Hapag-Lloyd’s Europa 2 lately grew to become the primary cruise ship to go to the Chinese language port of Qingdao this yr.
Providing a 16-night cruise in Asia, the 516-guest vessel arrived on the port for a transit name on March 1, 2025.
A ceremony was held on the port to mark the decision and the opening of the season, which included a plaque change between ship officers and Shandong Port Cruise Improvement Group.
In accordance with native sources, passengers have been obtained by a particular welcoming ceremony that included cultural performances of Jiaodong drum, mantis boxing, Taoist boxing and extra.
The occasion additionally included an interplay space that featured handcraft samples, together with shows on sugar portray, Chinese language knots and clay tigers.
After departing from Shanghai in late February, the Europa 2 is providing Hapag-Lloyd’s “Welcome Within the Land of Smiles” itinerary.
The 16-night cruise sails to Tokyo and options visits to seven locations in China, Japan and South Korea.
Along with Qingdao, the vessel can be scheduled to sail to Tianjin, Nagasaki, Busan, Fukuoka, Beppu and Kobe.
The 2025 cruise season in Qingdao is highlighted by visits of the Zhao Shang Yi Dun, which is operated by a three way partnership between Viking Cruises and China Retailers.
The upscale 930-guest vessel is scheduled to go to the port eight occasions in the course of the yr, carrying overseas friends.
Adora Cruises’ Adora Magic Metropolis is one other spotlight of the season. As the biggest cruise ship ever in-built China, the 5,246-guest ship arrives in Qingdao in April for homeport operations.
Over 40 cruise calls are anticipated, Shandong Port Cruise Improvement Group mentioned, with visitor numbers anticipated to succeed in document ranges.
Earlier than internet hosting the Europa 2, the group said it organized greater than ten conferences to investigate the dynamics of cruise ship operations and optimize its service by implementing new measures and insurance policies.
