By
Rebecca Gibson |
Former model and entrepreneur Dana Schweiger officially launched Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ newbuild Europa 2 during a ceremony in Hamburg on 10 May 2013.
During the ceremony, which took place as the Port of Hamburg celebrated its 824th anniversary, 700 guests embarked on a twilight voyage to the launch site in the riverside district of Blankenese.
“I christen you the Europa 2 and wish you and your crew good voyages and safe returns, and may there always be enough water beneath your keel,” said Schweiger, breaking the bottle against the hull, before presenting its neck to Captain Friedrich Jan Akkermann.
Europa 2 then departed on her 14-day maiden voyage from Hamburg to Lisbon on 11 May, calling at Amsterdam, Antwerp, Honfleur, La Rochelle, Bordeaux, Bilbao and Leixoes in Portugal.
The 516-passenger ship features suites with verandas, six bars, eight restaurants, a spa and a fitness area.
“This is a special moment for our company and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved for their commitment,” said Wolfgang Flägel, managing director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. “I am certain that the Europa 2 will raise the bar in the luxury sector with its modern interpretation. We wish the ship and her crew safe journeys and enthusiastic passengers.”