Europa in Norway
Europa in Norway / Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
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Lido pool
Lido pool / Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
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Restaurant Dieter Müller
Restaurant Dieter Müller / Hapag Lloyd / Damir Begovic
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Veranda Suite
Veranda Suite / Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
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Atrium
Atrium / Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
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Fitness loft
Fitness loft / Hapag Lloyd
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Ocean Spa
Ocean Spa / Hapag Lloyd
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Europa

Our Ship Review
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

Regularly ranked among the world's most luxurious lines, Germany-based Hapag-Lloyd Cruises pulls out all the stops on its flagship Europa. The 400-guest stunner gets points for one of the highest passenger-to-space ratios, without skimping on big-ship amenities. For foodies, The Globe restaurant, helmed by young Michelin-starred Chef Kevin Fehling, is reason enough to set sail, while others are drawn by the world-spanning itineraries and highbrow theme cruises. The ship also caters almost exclusively to a German-speaking clientele.

What We Love

Wellness Haven: For a relatively small ship, guests get a heated saltwater lap pool, a bilevel fitness area with ocean views, a golf simulator, and an Asian-inspired spa with sauna and steam room.

Theme Cruises: Europa runs a series of thematic cruises that transcend language barriers, including Golf & Cruise voyages and music-themed sailings (the ship hosts the classical music Ocean Sun Festival).

Best Known For

All-Suite Accommodations: Staterooms start at a spacious 291 square feet and are all outward-facing suites (most have balconies). Many underwent a refresh in 2022. They also feature walk-in wardrobes, marbled bathrooms with bathtubs, and minifridges stocked with complimentary beverages of choice (including beer).

Top Dining: While Europa ranks high for gastronomy across its four dining venues (with no shortage of caviar, lobster, and truffles), it's The Globe specialty restaurant, helmed by three-Michelin-starred Chef Kevin Fehling, that truly stands out, highlighting modern cuisine from an array of latitudes.

Who It's Best For

Sophisticated Couples: Sailings on Europa aren't cheap and tend to attract mature, moneyed, worldly duos who are content to socialize with an international crowd hailing from German-speaking Europe (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland).

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

There's a Language Barrier: Although the staff speaks English, and English-language accommodations can be made in the form of menus and daily programs, expect to feel some level of isolation from fellow passengers.

All Bets Are Off: The ship doesn't have a casino; it used to, but it was removed due to under-use (gambling isn't popular with Germans).

Elissa Garay
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger