New shore excursions highlight: EUROPA 2 guests can experience ‘first-hand’ the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix

• Cruise route: from Mumbai (Bombay) to Dubai
• Shore excursion to the Formula 1 race in Bahrain
• Wine workshops and tastings with Markus Schneider

As part of an Asia cruise on the EUROPA 2 in March/April 2016, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is introducing two exciting highlights for fans of both motor sports and wine: the shore excursions programme includes a trip to the Formula 1 race in the Kingdom of Bahrain. German winemaker Markus Schneider will also invite guests to small group tastings during the cruise. Schneider will compare different vintages, vineyards and grape varieties. In addition to true rarities and classics, attendees will sample selected wines that have been unavailable for a long time.

Guests can look forward to a real highlight on 3 April with a top-class shore excursion when the EUROPA 2 arrives in Bahrain. The desert state opens the door to the world of Formula 1 and motor-sport fans can experience the spectacle ‘live’ from the first bend. The Bahrain Grand Prix is the second of 21 races. Guests on board the EUROPA 2 can watch to see who triumphs over 57 thrilling circuits. The excursion, which will last about five and a half hours, can be booked for € 398 including transfers.

The ship has plenty to offer wine lovers, too – with approximately 19,000 bottles on board and a selection of around 450 different wines from 14 countries. The Grande Reserve wine bar also hosts regular tastings. Markus Schneider, a winemaker from Palatinate, whose fine wines also appear on the menu, will accompany the cruise from Mumbai to Dubai. In exclusive tastings and workshops, passengers will meet the successful winemaker in person to discuss his various creations. Schneider’s wines are famous not only for their remarkable quality but also for unusual names such as BLACK PRINT and TOHUWABOHU. The tastings and workshops with Markus Schneider are free of charge.

The EUROPA 2 Asia cruise from 25 Mar to 7 Apr 2016 (13 days) travels from Mumbai to Dubai via Muscat/Oman, Khor Fakkan/United Arab Emirates, Khasab/Musandam/Oman, Mina Khalifa (Menama)/Bahrain, Doha/Qatar and Abu Dhabi/United Arab Emirates. The cruise can be booked from € 6,890 per person, cruise only (£ 5,860, $ 8,960).

For more information, visit https://www.hl-cruises.com/find-your-cruise/EUX1607.

Hamburg, February 2016