International choreographers to headline Dance Visions 2026 aboard Hapag-Lloyd

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has announced its 2026 Dance Visions programme, featuring an international roster of acclaimed choreographers and dancers set to perform aboard its luxury vessels Europa and Europa 2.

The line-up includes Rafael Bonachela with the Sydney Dance Company, Diego Tortelli with Compagnia Aterballetto, Alexander Ekman, Antonin Rioche, and celebrated dance partners Lucía Lacarra and Matthew Golding. 

The programme will feature world premieres and works adapted specifically for the intimate stages of the two ships, across a range of itineraries including Canary Islands sailings, Italian coastal voyages, Adriatic and Mediterranean routes, North Cape and Norwegian fjord cruises, and transatlantic journeys linking New York, the Caribbean, and Miami.

“Our partnerships are based on genuine appreciation, creative freedom and uncompromising quality standards,” said Foad Naddafi, Artistic Director at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. “With this first outlook on our 2026 programme, we are making an artistic statement at sea: high-end works and unique collaborations with leading choreographers and ensembles will make every performance on board a powerful, sensual and unmatched experience – and mark the onset of a new era of dance at sea.”

A highlight will be the collaboration between Rafael Bonachela and the Sydney Dance Company, including a new work created specifically for MS Europa 2. Bonachela, known for his emotionally and physically demanding contemporary dance, has previously collaborated with artists such as Kylie Minogue and Björk.

Italian choreographer Diego Tortelli will make his debut with Compagnia Aterballetto, presenting a work exploring human connection in the digital age, as well as a premiere adapted for the shipboard setting. Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman will return to Europa 2 with a performance featuring an ensemble of leading international dancers.

Aboard Europa, Lucía Lacarra and Matthew Golding will present selections from their repertoire, blending classical ballet with contemporary influences. The programme will also showcase French choreographer Antonin Rioche, who will present both a current work and a new creation, continuing his exploration of intimacy, identity, and modern life.

The Dance Visions series forms part of the cruise line’s broader arts and entertainment programming, which features performances across a range of disciplines, from classical music recitals and jazz concerts to theatre productions, literary events, and visual arts exhibitions, designed to bring internationally recognised artists and culturally rich experiences to guests while at sea.