Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is giving its flagship Europa 2 a makeover, and it has lifted the curtain on what guests can expect from early 2027. The luxury ship heads into drydock in Singapore from January 9 to 23, 2027, and while the bones of the design stay the same, around 250 suites will emerge with new colours, textures, lighting and furnishings.
This is a refresh rather than a reinvention. The two Grand Penthouse Suites were already redone two years ago, so this round targets the Veranda, Ocean, Grand Ocean, Penthouse and Owner Suites. Lisa Wilken, head of luxury cruises at Hapag-Lloyd, framed it as refinement, not transformation — subtle changes with a noticeable impact, in a ship whose architecture she says still holds up today. Light woodwork stays; it's the softer elements that change: curtains, carpets, sofas, bedspreads, armchairs and benches.
Each suite category gets its own direction. The 28-square-metre Veranda Suites and 42-square-metre Penthouse Suites share a look, swapping beige for mint and subtle coral tones with wave-like shapes that nod to their maritime setting. The Ocean and Grand Ocean Suites (also 28 and 42 square metres respectively) lean into their names — shades of blue and grey with warm brown accents, plus new carpets with flowing, sea-inspired textures and a reupholstery job meant to make the rooms feel lighter and airier.
Up top, the Owner Suites get arguably the most interesting upgrade: new lighting fixtures designed to mimic natural light patterns, shifting with the mood of the room. Separate living and sleeping areas will gain round dining tables for softer lines, while beige textiles pick up subtle blue accents to freshen the space.
For travellers, the takeaway is simple: book a Europa 2 sailing from late January 2027 onwards and you'll experience the ship at its most polished. The Singapore drydock also hints at where the ship will be sailing — Asia itineraries are on the cards around that period, which pairs nicely with the refresh if you're eyeing a luxury cruise through Southeast Asia. Note that Hapag-Lloyd isn't stopping with the Europa 2; sister ship Europa follows with its own drydock in Bremerhaven in autumn 2027, so if you prefer the classic ship, a similar glow-up is coming there too.
If you've been waiting for an excuse to try one of the most highly rated cruise ships at sea, a newly refitted suite in mint, coral or sea-blue might be it.
