I’ve Been On The Best Cruise Ship In The World!

On Wednesday 25th June I was invited to a very exclusive event in Southampton when Hapag Lloyd called in. Europa 2 is their newest and most exclusive ship sailing in the fleet and is the second flagship in the fleet, with the number one place going to the Europa, a smaller but just as popular option.

The Europa and Europa 2 are awarded 5 stars by the Berlitz guide to Cruising, a rating that no other ship can boast.

So who are Hapag Lloyd? I must admit this was a very exciting experience for me as I didn’t know a huge amount about them. Its a bit like a destination you have seen on a map but never looked in to and I suppose I have always relied on the other competitors such as Silversea, Regent, Crystal and Seabourn when it comes to recommending the top end cruise lines but what a BIG mistake, as you will see.

Now Hapag Lloyd won’t be for everyone as they are a German cruise line so a large number of guests on-board will only speak German but its important to note that all staff on-board understand and speak English although I have been on some British and American Ships and the staff cannot understand what you are saying!

I have been fortunate to have seen Regent, Oceania, Silversea, Seabourn and the top contenders when it comes to the boutique and luxury market so I like to think I have a good understanding when it comes to the luxury market and I think I have to say that Hapag Lloyd offers a much more luxurious experience in comparison however they are not Ultra-Inclusive! Although I would make the comprise for this ship.

Would you swap from a ultra-inclusive cruise line such as Regent or Silversea to a cruise line for similar costs but not have the inclusiveness?

I think that Europa 2 has similarities to the Seabourn ships – extremely modern, spacious beautiful vessel, with a higher space-ratio than any other cruise ship!

So a few facts on the Europa 2. She was launched on the 29th April 2013 and christened on the 10th May 2013 during the 824th Hamburg Port Anniversary.

She is registered in Valletta, Malta and holds 516 guests which are served by 370 crew on-board.

On arriving at the Ocean Terminal in Southampton the first thing that grabs you was the signature sleek orange and blue funnel, although she wasn’t a huge amount taller than the terminal building at only 7 decks high and weighing in at around 42,830

She does carry 12 Zodiacs for landings on the smaller harbours and isolated bays away from the more familiar routes.

So as we all checked in, this was a port of call for the Europa 2 and therefore most guests were off the ship enjoying the shore tours and the terminal was exceptionally quiet. There was a selection of people from the travel industry, members of the press and potential guests who have travelled on the high end cruises.

We entered the ship on deck 5, and were taken down to the theatre on deck 4. This is the lowest passenger deck which was stunning, although incredibly simple and minimalistic. She looks brand new, not over a year old, and the chairs where incredibly comfy, just what you want for a long night of entertainment. It does have a balcony as you will see from the photos, but this also has a glass fronting to give you the best view possible, not an ugly wall with a chrome handrail.

As you leave the theatre you do have a small flight of stairs, although I didn’t see a lift so any one in a wheelchair would have to use the top part of the theatre.

As you walk out you have the Jazz Club, which again has its own character, lots of purples and deep reds, what you would expect in the back streets of New York.

Across the corridor and quite the contrast is Herren-Zimmer which is one of the casual lounges where you could just sit and relax.

In the middle of the ship you have the Atrium. This area is very open with floor to ceiling windows and extremely light and airy. The use of black and silvers really compliment one and other and you also have the piano bar and wine bar in this area along with the boutique and jeweller.

Speise-Zimmer is the private dining area and this is the only restaurant you would need to pay for as its more of a private function room, great for those family get togethers.

You also have the Tarragon restaurant near by and this has a very French cosmopolitan feel, lots of light colours and big picture windows.

At the back of the ship you have the main restaurant – Weitmeere, which is stunning with strange bubble-like lights, and lovely open and relaxing space to enjoy a good meal, although I didn’t think much of the Iced Apricot Soup.

Iced Apricot Soup

Just outside of the main restaurant you have the other two speciality restaurants, Serenissima and Elements. Serenissima has to be my favourite, a beautiful feel with a very ambient atmosphere, Element has a more Far Eastern feel to it as you can see.

Up a deck and on the back of the ship you have the Ocean Spa. This is a wonderful area and even has an ice-waterfall and ice plunge pool, not really for me, would you give it a try? There is a well equipped gym and also a golf simulator. Its so good that they even offer golf cruises.

of Deck 6, 7 and 8 are given up to accommodation which is balcony as standard and the kids and teens clubs. The accommodation is some of the best I have seen at sea but I will cover that in a separate write-up

of Deck 8 you have the Sanisbar. This wraps around the back of the ship and reminds me of a very upmarket beach bar. This is also one of the late night bars which is open until the last person leaves.

Deck 9 is where the main pool area is and this is my favourite part of the ship. The pool is the largest that a ship can have at 15 metres and the main pool area is also covered with a retractable roof so if the weather is bad you can come here and chill out – a simply stunning area with a balcony area which wraps around the top with sun loungers and day beds to relax on.

Sakura, which Is the sushi restaurant is located on the left hand side of the Yacht Club restaurant and has the same nautical theme, lots of blues and light woods.

The Yatch Club is the main Buffet on-board and has the idyllic location on the back of the ship with an Al Fresco dining area. Here you can come for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a late night snack. The food in here is just as good as the sit down restaurants.

Towards the front of the ship you have the library, another bright and airy area to sit and have a bit of quiet time with or without a book, lots of dark woods and bright yellows, it does work!

You also have the Culinary School where you can learn to make the dishes that you enjoy the in restaurants although it is advisable to pre-book this as its extremely popular.

You also have a 3D cinema up here and the Belvedere. The Belvedere is one of the more lively bars, with entertainment most evenings. It’s extremely light with lots of whites and creams used on the furnishings. There is also an outside space for those that want to take in the view and sail in to the sunset.