Indian Ocean and South Africa: Between wilderness and paradise

Starting in fall 2025, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' EUROPA will set sail for fascinating destinations in southern Africa and the island worlds of the Indian Ocean. Bookings can be made via the website, by phone through the customer center, or at travel agencies. All cruises at www.hl-cruises.de/sinne/indischer-ozean.

The EUROPA, a small luxury ship for a maximum of 400 guests, combines gourmet cuisine, modern wellness, and a personal atmosphere. On board, guests enjoy the highest level of comfort and outstanding service with an exclusive crew-to-guest ratio of almost 1:1. Five restaurants, including THE GLOBE by three-star chef Kevin Fehling, and a sophisticated entertainment program provide a stylish escape from everyday life. For active discoveries, bicycles and snorkeling equipment are available in selected ports for beach visits.

In winter, she follows the sun and travels to destinations around the southern coast of Africa that will delight those who like to indulge and explorers alike. The EUROPA has been exploring the multifaceted coast of Africa for years and will once again demonstrate her expertise in this extraordinary destination this winter.

Individually extendable: Carefully curated pre- and post-programs with experienced tour guides, transfers, and selected accommodations round out the experience. Alternatively, the Travel Concierge Service team can put together tailor-made arrangements on request. Those with a little more time can combine several routes and benefit from attractive discounts.

Fascination Africa: Wilderness, Desert and Safari (EUR2582), 21 November 2025 to 7 December 2025, 16 days
From Cape Town, the EUROPA sets course along the east coast of Africa, via Port Elizabeth, Durban, and Maputo to the island world of Bazaruto and on to Madagascar. Nosy Be, known as the “fragrant island,” delights with palm-fringed beaches, ylang-ylang plantations, and a vibrant underwater world. The journey continues to Antsiranana, characterized by colonial heritage, turquoise waters, and spicy air. The trip ends in Victoria in the Seychelles with white beaches and tropical flair.

On board, a stylish entertainment program ensures an African lifestyle: from modern dance to African pop and classical music. Nomfusi, the charismatic exceptional voice from South Africa, will thrill audiences with a mix of Afro, jazz, soul, and township sounds.

Advent in Paradise (EUR2583), December 7, 2025, to December 20, 2025, 13 days
If you want to pamper yourself in the run-up to Christmas, travel with the EUROPA from the Seychelles via Madagascar and Réunion to Mauritius. White sandy beaches, tropical rainforests and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Vallée de Mai on Praslin will leave a lasting impression. Around Madagascar, Nosy Be, the Nosy Iranja archipelago and Toamasina impress with their natural beauty and cultural diversity. After a stop in Réunion, the cruise ends in Port Louis on Mauritius. 

Natural beauty in all its facets on the one hand, first-class entertainment on the other. Under the motto “New Gen,” Canadian dancer and choreographer Johnny McMillan stages an innovative dance performance on the stage of the EUROPA. In addition, the string quartet Die Nixen provides a new sound experience with passion and enthusiasm. With a mix of different genres, from classical to film music, jazz, pop, and rock, the four musicians Rahel Rilling (violin), Katharina Wildhagen (violin), Kristina Menzel-Labitzke (viola), and Nikola Spingler (cello) take guests on a varied journey, making familiar pieces sound new and new pieces sound different. Those who feel inspired by “New Gen” (a German TV show) to get up and dance themselves can take to the dance floor under the guidance of “Let's Dance” (a German TV show) judge Joachim Llambi. As dance coach, he will ensure a lively Advent season on this cruise.

Christmas and New Year's Eve under palm trees (EUR2600), December 20, 2025 to January 3, 2026, 14 days
The EUROPA sets sail for the dream islands of the Indian Ocean. There is a festive atmosphere on board and guests can look forward to an unforgettable New Year's Eve at sea. Between Mauritius, Madagascar, and the Seychelles, travelers will enjoy relaxing days on the beach and, conditions permitting, Zodiac excursions to secluded beaches. Snorkeling equipment is provided. 

This year's cultural program on board the EUROPA includes performances by the renowned GOP Varieté Theater. The program is complemented by an international piano quintet presenting a New Year's concert in the tradition of the Vienna Music Society. The program includes works by Johann Strauss and Johannes Brahms' Hungarian Dances. 

On an expedition to Madagascar (EUR2601), January 3, 2026, to January 22, 2026, 19 days
For the first time, the EUROPA is setting sail on an expedition to Madagascar. This route combines Zodiac excursions, expert lectures, and previews and recaps of the ports of call. The route from Port Louis takes you via Toamasina, Antsiranana, and the island of Nosy Hara, where hiking trails through dense forests lead to chameleons. In Tanzania and at the Ngorongoro Crater, guests will experience African wildlife on a photo safari, followed by Zanzibar, Nosy Be, Nosy Nato, Réunion, and back to Mauritius. An adventure for discoverers.

Safari adventure, South Africa's highlights, and golf pro Stefan Quirmbach (EUR2602), January 22, 2026, to February 7, 2026, 16 days
This golf and cruise trip combines the natural wonders of South Africa with exclusive fairways on the Indian Ocean. Golf pro Stefan Quirmbach accompanies guests to selected courses, two of which are idyllically located on islands and three in typical African settings on the mainland. Between tee boxes, guests can enjoy beautiful beaches on La Réunion and Mauritius, culture in Maputo, and impressive wildlife viewing in the Tala Nature Reserve near Durban or the Addo Elephant Park near Port Elizabeth, if these excursions are booked. The trip ends in Cape Town.