The 2006 & 2007 "Fielding’s Guide to Luxury Cruises"

SIX Star Ship of the Year Winner

Europa

Lauded as the epitome of European refinement and style, the mainly German speaking ‘Europa’ was reviewed by me on a beautiful sunny day in Sydney, Australia.

Wilkommen an Bort ‘Europa’, a stylish 408 passenger ultra luxury yacht, that is offering a series of bi-lingual German/English speaking sailings ranging from 4 to 20 days, visiting all corners of the globe.

Primarily targeting wealthy Germans, the ultra-luxury ship, owned by the giant cargo company Hapag-Lloyd, distinguishes itself with class leading spaciousness and personal attention to detail. Built to the ‘all outside concept’, all suites face the sea. And beautiful suites they are, think fine European Gentlemen’s club mixed with a modern 5 star hotel, wrapped up in a 200 meter long gleaming white beauty that roams the four corners of the globe.

This is very close to nautical nirvana. Lucky for us we didn’t have to learn German to enjoy our time aboard, although German speakers make up over 90% of our fellow guests. The rest were a worldly lot from places like Spain, Brazil and Portugal.

The entertainment is geared for the Germans, as is the European way of service and meal choices. Smoking is not the social no-no that it is in US or Australia; but the puffing rules are now inline with German Law, so sanctioned areas are few. It did'nt effect our non-smokers time aboard. Should you fancy a bit of clothing optional sun baking there is also designated area for your use on deck 11.

Looking to offload some cash at the casino? Forget it, the ship doesn’t have one. The books in the library are mostly in German and the ports visited by the ship are smaller and more intimate then you get with other luxury cruise operators such as Crystal or Seabourn. One thing for certain you won’t find is annoying loudspeaker announcements or cheesy middle America tourists aboard – which is a welcome change from some of our time aboard ‘US-centric’ lines such as Regent Seven Seas.

Gentleman are expected to wear suits or jacket most evenings, while women should seek corresponding apparel. Weekly formal nights are a spectacular affair, reminiscent of grand Country Club rooms of old. Casual alfresco dining is an option for those not wishing to dress up.

The ships main entrance on deck four leads to an exquisitely beautiful atrium extending over seven decks, fitted with two glass-walled lifts, this area houses the reception desk. Forward of the Atrium is the Grand lounge, able to sit all passengers with stage and dance floor performances. This is one of the not so bi-lingual parts of the ship in our experience, but none the less enjoyable.

Aft of the atrium is the Promenade area, housing a very long by ship standard swimming pool, of nearly 20 meters that is actually used for swimming. It is half covered by a glass contraption called a magrodrome which allows swimming in silly temperatures and is flanked by the relaxing ‘Ships Bar’ and ‘Cocktail Lounge’.

Further aft still on deck four you will find the three restaurants. The main ‘Europa’ restaurant with its wide panorama windows, and seating over 330 passengers, allows à la carte dining, either with your partner or with others. The more intimate specialty restaurants “Oriental” and “Venezia” serve very well prepared Euro-Asiatic and Italian cuisine. The dishes were fresh , tasty and beautifully presented.

A golf simulator, hairdresser and beauty salon, fitness room, sauna, massage facilities and wellness area round out the on board amenities.

The cool Sansibar, is a groovy open aired bar aft that is a very popular meeting spot after dinner.

The ‘wellness’ thing is very big in the German speaking countries and “Ocean Spa” caters to that need. Housing a beauty salon, hairdresser and several treatment rooms the spa includes a Japanese room with hot tub and two massage tables to de-stress after a long days cruising. The 2006 re-furb saw the installation of 4 SPA suites adjacent to the Ocean Spa that have their own spa bath as well as included treatments. Evidently they are one of the first suite categories to sell.

Itineraries range from 4 days to around 4 months for the full round globe cruise which visits some of the world’s most interesting cities.

A typical 14 night sailing will cost in €600 per day, per person, for that your accommodated in a very comfortable 27 square meter veranda suite. A stay in one of ten 45sq meter penthouse deluxe suites is €1000 each. The cost includes most everything – but expect to pay for wine and spirits, beauty treatments and most optional land tours…oh and as you do throughout Europe bottled water with lunch and dinner.

The all-suite ship boasts separate shower and bathtubs in all bathrooms, and most digs (80%) have a good sized private balcony. Complimentary Juices, Soft-drinks, water and beer are provided in-suite in a mini-fridge.

All in all a well kept secret amongst the German speaking population that is well worth consideration of your cruising spend (the ships currency is Euro). If your after a decidedly European experience, this is the ship for you.


Click Here for the Europa Captains Biography Page (opens in a new window)

Technical Information:

Europa has a gross tonnage of 28,890, overall length of 198.6 meters, breadth of 24 meters and a design draught of 6 meters. Built at the Kvaerner MASA Yards , Helsinki, Finland, launched 1999, refurbished 2004,2007, annual dry-dock tweaks.

The propulsion machinery is diesel-electric with two azimuthing Azipods rudder propellers. There are four medium speed main engines with a total power of 21,600kw (29,370 hp) Service speed is 21 knots. It is flagged in the Bahamas. The crew number 275, made up of German officers and International staff.

*Information correct as at 2008. Please verify exact numbers if you desire at the Hapag-Lloyd website link below.


Click here for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Homepage


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