Tourexpi
In summer 2026, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will place
classical music centre stage on board MS EUROPA with three curated voyages
dedicated to chamber music. The programme begins with the Ocean Sun Festival
from 28 May to 12 June 2026, sailing from Malaga to Hamburg, followed by two
further music-focused cruises in July and August. Together, they link
outstanding live performances with carefully selected routes through southern
and northern Europe.
Ocean Sun Festival from the Mediterranean to the Elbe
The Ocean Sun Festival 2026 unfolds under the theme
“Musical illuminations of the south”. As the EUROPA travels along the Iberian
coast and through river landscapes such as the Guadalquivir to Seville and the
Gironde to Bordeaux, music and destination are closely interwoven. The opening
concert takes place ashore at the historic Hacienda El Vizir near Seville,
where mandolin virtuoso Avi Avital performs with his ensemble alongside
mezzo-soprano Francesca Di Sauro and baritone Alessio Arduini, presenting works
inspired by southern European soundscapes.
On board, the programme continues with performances by
cellist Christian-Pierre La Marca, pianist Daniel Heide, the award-winning
Quatuor Arod, piano duo Jatekok and young harpist Tjasha Gafner. The small size
of the EUROPA creates an intimate concert setting that allows close interaction
between artists and guests.
Susanna Kitzl, Artistic Director at Hapag-Lloyd
Cruises, highlights the concept: “This year’s programme brings together
outstanding artists whose versatility and expressiveness exemplify the
commitment of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises to classical music in its entertainment
programme. Once again, the EUROPA will become a venue that fosters inspiring
exchange between musicians and audience.”
Northern routes with renowned ensembles and young
talents
Two further cruises extend the chamber music focus
into the northern summer. From 23 July to 5 August 2026, the EUROPA sails from
Hamburg through the Norwegian fjords to the North Cape. Pianist Ragna Schirmer
joins the Schumann Quartet on board, combining solo and ensemble performances
against the backdrop of Nordic landscapes.
From 5 to 21 August 2026, classical music accompanies
the EUROPA on a circumnavigation of England, Ireland and Scotland. This voyage
features the chamber music festival of Deutsche Stiftung Musikleben, bringing
together outstanding young scholarship holders supported by the foundation
since 1962.
Overview
The three summer cruises position MS EUROPA as a
floating concert venue, where chamber music, destination and atmosphere merge.
With artists ranging from internationally acclaimed soloists to emerging
talents, the programme underlines the ship’s role as a cultural stage at sea,
offering guests a blend of musical depth and European travel experiences.
Image
Credit: © Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
The most interesting news
Read the News

SWISS expands India network with new nonstop Bengaluru–Zurich service
Swiss International Air Lines is pleased to announce the launch of new nonstop flights between Bengaluru and Zurich, further enhancing connectivity between Switzerland and India’s leading technology and innovation hub.
Read the News

Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines strengthen partnership
Starting 1 June 2026, Philippine Airlines will place its (PR) code on Qatar Airways flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao to Doha, and connect to over 20 major European cities, including Paris, Rome, and Frankfurt via Hamad International Airpor
Read the News

Radisson Hotel Group expands its footprint in Dubai
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights is a 537-room five-star city hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, affiliated with Radisson Blu, part of Radisson Hotel Group.
Read the News

Hilton signs Hilton Garden Inn in Busan, South Korea
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced the signing of a franchise agreement with MS&C Co., Ltd. to open Hilton Garden Inn Busan Gijang in 2028. Located in Gijang, Busan, the hotel is planned to be part of a larger mixed-use development project.
Read the News

Etihad Airways makes Eid al-Adha and Summer Travel easier
Etihad Airways is preparing for a busy Eid al-Adha and summer travel season, with strong demand expected across its expanding global network.
Read the News

TAT and Warner Music Japan bring Thailand’s spirit to life
Music-led collaboration showcases Bangkok’s everyday charm while connecting Thailand’s relaxed optimism with younger global audiences
Read the News

To Belize in the off-season with Alaska Airlines
Why this is the best choice explains Ali Wunderman
Read the News

Global Travel & Tourism to outpace wider economy by 1.5 times
Global Travel & Tourism is forecast to continue outpacing wider economic growth in 2026, with the sector expected to contribute $12TN to the world economy, accounting for 9.9% of global GDP, according to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Counc
Read the News

Nayarit's jungle coast redefines luxury travel
In the state of Nayarit, the jungle-meets-ocean landscape is emerging as one of the most compelling frontiers in high-end travel—now supported by a new era of seamless access.
Read the News

Six Senses Joins the UNEP and UN Tourism Recipe of Change
A living expression of the brand’s sustainable ethos and Eat With Six Senses philosophy
Read the News

Emirates taps GE Aerospace for repair capabilities
The agreement will support the expansion of the Emirates Engine Maintenance Centre (EEMC)
Read the News

Closing the gender gap requires tackling structural barriers, improving access to opportunities, and sustained commitment
Women do most of the work in tourism, yet they remain underrepresented in leadership
Read the News

Tripmasters expands with new experience-focused vacation packages
New curated travel collections respond to growing demand for slower, experience-driven vacations with fewer hotel changes and deeper destination immersion
Read the News

Marriott International expands portfolio in Peru through landmark conversions
The two properties in Lima are set to officially join The Ritz‑Carlton and JW Marriott brand portfolios in 2028, reflecting the city’s rise as a leading global luxury destination.
Read the News

As Americans hit the road during the country’s 250th anniversary, Hilton is celebrating all summer long.
Next week, Hilton is kicking off Hilton Honors America Experiences with a dozen unexpected and unforgettable road trip experiences for only 250 Hilton Honors Points per trip, Hampton by Hilton stays and gas included.
Read the News

TUI launches TUI Smiles Rewards Club
TUI has launched TUI Smiles Rewards Club, the company’s first-ever global loyalty programme, enabling customers to collect Smiles across TUI's portfolio – from flights and hotels to packages, cruises, and experiences.
Read the News

Lufthansa Group expands climate protection portfolio
The Lufthansa Group has reshaped its portfolio of climate protection projects and is placing a stronger emphasis on technology-based solutions
Read the News

The Czech capital has maintained its position among the ten most important meeting destinations in the world
Meetings Prague announces statistics for 2025 and unifies tourism branding
Read the News

Enhanced opportunities for British Airways American Express® cardmembers
British Airways American Express® Cardmembers who book with British Airways Holidays using Avios (as a full or part payment), can now redeem their Companion Voucher to receive 25% of these Avios back.
Read the News

In Spain, the year starts with more people employed in the tourism sector
In the first quarter of 2026, there were 146,631 more employees in tourism-related activities than in the same period of 2025.
