Cruises: Contemporary Dance Takes Centre Stage on EUROPA 2 - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

As Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo host the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, attention is not only focused on sporting achievements but also on artistic expression. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is bringing this creative energy aboard EUROPA 2, showcasing contemporary dance by three internationally renowned choreographers closely linked to the Games: Diego Tortelli, Yoann Bourgeois and Alexander Ekman.

Precision, discipline and emotional intensity define both elite sport and contemporary dance – qualities reflected in the works presented on the luxury ship. EUROPA 2 thus becomes a floating stage for performances of global artistic relevance.

Olympic-Calibre Artistic Collaborations

Diego Tortelli has been appointed Head of Choreography for the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics, while Yoann Bourgeois will shape the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Winter Games. Alexander Ekman gained international recognition as Head of Choreography for the Paralympics in Paris in 2024.

With these collaborations, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises reinforces its cultural positioning in the Olympic year, presenting artists whose work resonates far beyond the world of cruise travel.

“Our artistic partnerships are based on trust, creative freedom and uncompromising quality standards,” says Foad Naddafi, Artistic Director at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. “The fact that several of our choreographers play influential roles at the Olympic and Paralympic Games highlights the international calibre of our arts and entertainment programme.”

EUROPA 2: An Intimate Stage at Sea

Since entering service, EUROPA 2 has repeatedly been recognised among the world’s leading cruise ships. With a maximum capacity of 500 guests, the vessel offers an environment that combines exclusivity with artistic proximity, allowing contemporary dance to be experienced in a highly personal atmosphere.

Diego Tortelli and Aterballetto

A key artistic highlight of 2026 will be Diego Tortelli’s choreography for the Olympic closing ceremony at the Arena di Verona. Under the title “Beauty in Action,” Aterballetto will perform as part of the official programme.

Later that year, Tortelli and Aterballetto will appear aboard EUROPA 2, presenting the premiere of a newly developed version of an existing work, blending classical technique with contemporary narrative.

Sample cruises:

EUX2619 (16 Aug – 25 Aug 2026, 9 days): Civitavecchia (Rome) to Dubrovnik

EUX2624 (10 Oct – 18 Oct 2026, 8 days): Palma de Mallorca to Lisbon

Yoann Bourgeois

French choreographer Yoann Bourgeois, known for his distinctive fusion of movement and physical theatre, will bring his artistic language to EUROPA 2 in 2027. His production “NOVECENTO – The Legend of the Ocean Pianist,” based on Alessandro Baricco, will be staged exclusively for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

Sample cruise:

EUX2714 (3 Aug – 15 Aug 2027, 12 days): Civitavecchia (Rome) to Palma de Mallorca

Alexander Ekman

The collaboration with Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman continues with renewed performances planned for 2027. His production “Ekman meets EUROPA 2 – Take 5” combines precision, humour and emotional depth, reflecting Ekman’s distinctive artistic signature.

Sample cruise:

EUX2762 (21 Jul – 3 Aug 2027, 13 days): Tenerife to Civitavecchia (Rome)

With its curated arts programme, EUROPA 2 continues to position itself as a platform where contemporary performance art and luxury travel intersect.

Image Credit: Diego Tortelli © GNO_BALLET