New suite with more eco-efficiency for MS EUROPA
- Dockyard time in Hamburg completed successfully
- Repair work and modernization measures completed
- New underwater paint reduces fuel consumption
- The pool, suites and floors of the Europa Restaurant shine in new beauty
After a two-week stay in dry dock at the Blohm + Voss shipyard in Hamburg, MS EUROPA has water under the keel again. On Sunday, the small luxury ship from the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet presented itself to guests for the first time. They are pleased with the repair and maintenance work that has been successfully completed. 56 suites, the floor of the Europa Restaurant and the pool have all been modernized. Also due to the intensive maintenance, the EUROPA has always been awarded 5 stars plus * by the renowned Berlitz Cruise Guide.
In this year’s construction site, the main focus was on technical work. The Azipod drive has been regularly serviced and a new coat of underwater paint has been applied. “The Berlitz Cruise Guide consistently rates EUROPA ‘the best cruise ship in the world*’. In order to continue to meet this requirement, we regularly invest in our heart ships. The EUROPA is constantly being maintained and modernized,” says Julian Pfitzner, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
Reduction in fuel consumption through new underwater paint
With immediate effect, a new underwater coat of paint increases the eco-efficiency of the EUROPA. Thanks to a high-pressure water jet device, the Dockmaster, they were able to remove the old paint and professionally dispose of a total of 6,500 square meters. The new coat of paint has a positive effect on the ship’s flow characteristics. This reduces fuel consumption by up to 10 percent. “Making the docks gives us the opportunity to also present technical innovations. Of course we keep our hardware up to date. But a lot of this happens in the water area or behind the scenes. That’s why the guest only sees part of the changes,” summarizes Julian Pfitzner.
New color, new feel factor, new golf experience
The EUROPA was last at the Blohm + Voss shipyard in Hamburg in October 2019 and has since presented itself in a more modern and casual way. At that time, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises established a new culinary offer on board: the EUROPA Refresh wellness concept, which is aimed at holistic and mindfulness. It includes, for example, workshops on nutrition in collaboration with Dr. Anne Fleck. The restaurants “The Globe by Kevin Fehling” and “Pearls” also stand for fundamental conceptual changes.
While the innovations of the last visit to the dry dock mainly affect the public areas, in addition to the technical work during the current time in the yard, the focus is on the private retreat of the guests. A total of 56 suites in categories 6 and 7 shine in new beauty. Walls with stylish gray lines and pale-colored carpets decorate the living areas, while the white wood finish of the furniture and an inviting sofa set new accents. There are also changes in public areas. The floor of the Europa Restaurant was completely relayed and sealed. The pool is technically and optically up to date and invites you to swim. Golfers will also benefit from a new simulator that promises the best sports and golf experience in the industry today