Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ luxury vessel EUROPA is set to return to southern Africa and the Indian Ocean from autumn 2025, offering a series of extended itineraries that explore remote coasts, island nations, and culturally rich destinations. Designed to accommodate a maximum of 400 guests, EUROPA combines a refined onboard experience with immersive shoreside exploration. The vessel maintains a nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio and features 5 dining venues, including THE GLOBE, led by three-star chef Kevin Fehling.
Throughout the winter season, EUROPA will conduct sailings along the southern coast of Africa and across the Indian Ocean, continuing a tradition of destination expertise in these regions. Pre- and post-cruise land programs with experienced guides, as well as tailor-made arrangements via the Travel Concierge Service, are available for guests seeking extended stays. Multiple voyages may be combined, with pricing incentives offered for extended travel.
The itinerary titled Fascination Africa: Wilderness, Desert and Safari (EUR 2582), from November 21 to December 7, 2025, spans 16 days. The voyage departs Cape Town and visits coastal cities including Port Elizabeth, Durban, and Maputo, before heading to the Bazaruto Archipelago and Madagascar. The call at Nosy Be includes visits to ylang-ylang plantations and coral-rich waters, followed by Antsiranana, and concludes in the Seychelles. Onboard programming includes performances by South African vocalist Nomfusi, blending Afro rhythms with jazz and soul.
A 13-day sailing, Advent in Paradise (EUR 2583), from 7 to 20 December 2025, navigates from the Seychelles to Mauritius, stopping in Madagascar and Réunion. Guests will explore UNESCO-listed sites such as Vallée de Mai and engage with the unique flora and fauna of Nosy Iranja and Toamasina. Onboard entertainment includes a “New Gen” stage performance by Canadian choreographer Johnny McMillan, as well as genre-spanning concerts by the string quartet Die Nixen. Dance instruction is also offered by Joachim Llambi, known for his role on Germany’s Let’s Dance.
For the festive season, Christmas and New Year’s Eve under Palm Trees (EUR 2600), a 14-day voyage from December 20, 2025 to January 3, 2026, offers an Indian Ocean circuit between Mauritius, Madagascar, and the Seychelles. Shore activities include beach landings via Zodiac and snorkeling, while onboard guests will enjoy a performance by the GOP Varieté Theater and a New Year’s concert by an international piano quintet with works from the Strauss and Brahms repertoire.
The subsequent itinerary, An Expedition to Madagascar (EUR 2601), from 3 to 22 January 2026, introduces expedition-style cruising to the EUROPA program. This 19-day voyage departs from Mauritius and includes Zodiac landings, expert-led lectures, and wildlife excursions. Destinations include Toamasina, Nosy Hara, and Tanzania, with a photographic safari in the Ngorongoro Crater, followed by Zanzibar and other Indian Ocean islands.
The final itinerary in the series, Safari Adventure, South Africa’s Highlights, and Golf Pro Stefan Quirmbach (EUR 2602), from January 22 to February 7, 2026, integrates golf-focused travel with natural and cultural excursions. Quirmbach will accompany guests to select courses across islands and mainland Africa. Port calls include Réunion, Mauritius, Maputo, and Port Elizabeth, with optional wildlife excursions to the Tala Reserve and Addo Elephant Park. The journey concludes in Cape Town.