years and the upcoming docking periods will allow us to strengthen these ties further,” says Dieter Dehlke, Managing Director of Blohm+Voss.

After its stay at Blohm+Voss, the EUROPA 2 will set off on a five-day cruise to Scandinavia on 27 September.

Once the EUROPA has left the dock, it will embark on a twelve-day cruise on 13 October, travelling along the coast of western Europe towards Bilbao.

Hamburg, September 2017