Europa 2
This 500-guest luxury ship from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has a boutique hotel-like ambiance, and every stateroom is a suite with a full balcony. Europa 2 is also family-friendly, with activities for kids and teens, a relaxed dress code, shorter cruises, and one of the largest passenger-to-space ratios of any ship at sea. Hapag-Lloyd is a Germany-based line, so all communications are done in both German and English.
What We Love
Real Cruise Documents: As some lines eye digital check-in, Hapag-Lloyd does things the old-fashioned way, providing everything you need in a snappy, orange fabric clutch that includes two branded leather luggage tags.
Waffle Time at the Pool: It's only a bit of an overstatement that these steaming, fragrant, vanilla-scented homemade treats are worth the price of passage alone. Don't skimp on the fresh strawberries.
Bicycles: Explore ashore on two wheels with bikes that are available free of charge.
Best Known For
High-Tech Touches: You'll always feel connected, thanks to Wi-Fi access through your personal devices or via a tablet in each suite for use on board.
Family-Friendly Adjoining Cabins: The kids can crawl into adorable bunk beds stocked with stuffed animals while parents get their own spacious and comfortable quarters (and some privacy).