Press - Hapag-Lloyd Cruises - 7 English-speaking cruises on ms Europa in 2010 [The Cruise People Ltd]

The world's only 5-star-plus cruise ship offers seven English-speaking cruises in 2010

For nine consecutive years, since she was launched, the ms Europa has been the only ship to be classified by the Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising as "Five Stars Plus" - truly in a class of her own.

PRESS RELEASE

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has published the new 2010 brochure for its flagship the 5-star-plus ms EUROPA, highlighting their bilingual (English/German) cruises. The EUROPA will be offering seven bilingual cruises in 2010 including an innovative four-day short introductory cruise in the Mediterranean.

The EUROPA, rated the world’s only 5-star-plus cruise ship by Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships from 2000-2009, has earned its sterling reputation for service and accommodation with its long tradition of luxury cruising. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is offering guaranteed cruise prices for UK passengers, avoiding price fluctuations due to floating exchange rates.

All the dedicated 2010 bilingual cruises included in the new brochure ensure English-speaking passengers feel comfortable from the moment they step onboard. Travel documents and information are provided to guests in English prior to their trip. Documentation in English onboard includes: daily programs, menus, announcements, lectures/video presentations and safety drill instruction. The entire crew is fluent in English and, whenever possible, shore excursions in the port of call are offered in English on a group or individual basis.

Brochure Highlights

• For the first time, the EUROPA will offer a short bilingual introductory cruise. This four-day Mediterranean itinerary will familiarize new passengers with ‘The World’s Most Beautiful Yacht’, as well as take guests over to Bonifacio (Corsica), Capri (Italy) and Portofino (Italy).

Trip logistics: From Monte Carlo to Monte Carlo, 6 October to 10 October 2010, 4 days, with stops in Monaco (Monte Carlo), Corsica (Bonifacio), Italy (Capri, Portofino). Cruise only rates start at £1413 per person.

• ms EUROPA will offer three new ports of call in 2010 on their bilingual itineraries, these include the Islands of Putuo Shan and Hainan off the Chinese coast and the Island Sir Bani Yas/United Arab Emirates, a private island of Sheikh Zayed.

Trip logistics: From Shanghai to Laem Chabang, 21 March to 7 April 2010, 17 days, visiting China (Putuo Shan, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Hainan), Vietnam (Halong Bay, Chan May, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City), Cambodia (Sihanoukville) and Thailand (Bangkok); cruise only rates start at £5439 per person.

Trip logistics: From Dubai to Dubai, 25 November to 3 December 2010, 8 days, with stops in UAE (Dubai, Sir Bani Yas, Abu Dhabi), Bahrain (Manama), Katar (Doha); cruise only rates start at £2253 per person.

• In August 2010 the EUROPA will once again offer their popular Ocean Sun Festival, the most prestigious classical music festival at sea. The 15-day music festival departing Kiel, Germany on August 24, cruises around Great Britain and ends in Kiel on September 8, 2010. The “Ocean Sun Festival” will feature internationally-acclaimed classical music stars performing on board, as well as exclusive concerts at historical sites ashore.

Trip logistics: From Kiel to Kiel, 24 August to 8 September 2010, 15 days, with stops in Germany (Kiel), Scotland (Leith, Invergordon, Gairloch, Ayr), Orkney Islands (Kirkwall), Ireland (Dublin, Cobh), Wales (Holyhead), Scilly Islands (Tresco), England (Falmouth), Isle of Wight (Cowes). Cruise only rates start at £4629 per person.

The cruise only prices include:

• Full board on the ship

• Fruit basket on the day of arrival

• Soft drinks and beer from the mini-bar in the cabins refilled daily

• Entertainment programme, courses, lectures, seminars

• Zodiac excursions and landings

• Snorkelling equipment, sauna, fitness area, golf simulator

• Shoulder bag, document bag, detailed country information, travel guides, maps and personal stationary

• Travel cancellation and bankruptcy insurance

EUROPA is the first “all-suites” cruise ship, with staterooms that are never less than 290 square feet, 80% of them having their own veranda, assuring privacy and relaxation. The EUROPA also offers guest the largest space per passenger in the industry, as well as one of the best passenger/crew ratios, with 280 staff members for 408 guests.

For more information on these and other Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ exciting destinations and itineraries, visit www.hl-cruises.com. For bookings, enquiries or to request a 2010 ms EUROPA brochure in the UK, please contact The Cruise People Ltd, London. Tel: +44 (0)20 7723 2450; e-mail: cruise@cruisepeople.co.uk

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Notes to editors:

1)For enquiries and reservations, please contact Gay Scruton of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ UK agent - The Cruise People on 020 7723 2450 / cruise@cruisepeople.co.uk.

2)The Cruise People specialise in niche cruise markets including ultra-luxury, small ship cruising, expedition voyages and freighter travel. For more information on their range of itineraries and vessels please contact Debra Taylor at toucanmoon or Kevin Griffin at The Cruise People.

3)For more information on these and other Hapag-Lloyd Cruises visit www.hl-cruises.com.

4)For press enquiries and images please contact Debra Taylor at toucanmoon on 01491 613424/07956 852197 or debra@toucanmoon.com.

Enquiries & Reservations 020 7723 2450

Prepared by toucanmoon / 20 July 2009

Posted 11th August 2009