Contemporary dance will be taken to breathtaking new heights aboard Hapag-Lloyd Cruises‘ ships EUROPA and EUROPA 2, with a series of world-class performances to take place at sea in 2026.

The spectacular oceanic setting will provide the backdrop for a line-up of top dance talent including a flagship project with the Sydney Dance Company under the artistic direction of renowned choreographer Rafael Bonachela. The dance company will present two works aboard EUROPA 2 – including a world premiere developed especially for the luxury ship.

Subscribe to LATTE Cruise’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury cruise space.

Other choreographers partnering with the cruise line include Diego Tortelli, Alexander Ekman and rising talents like Antonin Rioche, alongside ballet icons Lucía Lacarra and Matthew Golding.

“With this first preview of our 2026 program, we are making an artistic statement at sea,” said Foad Naddafi, Artistic Director at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

“Exclusive works and unique collaborations with the most important choreographers and ensembles make every performance a powerful, sensual, and incomparable experience—and mark the beginning of a new era of dance at sea.”

Italian choreographer Tortelli, with Compagnia Aterballetto, will debut a moving new piece exploring human connection in the digital age. His performances on two separate cruises in August and October will include both existing works and a specially adapted creation.

Returning to the high seas after last year’s acclaimed performance of TAKE FIVE, Ekman will once again headline aboard EUROPA 2. Meanwhile, EUROPA will welcome ballet royalty Lacarra and Golding, with Rioche representing the new wave of French contemporary dance.