Hapag-Lloyd’s 500-passenger luxury ship MS Europa 2 knows the devil is in the details.

Pots of fresh orchids grace the suites, all of which are outside and with private verandas. The bank of closets, stocked with robe, bedroom and spa slippers, beach towel and branded tote bag, rivals the space found inside a large home. Not only does the bathroom have a full shower with rain shower and hand spray, but it also boasts a jetted tub with headrest. A relaxing soak comes with a view of your suite and beyond, to sea and sky through a large picture window. And the bed? With its swaddling of soft white sheets, cuddly comforter and heap of poufy pillows, it feels like a cloud.

Every need on this German luxury cruise brand is anticipated. Nothing is left to chance.

From the buffet of bath amenities (sea fennel-fragranced shampoo, conditioner, body wash and hand soap, plus dental floss, cotton swabs and pads, sewing kit, shower cap and nail file) and the nightstand conveniences including tissue packet, cleaning cloth for glasses, tin of breath mints and personalized card for noting appointments during the cruise, to a refrigerator stocked with German beer, water and soda and a coffee bar offering five different coffee and espresso blends accompanied by cups, stirring spoons and flavored creams and sweeteners, Europa 2 leaves no stone unturned in attending to guest comfort.

This is five-star cruising aboard a vessel that is consistently named the “World’s Best Ship.” Even better, Hapag-Lloyd is actively wooing English-speaking passengers. As of January 2026, every member of crew and staff speaks English in addition to their native language. Menus are printed in both German and English, and announcements given in both languages. A standout service offered is the international host fluent in English for the ship’s non-German-speaking guests. An invaluable resource, the host provides personalized assistance with everything from general inquiries to shore excursions, ensuring that every guest feels completely at home onboard.

The ship’s aesthetic is clean lines, natural materials and calming hues given pops of drama and color by its nearly 900-plus-piece museum-quality art collection. From the low, sculptural lounge seating in neutrals and subtle lighting of the reception/lobby to the understated elegance and clean silhouettes of the dining venues to the long and elegant pool framed by airy and uncluttered deck space, Europa 2 channels a "boutique hotel meets resort indulgence" ambience.

Speaking of its art collection, the ship is adorned with original paintings, photography and sculptures by globally recognized and emerging names: German visual artist Gerhard Richter, famous for his photorealistic paintings, photographs and glass pieces; contemporary British photographer Adam Fuss; Swedish sculptor Eva Hild; and Ottmar Horl, whose series of four boldly colored “Blue Man” sculptures add a playful note to Europa 2’s Deck 9. Additionally, the art gallery, dressed in crisp whites and soft neutrals to foreground the artwork, features rotating exhibitions of contemporary European artists.

For many passengers, the heart of the Europa 2 experience lies in its extraordinary gastronomy, with gourmet restaurants offering a full spectrum of culinary flavor and flair that is delicious in any language. Elements plates Asian fusion; think exquisitely delicate seared scallops with ginger and soy and robust red curry with Elements’ authentic spice. Casual yet equally refined Weltmeere, Europa 2’s flagship restaurant, offers international delights from the amuse-bouche through dessert: lobster, caviar, steak tartare, truffle dishes, foie gras, refined fish courses, melt-in-your-mouth beef entrées, homemade ice cream, apple strudel. A highlight of each meal enjoyed here is a palate cleanser of sorbet served in a chilled cup and given a pour of champagne or vodka to elevate the flavor.

Serving French cuisine amidst an Art Deco backdrop, Tarragon plates small bites in a relaxed setting. While the beef tartare specialty prepared tableside earns accolades, the delicate boiled, double cream lentil soup with champagne, pear and leeks is not to be missed. Marble-floored Serenissima is Italian dining lit by Murano glass chandelier and offering a house specialty of malfatti tartufo. The Yacht Club offers an array of hot and cold dishes served buffet style, from soups, a well-stocked salad bar and cheeses to pasta and grill stations, entrées like beef sirloin, chicken, fish, veal and more accompanied by a selection of sides and dessert choices.

Afternoon tea is served in the Belvedere, a hushed library-like gathering space with plush armchairs, built-in bookcases, panoramic windows and sculptural lighting. The effect is private observatory, a perfect setting for the piano melodies that accompany the sweets and savories, as well as the occasional classical concert in the evening.

Europa 2’s schedule has just enough in the way of activity and entertainment, offering a roster of fitness classes — yin yoga, yoga flow, stretching, full body workouts, breathing exercises, pool workouts — poolside games like shuffleboard or simply lounging by the water, art gallery walks and gallery tours, a visit to the bridge and lectures on art and points of interest on the itinerary. You can opt for a themed cookery class in Europa 2’s gorgeous and gleaming Cooking School, sign up for a champagne or wine tasting or mixology class in the Grande Reserve, or treat yourself to a massage, facial or other therapy in the Ocean Spa.

Evening shows might feature dueling pianos, the dance-ensemble spectacle called “Glam!,” a celebration of genre music, like “Peace, Love and Music – Woodstock and Flower Power,” or other entertainment, with splashy shows set in the theater and concerts held in the Belvedere. In Sansibar, beach-club casual by day transforming into social hotspot by night, evenings bring a mix of mood and music—German pop, gentle jazz and lounge sounds—with conversation and cocktails, even dancing, keeping the energy lively.

With no expense spared and every detail considered and comfort elevated, Europa 2 reminds you of what modern luxury at sea is meant to feel like.

Plan your travels

With a maximum of 500 guests, Hapag-Lloyd’s MS Europa 2 is exceptional luxury with detailed suite accommodations. Bilingual cruises (English/German) ensure that English-speaking passengers feel comfortable from the moment they step on board. The vibe is stylish, the atmosphere relaxed.

The ship’s restaurants plate tastes from around the world with each offering a unique culinary experience—with no extra charge and no assigned seating. (Reservations at specialty eateries are highly recommended.) Well-organized shore excursions provide a blend of cultural immersion, adventurous exploration and relaxed sightseeing.

Included in Europa 2 sailings are all-suite accommodations with balconies and stocked mini-bars, seven restaurants, gourmet dining, daily entertainment and gratuities. While the in-suite refrigerators are stocked with water, soft drinks and German beer, alcohol is not included in the cruise fare. The prices for cocktails and wines are extremely reasonable, however, and there is an outstanding selection of both.

Europa 2 sails on a variety of itineraries to northern and western Europe; North, Central and South America; the Mediterranean Sea; Oceania; Asia and the Far East; Africa and the Indian Ocean—calling at small harbors and remote corners off the beaten track. For more information: www.hl-cruises.com.

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