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MS Europa 2 - A Luxury Dream for Cruise Enthusiasts
Imagine stepping into a world where luxury and relaxation go hand in hand, where every wish is fulfilled before you even express it. Welcome aboard the MS Europa 2, the crown jewel of the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet and one of the most exclusive cruise ships worldwide.
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History and Development of One of the World's Leading Luxury Cruise Ships
The MS Europa 2 was delivered to Hapag-Lloyd Cruises by the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, on April 30, 2013. The maiden voyage of possibly the best cruise ship in the world started on May 11, 2013, from Hamburg to Lisbon. Since then, it has established itself as one of the most luxurious cruise ships in the world and won numerous awards.
The concept of the MS Europa 2 was based on the success of its predecessor, the MS Europa, but took luxury and modern design a step further. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises aimed to create a ship that would appeal to both experienced cruisers and a younger, lifestyle-oriented target group.
Technical Data and Equipment
The MS Europa 2 impresses not only with its luxury but also with its technical specifications:
- Length: 225.38 meters
- Width: 26.70 meters
- Draft: 6.30 meters
- Gross tonnage: 42,830
- Passenger capacity: 516 guests
- Crew: 370 crew members
- Speed: 21 knots
- Year of construction: 2013
- Shipyard: STX Europe, Saint-Nazaire, France
- Ice class: E3
The ship has 11 passenger decks and offers an exceptional space-per-passenger ratio of 83, which is among the most generous in the cruise industry. This allows for a sense of space and privacy often lacking on larger ships.
Innovative Technologies Combining Luxury with Sustainability
The MS Europa 2 uses state-of-the-art technologies to ensure passenger comfort and safety:
- Dynamic positioning system: Enables precise maneuvering and station-keeping without anchors
- Stabilizers: Reduce ship movements even in rough seas
- Advanced navigation systems: For safe and efficient route planning
- High-performance water treatment plant: Produces up to 500 tons of fresh water daily
Suites and Accommodations of the Highest Class
For the ultimate luxury experience, the suites of a ship are of utmost importance. The MS Europa 2 offers 251 suites, all with private veranda balconies. Anyone who has ever traveled on one of the giant cruise ships will certainly be amazed by this. Balconies for all suites! And of course, on the MS Europa 2 there are no normal cabins but exclusively luxurious suites. Here are the categories in detail:
- Veranda Suite (28 m²): 141 suites
- Ocean Suite (35 m²): 59 suites
- Spa Suite (42 m²): 16 suites
- Grand Ocean Suite (45 m²): 24 suites
- Grand Penthouse Suite (88 m²): 2 suites
- Owner's Suite (114 m²): 1 suite
And the following special features apply to all suites and are included in the price:
- All suites have a walk-in closet
- Bathroom with bathtub, separate rain shower, and double sink
- Tablet for controlling light, temperature, and entertainment system
- Daily fruit basket and complimentary minibar
- 24-hour room service at no extra charge
Culinary Experiences Like No Other Ship Can Offer
The gastronomic offerings of the MS Europa 2 are a highlight of every journey. We promise, every gourmet will get their money's worth here. More culinary superlatives on a cruise ship are not possible! Here are some additional details about the restaurants:
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Weltmeere: The main restaurant offers daily changing menus with international specialties. A special feature is the "Honeymoon Table" for two people with sea view.
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Yacht Club: Here you'll find a large selection of freshly prepared dishes at various live cooking stations. The restaurant extends over the indoor and outdoor deck.
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Tarragon: This French specialty restaurant offers an intimate atmosphere with only 44 seats. The menus are regularly created by Michelin-starred chefs.
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Elements: Here you can expect a fusion of Thai, Indian, and Chinese cuisine. The restaurant features an open show kitchen and its own tandoori oven.
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Serenissima: Authentic Italian cuisine is served here in an elegant ambiance. The restaurant also offers an outdoor terrace with sea view.
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Sakura: In addition to sushi and sashimi, you can also take a seat at the teppanyaki grill and watch the chef prepare your meal.
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Globe: This exclusive restaurant with only 26 seats offers gourmet menus by changing star chefs. Reservations are often booked months in advance.
