With a new musical concept on MS EUROPA, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is adding an exclusive new dimension to the cruise experience on this small luxury ship. On selected cruises, world music will be the highlight of the on-board programme, creating extraordinary moments that go far beyond traditional entertainment. On the stage of the EUROPA, artists will present the musical culture of the countries visited in a remarkable way, performing their works in an exclusive, stylish setting – in a personal and intimate ambience and to the highest standard. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has announced four special-format cruises dedicated to world music for both 2026 and 2027. The first cruise will feature the Croatian singer-songwriter Marcela, the Italian artist FLO, the American-influenced jazz and blues musician Katarina Pejak as well as the Catalan singer Paula Grande in a duo with bassist Vic Moliner.
From autumn onwards, guests on board the EUROPA can experience international talent and renowned representatives of world music in an exceptionally exclusive setting. The musical concept is akin to a curated festival. Artists from diverse backgrounds will perform at special venues on the ship, offering ever-changing perspectives on music and culture. The concerts create a cruise experience that combines artistic quality, cultural diversity and the special character of the EUROPA in a unique way.
With a maximum of 400 guests, having won numerous awards and established as an icon in the world of luxury cruises, MS EUROPA has always stood for travel characterised by individuality and quality. The personal hospitality on board is a crucial part of the experience: a service that is discreet, anticipatory and consistently tailored to the individual wishes of the guests. This high standard is complemented by a carefully selected and superbly presented entertainment programme.
Sample cruise, EUR2621 (22 Sep to 4 Oct 2026, 12 days): “Island magic and the azure-blue Adriatic”
The musical programme brings together artists with diverse stylistic influences – from pop and chanson to jazz and world music. Croatian singer-songwriter Marcela, who describes her own style as “pop in a leather jacket”, combines powerful rock and pop elements with emotional depth through her distinctive voice. “For me, being on the move is an integral part of making music - and what better way to move than across the open sea? Growing up on the Adriatic coast, water and music have always shared the same soul. A cruise brings together so many different people and stories, even if only for a brief moment, and I can't wait to meet them all through stripped-back, acoustic pop-rock energy.”
The Italian artist FLO is also a versatile performer: as a singer, songwriter and actress, she combines musical sophistication with a strong stage presence and touches audiences with her poetic chansons. “My songs are born by the sea, where I was born and where I live. They are the bridge that connects tradition to new ideas; my Naples to all the other ports of the world; the real world to our desires. The sea is my inspiration, my lifeblood, and it will be wonderful to bring you my music as the waves lull us.”
Paula Grande and Vic Moliner bring a Catalan ensemble to the stage that blends jazz with Iberian and Latin American folklore. Their interplay of voice, instruments and rhythmic diversity creates a vibrant soundscape where traditions and improvisation meet: "For us, music is about connection — carrying traditions forward while making them feel alive and present. We believe in the transformative power of songs: music that doesn't just move you, but that can shift perspectives and contribute to a better world. On this cruise, we can't wait to share that intimate journey with you, right there on the water."
The programme is complemented by jazz and blues musician Katarina Pejak, who has developed her very own style following a classical education and an international career. Her music is characterised by American influences, great expressiveness and many years of experience on stage. “I’m especially looking forward to the setting on board. It is close and personal, which makes it possible to approach the performance differently and respond more directly to the audience. I’m curious to see how this closeness will shape the concert.”
The diverse programme is set against an equally inspiring itinerary: the EUROPA will sail from Palma de Mallorca via Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily along the Adriatic coast to take in cultural highlights including Dubrovnik, Korcula City and Trieste before the cruise ends in the lagoon city of Venice. Mediterranean flair, stunning coastal landscapes and European cultural history provide the perfect backdrop for this musical experience.
