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Hapag-Lloyd

MS Europa

Your Rating:
Reviewed by:Judith L.
# previous cruises: 5
Date of Trip: March 20, 2000
Itinerary: South Pacific

This is a state-of-the-art ship with all comforts for long or short cruises. Santiago-->Cairns, 32 days cruising. Ship stopped at Easter Is, Robinson Crusoe Is, all the Tahitian islands, atolls, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga etc. About 7 sea days-welcomed for a rest.

The public areas are grand and very modern. A glass elevator runs from the lobby which has a piano bar. Very elegant. Public spaces have very high ceilings giving a feeling of spaciousness, much light. There is a spa, outdoor pool, outdoor bars, 3 restaurants a gym and a golf practice area.

Food is European continental with many German and Austrian dishes. Much shellfish bought locally. Always the Lido for more casual dining with buffet, outdoor, and entertainment. Main dining room, Italian restaurant and oriental restaurants have formal service, using table service, prep at table-side. Highest level of service seen on this size cruise ship. Main dining room and Italian restaurant food better than oriental which has been adjusted to Western palates. Fresh flowers, silver service, and lovely presentations all meals.

Regular suite (cabin) is approx 275 sq feet with TV, computer, email, walk-in closet, tub AND separate shower (glassed in). High grade plumbing fixtures all in top order. Verandas are glassed in to 30" high more than large enough for the 2 loungers and table. Outside deck lights. Rooms very quiet.

High quality singers, dancers, but strength is in classical music performance and opera. There was at least one classical music presentation ea evening. Sometimes 2: one before dinner, one after. Entertainment is not "frivolous" . Excellent 9 piece band played nightly -dance music--before the featured entertainment.

This is not a ship that caters to children. The clientele are repeat cruisers on Hapag LLoyd. The ship is relaively formal with men wearing jkt and tie and women routinely wearing skirted suits/dresses to dinner. gym facilities are exc. but rarely used. Pool and sunning decks popular as well as spa. Wine tastings.

Mostly German, some Austrian, and some Swiss. N. Americans are very rare, tho all the staff is multi-lingual. passengers are somewhat formal, but not unfriendly-very courteous and unintrusive. Large number of university professors, medical doctors, and professional, well-off Germans. Very interesting people who are very well travelled and able to spend 4-12 wks on a cruise ship...