Additional culinary highlights:
- Caviar Night: An exclusive caviar tasting is offered once per cruise
- Culinary School: Cooking classes with the ship's head chefs
- Wine Tastings: Regular wine tastings with the ship's sommelier
Bars and Lounges in the High-End Range
- Belvedere Lounge: Panorama lounge with live music and afternoon tea
- Sansibar: Famous bar with DJ and dance floor, inspired by the original on Sylt
- Herrenzimmer: Stylish bar with a large selection of cognacs and whiskies
- Pool Bar: Serves refreshing cocktails at the main pool
- Gatsby's: Art Deco-inspired champagne bar
Wellness and Fitness Leave Nothing to be Desired
The OCEAN SPA of the MS Europa 2 is one of the largest spa areas at sea. Additional details:
- 4 different saunas, including a Finnish sauna with sea view
- Hamam for traditional Turkish baths
- Ice grotto for cooling down after the sauna
- Thalasso therapy pool with seawater and underwater massage jets
- Cosmetic treatments with luxury brands like La Prairie and Babor
- Ayurvedic treatments
- Couple treatments in the Private Spa Suite with its own whirlpool
And active exercise is not neglected on the MS Europa 2 either. The fitness center offers:
- State-of-the-art Technogym equipment with integrated screens
- Outdoor area for open-air training with sea view
- Personal training (for a fee)
- Daily changing fitness classes such as yoga, Pilates, TRX, and spinning
Entertainment and Activities of Star Quality
Even in entertainment, the MS Europa is leading at the highest level. Here are a few highlights of the diverse entertainment program:
- Theater: Not only shows take place here, but also concerts of classical music and jazz
- 3D Cinema: Shows the latest blockbusters and documentaries
- Golf simulators: Two state-of-the-art simulators allow playing on world-famous golf courses
- Cooking studio: Here you can learn from star chefs and improve your culinary skills
- Library: With over 1,000 books and e-book readers for loan
- Photo studio: Professional photographers create memorable photos here
- Boutiques: Here you'll find luxury brands like Cartier, Bulgari, and Hermès
Sustainability and Environmental Protection
Sustainability is also a big focus on the Europa 2! The MS Europa 2 sets new standards in terms of environmental friendliness, including:
- Catalysts reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 95%
- Soot particle filters reduce soot emissions by 60%
- Possibility to use shore power in ports
- Use of low-sulfur marine diesel oil
- Optimized hull shape and special underwater paint to reduce fuel consumption
- Use of biodegradable cleaning agents
- Recycling program for waste on board
More Exclusive Services of the World's Most Luxurious Cruise Ship
- Personal concierge service for each guest
- Butler service for Penthouse and Grand Penthouse Suites
- Champagne and canapés to welcome you in the suite
- Complimentary minibar, refilled daily
- Fresh flowers and fruit basket daily in the suite
- Free Wi-Fi in all areas of the ship
- Beach towels and sunscreen at the pool
- Free use of e-bikes in ports
Exquisite Routes and Destinations
The MS Europa 2 offers a variety of routes worldwide:
- Mediterranean: From the French Riviera to the Greek islands
- Northern Europe: Norwegian fjords, Baltic capitals, British Isles
- Caribbean and Central America: Exotic islands and historic Mayan sites
- Southeast Asia: From the temples of Thailand to the beaches of Bali
- South Pacific: Dream islands like Bora Bora and Fiji
- Australia and New Zealand: Discover the beauty Down Under
- Transatlantic: Relaxed crossings between Europe and America
Special features of the routes:
- Focus on longer port stays, often with overnight stays
- Calling at smaller, exclusive ports that larger ships cannot access
- Themed cruises such as gourmet, golf, or music cruises
- Expedition-like routes to remote destinations
Prices and Booking
Prices for a cruise on the MS Europa 2 vary depending on the route, travel duration, and suite category:
- Short trips (3-4 days) from approx. €1,990 per person
- 7-day cruises from approx. €4,990 per person
- 14-day cruises from approx. €9,990 per person
- World cruise segments (20+ days) from approx. €15,990 per person
All prices include:
- Full board with gourmet cuisine
- Selected premium beverages
- Minibar and 24-hour room service
- Use of all on-board facilities
- Entertainment program
- Gratuities
Additional costs may apply for:
- Specialty restaurants (surcharge)
- Alcoholic beverages outside the inclusive offer
- Spa treatments and personal training
- Shore excursions
- Internet packages with higher speed
Bookings can be made directly through the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises website, by phone, or through travel agencies. It is advisable to book early, especially for popular routes and suite categories. Every interested cruiser should also look out for cancellation cabins and last-minute deals for the MS Europa 2 and other ships of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. In this article we explain what cancellation cabins and last-minute deals are and how you can secure the best offers.
Awards and Recognitions
The claim that the MS Europa 2 is the best cruise ship in the world comes not only from us but has been confirmed by various experts and the trade press over the years. The MS Europa 2 has received numerous awards, including:
- Multiple 5-star-plus awards in the Berlitz Cruise Guide
- "Best Cruise Ship in the World" according to the Berlitz Cruise Guide (multiple times)
- Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Award
- Travel + Leisure World's Best Award
- Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Award for "Best Luxury Cruise Ship"
The MS Europa 2 is More Than Just a Luxury Cruise Ship
The MS Europa 2 is more than just a luxury cruise ship – it is a floating world of superlatives. Here, the highest comfort, culinary excellence, and state-of-the-art technology merge into a unique travel experience. With its commitment to sustainability and individual service, the MS Europa 2 sets new standards in the world of luxury cruises.
On board this extraordinary ship, you not only experience a journey across the oceans but immerse yourself in a world where your highest expectations are exceeded. The MS Europa 2 offers a perfect balance between elegance and relaxation, between adventure and tranquility. It is ideal for travelers seeking the highest luxury without sacrificing a casual atmosphere.
Whether you want to explore the world's oceans, indulge in culinary delights, or simply relax – the MS Europa 2 offers you all this and more. It's not just a ship, but an experience that will stay with you long after your journey.
"The MS Europa 2 is not just a ship – it is a floating oasis of luxury that takes its guests on an unforgettable journey across the world's oceans." - Peter, 42, professional cruiser
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