Bookable in the SILVER fare from € 4,790 per person, double occupancy (excluding travel package to and from departure and arrival points). For more information, visit www.hl-cruises.com/cruisefinder/eur2621
Sample cruise, EUR2625 (5 Nov to 15 Nov 2026, 10 days): “The soul of Spain and the heart of Portugal”
The artists on this cruise are also putting their heart and soul into the cruise, complementing the route of the EUROPA. For many years, the Spanish musician Maria Rodés has been one of the most exciting voices on the contemporary art-folk and dream-pop scene. With each of her albums, she broadens her artistic horizons, exploring new themes ranging from cosmic inspirations to social issues.
The 26-year-old Portuguese singer-songwriter Mimi Froes blends pop with influences from jazz and traditional Portuguese music. With her poetic lyrics and distinctive musicality, she has already established herself both nationally and internationally.
The line-up is rounded off by Brazilian musician Anna Setton, who blends traditional Brazilian sounds with modern jazz elements. Influenced by the Sao Paulo music scene, she has made a name for herself as a distinctive artist with several acclaimed albums and international projects. Her music is characterised by melodic diversity and stylistic depth, which she also presents impressively on international stages.
In rhythm with the acoustics prevailing on board, the route of the EUROPA will take guests from Palma de Mallorca along the Spanish and Portuguese coast to Malaga. With overnight stays in the ports of major cities such as Barcelona and Lisbon, guests will be captivated by the historic architecture, vibrant culture and Mediterranean way of life well into the evening hours. Valencia in turn combines modern design with culinary diversity. Stops such as Gibraltar, Portimao and Cadiz provide stunning coastal landscapes, British-inspired flair and Andalusian traditions before the cruise ends on the Costa del Sol.
Bookable in the SILVER fare from € 4,690 per person, double occupancy (excluding travel package to and from departure and arrival points). For more information, visit www.hl-cruises.com/cruisefinder/eur2625
Sample cruise EUR2703 (17 Feb to 18 Mar 2027, 29 days): “The diverse west coast of the American continent”
Next year, the EUROPA will set sail from Valparaiso in Chile, heading north along the Pacific coast and combining an impressive variety of destinations. Stops in Peru, Ecuador and Central America offer fascinating insights into culture and nature – from historic sites around Lima to tropical landscapes in Panama and Costa Rica. The cruise continues along the Mexican Riviera with its lively coastal towns before the true West Coast flair takes hold in California with stops including San Diego and Santa Barbara. Legendary San Francisco, with its unmistakable atmosphere, provides the finale to the cruise.
The extraordinary route is accompanied by a diverse musical programme: Mexican artist, singer, producer and DJane Pahua blends Latin American rhythms with electronic sounds to create her distinctive style. With over 20 million streams and countless playlist features, she has made her mark internationally and has been honoured as a Spotify EQUAL Mexico ambassador, among other accolades. The line-up is rounded off by Evelyn Dupuy, who fuses the rhythmic traditions of her Afro-Cuban heritage with influences from pop, jazz and modern production. Her sound combines Caribbean energy with an urban acoustic aesthetic. Luiza Brina is a defining voice in contemporary Brazilian music – as a singer, songwriter, producer and instrumentalist. Her latest album has been celebrated by the Brazilian press and was the only Brazilian work selected by BPR as one of the 50 best albums of 2024.
Bookable in the SILVER fare from € 12,890 per person, double occupancy (including early booking discount, valid until 31 May 2026, excluding travel package to and from departure and arrival points). For more information, visit www.hl-cruises.com/cruisefinder/eur2703
Guests can also look forward to a star-studded line-up on the cruise EUR2722 (25 Oct to 6 Nov 2027, 12 days) with the theme “The charm of the Canary Islands meets oriental magic” from Palma de Mallorca to Tenerife. Renowned artists will be on board to transform the EUROPA into a floating festival.
Bookable in the PLATINUM fare from € 5,990 per person, double occupancy (including early booking discount, valid until 31 Jan 2027, excluding travel package to and from departure and arrival points). For more information, visit https://www.hl-cruises.com/cruisefinder/eur2722
