Hapag-Lloyd Increases English-Speaking Guests by 230%
German line Hapag-Lloyd Cruises said the number of English-speaking guests on its newest ship, Europa 2, increased 230% in 2014.
The company, which operates four ships in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, also recorded a 52% in the number of international guest across its whole fleet.
Hapag-Lloyd has made a push to broaden its appeal in North America, particularly on Europa 2 and its Hanseatic expedition ship. They are also marketed to English speakers in the U.K., Belgium, Netherlands, Scandinavia, and Australia.
“Over the last year we have been working hard to try and attract more English-speaking guests, and it is great to see our efforts are now paying off,” said CEO Karl Poler.
Europa 2, which was launched in May 2013, is the cruise line’s first fully international ship designed to appeal to both the German and English-speaking markets. Poler said Hapag-Lloyd's goal is to have an average of 15% of Europa 2’s guest list comprised of English speakers within the next three years.
Michael Steffl, Manager International Sales of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises added: “We have received some very positive feedback from our English-speaking guests, especially with regard to the Europa 2. We provide all pre-cruise and on board information in both German and English. All the crew and lecturers are multilingual; and an International Hostess sails on board each cruise, catering solely to the needs of our English-speaking guests.”
Hamburg-based Hapag-Lloyd was formed in the 1970 merger of Hamburg-American Line (Hapag) and Bremen-based Norddeutscher Lloyd.
