Lisbon has earned a remarkable place on the European cruise map with a rare and unforgettable moment: the simultaneous docking of Hapag-Lloyd’s Europa and Europa 2 at the Lisbon Cruise Terminal. Beginning on September 1, 2023, this unique double call event brought together two of the world’s most prestigious luxury cruise vessels for an extraordinary maritime experience. Europa 2 further enhanced the occasion with an additional call on September 3, making Lisbon one of the few cities ever to host such an extraordinary cruise moment.
For travelers and cruise enthusiasts, the event offered a rare opportunity to admire, photograph, and experience both ships up close—an occasion widely regarded by the cruise line as a special highlight. This double call created exceptional tourism value for Lisbon while showcasing Hapag-Lloyd’s commitment to delivering world-class cultural, experiential, and luxury travel.
Europa 2: A Modern Luxury Cruise Experience with Iconic Itineraries
Built in 2013, the Europa 2 represents Hapag-Lloyd’s sophisticated, contemporary approach to luxury cruising. The ship’s arrival in Lisbon marked an important stop during its repositioning itinerary toward the Caribbean and North America. The vessel was en route to begin an 11-night sailing to the Canary Islands and Morocco—its first time combining Lisbon with this diverse cluster of ports.
The ship’s journey continued to seven distinctive destinations, including Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Agadir, La Gomera, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Each port offered guests an array of experiences, from historical exploration to nature-based activities and cultural immersion.
Following its European calls, Europa 2 will spend part of the winter 2025–2026 season in Willemstad, Curaçao. There, guests will enjoy curated excursions highlighting local culture, pristine beaches, and vibrant Caribbean landscapes. The ship will further enhance the cruise line’s presence across North America and the Caribbean, strengthening its global winter tourism presence.
Europa: A Scenic Voyage Through Europe and Beyond
Sister ship Europa, launched in 1999, participated in the Lisbon double call as part of a longer 16-night itinerary beginning in Hamburg. The voyage included stops in Belgium, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Morocco before navigating to the Canary Islands.
Europa’s overnight stay in Lisbon gave passengers ample opportunity to explore one of Europe’s most charismatic capitals before continuing southward toward Tenerife. This stop also formed part of the ship’s repositioning for the winter travel season, after which Europa will embark on an African cruise beginning in December.
This African itinerary includes ports in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar, and the Seychelles. The voyage reflects Hapag-Lloyd’s growing commitment to cultural tourism, ecological discovery, and immersive travel in regions known for their biodiversity and heritage.
Winter 2025–2026 Plans and Hapag-Lloyd’s New Bilingual Approach
The rare Lisbon double call aligns with Hapag-Lloyd’s broader strategy for the winter 2025–2026 season. Europa and Europa 2 will continue their deployment across the Caribbean, North America, and Africa, introducing new ports and enriching the cruise line’s global offerings.
One of the most important developments beginning in early 2026 is Hapag-Lloyd’s new bilingual service model. Currently, only Europa 2 and Hanseatic Inspiration offer full English support alongside German. By 2026, all voyages across the fleet will operate bilingually in German and English.
This expansion will significantly increase the cruise line’s accessibility to international travelers, strengthening its competitiveness in the global luxury cruise market. The bilingual initiative is expected to attract passengers from North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania—driving tourism growth across regions visited by the fleet.
The Significance of the Double Call Experience in Lisbon
For many travelers, witnessing the double call of Europa and Europa 2 was a once-in-a-lifetime event. Few European ports have the ability to accommodate and showcase two ultra-luxury vessels from the same line simultaneously, making Lisbon the perfect setting for this maritime milestone.
Passengers enjoyed exclusive photo opportunities, access to Lisbon’s scenic viewpoints, and the unique experience of admiring both ships side by side. For Hapag-Lloyd, the event underscored its dedication to offering memorable, culturally rich, and premium travel experiences.
Luxury cruising continues to grow worldwide, with travelers seeking voyages that combine comfort, exploration, and authenticity. Events such as this double call highlight the evolving nature of cruise tourism and the increasing demand for curated, meaningful travel experiences.
A Milestone That Reflects the Future of Luxury Travel
The double call of Europa and Europa 2 in Lisbon represents the perfect convergence of maritime excellence, cultural exploration, and luxury tourism innovation. Whether sailing toward the Canary Islands, North America, Africa, or the Indian Ocean, these vessels offer travelers exceptional onboard service, curated itineraries, and unforgettable moments at sea.
As Hapag-Lloyd expands its global reach through new bilingual programs and enhanced international itineraries, the company continues to redefine luxury cruising. The Lisbon double call is just one example of the remarkable experiences the cruise line is committed to delivering.
With more global routes, increased accessibility, and a continued focus on premium travel, Hapag-Lloyd is well-positioned to shape the future of luxury cruising—ensuring travelers enjoy extraordinary journeys across continents for years to come.
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