The Europa, from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, is a smaller, more luxurious descendant of previous Europas. This ship entered service in 1999 and is registered in the Bahamas. She was one of the first ships to be propelled by twin azimuth thrusters, using electric motors rather than shafts to drive the propellers, which reduces vibration markedly.
The Europa measures 28,600 tons, extends 651 ft and carries 408 passengers. She caters primarily to the high-end German-speaking market, appealing to mature couples, younger passengers with families and cosmopolitan North Americans. The crew of 275 is German, Austrian, Swiss and Filipino, all English-speaking. The officers are German. Very little English is spoken on board among the passengers, but a bilingual cruise can be arranged if a minimum of 12 full-fare English-speaking guests have made reservations. On these cruises, the programs, menus, announcements and entertainment are in both languages.
Itineraries in summer go to northern Europe and the Mediterranean, and global routes the balance of the year take passengers to some of the most exotic ports in the world. Travelers can choose between a 157-day cruise from Barcelona to Dubai, available also in 11 stages, or a 91-day trip that sails from Acapulco to Dubai. Prices are in euros.
Europa's shore excursions are designed with luxury in mind. They are very upscale and cover the world in great style. On Hawaii's Kauai island, passengers travel to the west rim of Waimea Canyon and view the lush landscape from a helicopter. In Cambodia they tour the 12-century Angkor Wat temple complex, and in Thailand they embark in Bangkok for a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River past Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn. Wherever passengers prefer to organize their own time ashore, the ship's concierge offers advice and makes arrangements.
The casino—never a popular destination on this ship—was removed during a 2004 refit, and the space is now used for daytime activities and special occasions, including dinners. Next door, the Clipper Lounge, a piano and cabaret bar, has a band for dancing. Opposite, the dark-paneled Havana Bar draws cigar smokers with its excellent Cuban selections. The gently tiered Grand Lounge spotlights big-name entertainment, and an orchestra provides dance music following the shows. About 95% of the shows are German language.
The promenade wraps around the Lido Deck, and forward a handsome observation lounge serves afternoon tea and drinks before meals. Aft, a cozy new watering hole, Sansibar, features a sit-up bar, intimate seating and a small circular dance floor. The library with free e-mail facilities is not yet bilingual, but English-language books are on order. A 60-seat cinema screens films. Wireless Internet access is available at hotspots on decks 4 and 8, and the ship has 10 laptops that guest are welcome to borrow; a fee applies.
The swimming pool offers connecting indoor and outdoor sections, and by rolling back the magrodome in warm weather, it becomes the longest outdoor pool on any ship today. The gym is newly enlarged in a high-up location with a great view of the sea, and above, the deck is reserved for nude sunbathing. Steam rooms, sauna, solarium, Japanese bath and message parlor are all included in the spa facilities. Golf instruction and simulated practice courses are innovative features. Children's facilities, while still modest, have expanded into two spaces catering to the very young and those 10 and up. When five or more children are present, a counselor is aboard to organize activities and games.
The main dining room, reminiscent of an elegant European hotel restaurant, ranks among the finest dining experiences afloat. All meals have a single sitting, and seating is open for breakfast and lunch. Reservation dining takes place in the Asian Oriental and Italian Venezia restaurants, two intimate rooms facing one another across a central corridor. These venues are small and tend to book up quickly. A formal dress code is the rule. For informality, the Lido buffet, located up high and aft, serves all three meals in an indoor and outdoor setting. National cuisines are featured on some evenings, and cooking demonstrations by guest chefs take place here in warm weather. Room service is offered for all meals, but European passengers take less advantage of this than do Americans.
Of the 204 cabins, all are outside, 50 are designated singles and 12 are penthouse suites. The smallest measures 290 sq ft and the largest suites are 914 sq ft. Cabin voltage includes both 110 and 220 volts. All cabins have luxurious amenities, and most have deep verandahs. The suites come with two beds which can be joined together, and each has a living area. Sofas convert to beds. In the penthouse suites, the bedroom and living room are separate. All suites have walk-in closets, TV, Internet access, phone, minibar, hair dryer and safe. The penthouse grand suites have their own sauna and whirlpool tub. Those over the Europa Lounge sometimes hear the evening's entertainment through the floor.
The Europa is a top-of-the-line destination for cruise enthusiasts who want a truly European luxurious experience at sea in considerable comfort. Don't expect much intermingling with fellow passengers, but the officers and crew are very cordial. They are also efficient, and service vessel-wide is seamless. While exuding a much more formal atmosphere than any other ship in the luxury market, Europa exudes old-world charm. Gratuities, unlike on high-end U.S. luxury ships, are not included in the rate, and are at the discretion of passengers.
