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Hapag-Lloyd

MS Europa

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Judith A. F.
# previous cruises: 10+
Date of Trip: January 27, 2002
Itinerary: Africa

This 5star+ German run ship caters to well-heeled Europeans, primarily German/English speaking patrons who can take trips of 2-12 wks in duration. Entertainment directed at classical music and opera lovers; dinner service is formal with service at the table from platters, extensive wine list, and 1 seating.

Very spacious public areas with high ceilings and interesting artwork. The wood paneled library is well-stocked with German books and references, some English books, computer for fee for service internet use. No casino. 1 swimming pool, hot tubs, spa with Japanese style soaking tubs, well-outfitted gym.

Assigned table @ dinner for duration of cruise. Open seating in main dining room at breakfast and lunch. Less formal cafe serves buffet meals. Special grills for goose, whole lamb, fish, etc outside at dinner. Main DR has formal service, very competent, knowledgeable wait staff/wine stewards; continental food with many German/Austrian/Swiss offerings. Caviar served at all special dinners. Italian and Oriental restaurants can be booked ahead with no extra charge to dine there. Lovely rooms, china, crystal, and all the attendant serving pieces. Flambees at table side, special requests for favorite foods done with ease. Room service available 24 hr and for all meals. Arrives correct and on time.

Basic accommodation 274', most with outdoor decks and privacy walls. Walk -in closet, in-room safe deposit, sophisticated infotainment system allows personal selection of movies, library of music on demand. Each passenger has an email address on ship enabling email (no extra charge) to be sent and received from suite. About 20 of the suites connect to double the space and facilities. Bathroom all marble, granite with glass shower stall and sep. bathtub, full-size. Large thick towels, large size soaps and shampoos provided, hair dryer etc.

Regular dance band plays nightly, jass/pop band in lounge, trio outside in cafe. Serious entertainment of high quality tends to piano recitals, concerts, opera, classical music. Some pop singers and always 1 dance pair. Cruise staff are overall very competent, serious, and solicitous.

Activities on board range from cards, painting, golf practice, skeet shooting, to lectures on popular topics, make-overs, and wine-tastings. Shore excursions organized with groups or for individuals. Zodiac-trained staff can land passengers where an ordinary tender cannot go. Parties on uninhabited beaches where all food, entertainment, decorations taken ashore. Party for Carnivale, crossing equator etc

Majority German-speaking. We have been one of the few couples from N. America. Many Dr's, Herr Dr's, professors, etc. The passengers are somewhat formal by US standards. Refreshingly, they are exceedingly courteous. Many have interesting business ties/backgrounds.