Hapag-Lloyd Ships Create Memorable Double Call Experience in Lisbon, Portugal, Showcasing European Maritime Tourism

Published on November 19, 2025

A remarkable moment in European maritime tourism was observed when Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, along with its two premium vessels, the Europa 2 and the Europa, made a rare double call in Lisbon, Portugal earlier in the month. This significant encounter, celebrated widely across the company’s social media platforms, was regarded as an exceptional highlight for guests who were present during the event. This meeting of vessels, both known for their luxury-oriented operations in the cruise sector, brought renewed attention to the cultural and scenic allure of Portugal’s capital city. The occasion was made even more notable as each ship was positioned at a different phase of its extended travel schedule, reinforcing the role of the region as a strategic gateway for voyages connecting Europe, North America, the Caribbean, and Africa. The sight of both vessels at the Lisbon Cruise Terminal offered passengers an opportunity to capture memorable images while enjoying a moment that enhanced the emotional appeal of the journey. This unique maritime encounter marked the beginning of a series of wide-ranging itineraries that will take both vessels across various international destinations, reflecting Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ continuous efforts to expand its global footprint and strengthen its service proposition for multilingual travelers.

Hapag-Lloyd Ships Meet in Lisbon, Offering a Unique Maritime Tourism Experience

A Rare and Celebrated Cruise Encounter in Portugal

A special moment for maritime tourism in Portugal was created when the Europa 2 and the Europa arrived simultaneously for a double call at the Lisbon Cruise Terminal. This occurrence was regarded as rare within the cruise industry and was highlighted widely by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises across its communication platforms. Guests aboard both vessels were able to witness an experience that is seldom observed during regular itineraries, enhancing the cultural and scenic appreciation of their journey through Portugal.

Passengers were provided with an opportunity to enjoy engaging visuals of both ships docked side by side, further elevating the sense of exclusivity associated with this meeting. The encounter added an emotional dimension to the experience, contributing to the overall charm of their extended cruise adventures.

Europa 2 Begins Its Journey Toward the Canary Islands and Morocco

The Europa 2 arrived in Lisbon to commence an 11-night itinerary featuring destinations across the Canary Islands and Morocco. This voyage functioned as part of the vessel’s repositioning program as it transitioned toward the Caribbean and North America for the upcoming season. The itinerary began with an overnight stay in Lisbon, allowing travelers additional time to explore the historic architecture, culinary offerings, and vibrant cultural attractions of the Portuguese capital.

Upon departure from Portugal, the Europa 2 proceeded toward a range of destinations across the region, including Agadir, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Gomera, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. These stops offered passengers a blend of natural landscapes, island culture, and warm-weather attractions. Following the completion of its Canary Islands schedule, the ship embarked on a trans-Atlantic voyage toward Willemstad, Curaçao. This repositioning move positioned the 2013-built vessel for its winter season of operations across North America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, highlighting its role in connecting major tourism routes between Europe and the Americas.

Europa Continues Its Extended Voyage from Germany to Tenerife

The Europa arrived in Lisbon during a 16-night itinerary that had originated from Hamburg in Germany. The vessel’s route was designed as an open-jaw itinerary concluding in Tenerife, offering passengers a varied experience across several European and North African destinations. The schedule included an overnight stay in Lisbon, adding depth to the cultural immersion available to guests on board.

Additional stops throughout the voyage included destinations in Belgium, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Morocco. These ports contributed to a well-rounded travel experience by combining historical cities, coastal landscapes, and vibrant cultural centers. This extended itinerary reflected the vessel’s ongoing repositioning plans as it prepared for its upcoming season of operations.

Europa Begins Its Southern Route Toward Africa and the Indian Ocean

As part of its long-distance repositioning voyage, the Europa continued southward along the African coastline. This journey was intended to bring the vessel to a series of itineraries set to begin in December, covering tourism destinations across the Indian Ocean. Scheduled routes for the 1999-built vessel included travel to Madagascar, the Seychelles, and various islands across the region. These itineraries were designed to introduce guests to secluded beaches, unique ecosystems, and culturally rich island environments, reinforcing the ship’s emphasis on immersive, destination-focused travel.

Expansion of Bilingual Services Across the Hapag-Lloyd Fleet

In a related development, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises announced plans to implement bilingual operations across its entire fleet beginning in early 2026. All sailings will be conducted in both German and English to better serve international travelers. At present, only the Europa 2 and the Hanseatic Inspiration provide English-language support, but the upcoming expansion will extend this service to all five vessels.

This transition is expected to enhance accessibility for a wider global audience and strengthen the company’s competitive position in the international premium cruise market. The initiative aligns with the growing demand for multicultural and multilingual travel experiences, particularly among passengers seeking distinctive routes across Europe, Africa, and the Americas.