HAPAG LLOYD

Impressive Luxury on German Vessel

In February I was invited to experience a few days onboard of one of Germany’s flagship cruise vessels that had been awarded best cruise ship by Berlitz guide for many many years and rated higher than its international competitors: HAPAG LLOYD, EUROPA 2.

So after having inspected Silversea, Seabourn, Viking, Regent Seven seas, Oceania and Crystal for many years, I was very curious what this ship would be like. That I was impressed would be an understatement. From the moment you step onboard where you get greeted in the foyer area that had been transformed into a little cocktail reception, you get handed a glass of champagne instead of waiting in line to check in. Staff hand you a check -in form and then your keys to your Suite. The lead-in Suite is a very generous size and has a walk in wardrobe to die for with at least 50 hangers so ample no matter how long the cruise!!! The entire design is elegant, light and well thought through and makes it feel like a mini apartment home away from home. It is not surprising that the Elite of Germans book over and over and only on Hapag Lloyd ships!!

If you can see yourself on a ship with 400-450 Germans who love to dance and many will mingle and speak excellent English, there is nothing you can fault on this. There are more sunbeds on the pool deck than I have seen on any ship and more than there are needed for the passengers so no need to reserve one !! The specialty restaurants onboard that are all free are extremely elegant and quaint and offer a great menu and wine list.

The Spa is enormous for the size of the ship and Germans do love their Spa and the only rule here that make some feel uncomfortable is that you enter the sauna and steam room the way god made us…. All naturelle…😊

I think for anyone tempted, I would suggest to get a 2-3 couples together and you will have a ball!! Their itineraries are also often much better designed and with more time in port and more unusual destinations than many others due to the strong and longer travel plans of Germans.

To encourage Aussies to travel they’re offering us an exclusive onboard credit of EUR300 per person!! One of their unusual cruise itineraries through Antarctica ends in Christchurch and would be a phenomenal opportunity to experience their expedition ship. Ask me for details.