The 'Europe 2', a ship of six stars, from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, will stop at Portimão, on the 26th, on its maiden voyage. But most likely, the ship and its luxury passengers will not be able to enter the port.
«Europa 2» will have to be anchored off Barra do Arade, because, as he revealed to the Sul Informação a source connected to the port structure, «its length of 225 meters does not allow its entry and docking», since the Algarve port can only receive ships up to 215 meters.
However, the entrance of the newly debuted cruise ship is dependent on the weather conditions and the state of the sea on that day.
«The possibility of placing the Europa 2 ship at the dock is being considered. This situation can only be confirmed later in the event, because it depends largely on the climatic/atmospheric effects occurring on the day of the stopover», added the same port source.
The luxurious ship will stay overnight in the port of Lisbon, starting a new voyage the next day to Barcelona and stopovers in Portimão, Malaga, Cartagena, Valencia and Mahon.
"Europa 2", which will be anchored off Portimão between 8:00 and 19:00 on May 26, was built at the STX Europe shipyards, in Saint Nazaire (France), and was baptized on May 10, in Hamburg . it is from this port in northern Germany that you depart for the trip that will take you to Leixões, Lisbon and Portimão, passing through cities such as Amsterdam, Antwerp, Honfleur, La Rochelle, Bordeaux and Bilbao.
With 225 meters in length and 42 830 tonnes, the «Europa 2» has a capacity for 516 passengers and 370 crew. A relationship that “guarantees all who travel on board a service of exclusivity and relaxation”. The ship's maiden voyage is completely sold out.
Wolfgang Flägel, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, stressed, at the ship's baptism ceremony, that “this is a special moment for our company (…). I'm sure 'Europe 2' will raise the bar in the luxury sector with its modern interpretation. We wish the ship and its crew safe voyages and enthusiastic passengers”.
'Europe 2' offers the largest space per passenger of any cruise ship in the world. The ship only has suites with balconies and a minimum area of 28 square meters. Eight restaurants and six bars are dedicated to serving gastronomic diversity and a large spa and fitness area provide space for well-being.
During the month of May, 12 stopovers are expected at the port of Portimão, for a total of around 10.000 visitors, including passengers and crew.
In addition to 'Europa 2', inaugural stopovers are planned for the ships 'Quest Adventure', 'Artania' and FTI Berlin.
As for Saga Cruises (Quest Adventure) and FTI Cruises (FTI Berlin), this will be the first time that ships from these companies call in Portimão, which shows that this port continues to attract new shipowners.
On the other hand, the Thomson Cruises company returns to operate in the Port of Portimão after the last stopover two years ago.
Veja here more pictures of the luxurious «Europe 2».
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