Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is introducing three summer cruises dedicated to classical music on board MS EUROPA in 2026.
When the EUROPA lifts anchor in Malaga at the end of May 2026, it will embark on a cruise that combines music and culture in a very special way. Navigating along the Iberian coast and through the river landscapes of Portugal and France, the Ocean Sun Festival will stage a musical narrative of southern Europe – inspired by light, movement and encounters.
The opening concert will take place in the historic Hacienda El Vizir near Seville, where Mediterranean architecture joins chamber music beneath the arcades of the 18th-century estate. Mandolin virtuoso Avi Avital and his ensemble “Avi Avital – Between Worlds” will perform works by Albéniz and de Falla, accompanied by mezzo-soprano Francesca Di Sauro and baritone Alessio Arduini. Their interpretations span from opera to instrumental virtuosity.
The programme continues on board the EUROPA with thrilling performances: French cellist Christian-Pierre La Marca brings his lyrical signature style to the stage, pianist Daniel Heide offers finest chamber music, multi-award-winning Quatuor Arod creates chamber music dialogues between classical and contemporary music, Duo Jatekok explores new soundscapes on the grand piano and young harpist Tjasha Gafner adds contemporary lightness.
“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,” says Susanna Kitzl, Artistic Director at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. “Once again, the EUROPA will become a venue that fosters inspiring exchange between musicians and audience – enhanced by an ambience that is only possible at sea and in the intimate setting of the small ships.”
With a top-class line-up for the Ocean Sun Festival 2026, the established format is moving from a more focused concept to new perspectives, meaning that the artistic diversity of the festival will become even more tangible throughout the year. Chamber music of the highest quality is set to be the focus of two additional summer cruises on the EUROPA next year: when the small luxury ship sets sail from the port of Hamburg in mid July, travelling up the Elbe through the Norwegian fjords and islands to the North Cape, guests can look forward to the musical artistry of Ragna Schirmer. The pianist is known for her nuanced and intricate playing style and has won numerous national as well as international awards, including the ECHO Klassik. On board the EUROPA, she will perform with the award-winning Schumann Quartet, which performs at world-famous concert halls such as the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, the Muziekgebouw Amsterdam or the Musikverein Wien.
Classical music will also set the stage on the following cruise: as the EUROPA sails from Hamburg on its circumnavigation of England, Ireland and Scotland, outstanding young classical talents will perform on board as part of the renowned chamber music festival organised by Deutsche Stiftung Musikleben. Since 1962, the foundation has been supporting highly talented young scholarship holders in Germany on their path towards a professional music career, with a particular focus on string players.
Featured Cruises
MS EUROPA, Ocean Sun Festival: 28 May to 12 Jun 2026, from Malaga to Hamburg, 15 days. Bookable in the PLATINUM fare from € 8,890 per person, double occupancy, cruise only, excluding travel package to and from departure and arrival points.
EUROPA: 23 Jul to 5 Aug 2026, from Hamburg to Hamburg, 13 days. Bookable in the SILVER fare from € 5,990 per person, double occupancy, cruise only, excluding travel package to and from departure and arrival points.
MS EUROPA: 5 to 21 Aug 2026, from Hamburg to Hamburg, 16 days. Bookable in the SILVER fare from € 8,690 per person, double occupancy, cruise only, excluding travel package to and from departure and arrival points.
Photo credit: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
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