STX Shipyard in France Starts Construction of MS EUROPA 2

The first steel cut on September 5, 2011 marked the official beginning of the construction of the MS EUROPA 2, the new addition to the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet. Sebastian Ahrens, Managing Director of the cruise operator, officially gave the start signal at the STX shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. With the MS EUROPA 2, the company will enhance its pioneering role in the luxury segment, introducing the new ship into service in the spring of 2013.

A total of 835 shipyard workers are involved in the project, dedicating an estimated 2.5 million hours of labour until its completion in the spring of 2013. “After an intense planning stage, we are very pleased to be taking this decisive step towards the extension of our fleet with the first steel cut,“ stated Sebastian Ahrens, Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

The individual parts of the ship will be manufactured in different shipyard halls over the coming months. Keel laying is scheduled for the spring of 2012, and commissioning for the spring of 2013.

The EUROPA 2 will enhance the luxury segment of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, offering a modern and informal interpretation of the EUROPA, the only cruise ship to be awarded with the highest 5-stars plus ranking in the Berlitz Cruise Guide. The EUROPA 2 will have a total of eleven decks and 258 suites. It will have a maximum capacity of 516 passengers and will boast more space per passenger than any other cruise ship in the industry. The ship’s veranda suites will be a minimum of 92 feet. Spa Suites, Penthouse Suites and family suites will complement the range of accommodations to choose from on board. Seven restaurants including a sushi bar, two lounges and four bars will enhance the culinary diversity offered. Guests will also enjoy a diverse range of on board entertainment, a large wellness and spa area, and numerous sports and health-oriented offerings.

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Source: hl-cruises, September 6, 2011;