Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is deepening its commitment to the arts by enhancing its cultural offerings aboard their luxury and bilingual (German/English) cruise ship, the EUROPA 2. Building on the success of their art2sea voyage, the cruise line will offer a robust new program of rotating exhibitions, curated gallery partnerships, and art-focused excursions throughout the 2025 Mediterranean season.
A Floating Gallery Experience
Art is a key part of the guest experience on all Hapag-Lloyd Cruises vessels. On the EUROPA 2, this ethos reaches new heights: the ship houses an impressive collection of 890 original works, one of the largest and most expensive art collections at sea, including pieces by Gerhard Richter, Damien Hirst, and Ólafur Elíasson, alongside emerging European artists.
The ship’s Deck 9 art gallery will now feature rotating exhibitions from leading European galleries. Guests can expect a dynamic blend of contemporary art, expert talks, and exclusive previews all designed to encourage personal engagement and cultural discovery.
Upcoming 2025 Art Highlights Aboard EUROPA 2:
- Bilbao to Barcelona (July 19–30)
Featuring Berlin’s Gallery Friedmann-Hahn, known for figurative painting and urban art. 11 days | From €6,290 pp (SILVER fare) - Barcelona to Monte-Carlo (July 30–Aug 7)
Historic Gallery Commeter of Hamburg showcases works by Jochen Hein, Maria Ikonomopoulou, and more.
8 days | From €4,690 pp (SILVER fare) - Palma to Civitavecchia (Aug 16–25)
Thole Rotermund Kunsthandel presents Berlin artist Peer Kriesel, known for overpainted print materials.
9 days | From €5,190 pp (SILVER fare) - Piraeus to Piraeus (Sept 13–22)
Thole Rotermund returns for a second exhibition in late summer.
9 days | From €5,790 pp (GOLD fare) - Piraeus to Naples (Sept 30–Oct 11)
Gallery Holzhauer, Hamburg, features drawings, prints, and sculptures.
11 days | From €5,990 pp (SILVER fare) - Naples to Lisbon (Oct 11–22)
Berlin-based artist Thomas Pöllmann brings colorful, large-scale works from his Goerzwerk studio.
11 days | From €5,990 pp (SILVER fare)
Looking Ahead: Art Beyond the Ship
As part of the expanded program, guided art excursions to museums, studios, and galleries will become regular features. Artistic Director Susanna Kitzl notes: “The enthusiastic response from our guests confirms that art belongs at sea. We’re excited to integrate it even further, both on board and ashore.”
Art at Sea Across the Fleet
Art extends beyond EUROPA 2. The expedition ships, the HANSEATIC nature, inspiration, and spirit each house 200 permanent works that explore themes of nature and the environment, with pieces by artists like Michael Poliza and the Kenyan collective Ocean Sole. While not for sale, these collections are documented in onboard libraries for guest enjoyment.
About: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is considered the leading cruise brand in the luxury and expedition sector in German-speaking countries. The fleet currently includes five ships. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ ships are small, individual, and outstanding in their class: The luxury ships, the EUROPA and the EUROPA 2 are complemented by the ultra-modern new expedition class consisting of HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration, and HANSEATIC spirit. All five ships in the fleet are the only ones to be awarded the top rating of five stars by the Insight Guides 2025. The EUROPA 2 and the HANSEATIC inspiration cater to the international markets, with all itineraries conducted in English and German.
Since 2020, the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises brand has been part of TUI Cruises GmbH, one of the leading cruise operators in German-speaking countries. The joint venture between TUI AG and the US cruise company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. also operates the Mein Schiff fleet with currently seven cruise ships. TUI Cruises employs around 750 people in Hamburg and Berlin.
Reservations: International guests, as well as travel agencies can call 877-445-7447 in the United States and Canada, or send an email to service@hl-cruises.com or visit https://www.hl-cruises.