Hamburg, 1 October 2019

Berlitz Cruise Guide 2020: MS EUROPA and MS EUROPA 2 receive the highest distinction of 5-stars-plus

  • Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ luxury ships defend their top ranking
  • The latest expedition ship HANSEATIC nature has been awarded 5 stars for the first time
  • Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships Guide 2020 published on 1 October 2019

The EUROPA and EUROPA 2, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ two luxury ships are the only cruise ships to receive the coveted distinction of 5-stars-plus in the latest edition of the renowned Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2020. As such, they have defended their top rankings as the best ships in the world in the “Top 20 Small Ships” category. The HANSEATIC nature was named best boutique ship for the first time and awarded a 5-star rating.

The EUROPA 2 achieved 1,864 of a possible 2,000 points, topping the rankings for small ships with 251 to 750 passengers. Its sister ship, the EUROPA, was also awarded the coveted 5-stars-plus with a total of 1,852 points. The new expedition ship HANSEATIC nature, the latest addition to the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ fleet, also earned recognition and attained first place instantly in the “Top 20 Boutique Ships” (50 to 250 Passengers)” category with 1,791 of a possible 2,000 points. The BREMEN expedition ship was awarded 4 stars with 1,416 points.

Says Author of the Guide Douglas Ward: “In the latest edition, only two ships were once again able to achieve the standard and the points required by the exclusive 5-stars-plus category: the EUROPA 2 and EUROPA from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. It is wonderful to cruise on both ships, which are slightly different from one another. The hallmarks of the ships are the generous amount of space per passenger, public areas with high ceilings, an exclusive selection of restaurants with a wide range of culinary specialities and their attentive, friendly and yet discreet service.”

“We are proud to claim the top three spots overall in the luxury and expedition segments of the esteemed cruise rankings. In our eyes, 5-star quality entails not only top service, exceptional quality and an unrivalled amount of space per passenger but also effective environmental management. From July 2020 onwards, the entire Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ fleet worldwide will use the low-pollutant fuel marine gas oil exclusively. We see this step as an important and decisive investment in our future”, says Karl J. Pojer, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

About Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

In the German-speaking area, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is known to be the leading cruise brand in the luxury and expedition sector. Small, individual, and outstanding in their class: the fleet includes the world's best luxury ships. the EUROPA and the EUROPA 2, which are the only ships to be awarded the top rating of 5-star plus by the Berlitz Cruise Guide, as well as the HANSEATIC nature and the HANSEATIC inspiration, the first two of the new expedition class which consists of three ships. The new HANSEATIC spirit completed the fleet, when she joined in summer 2021, and continues the modernization process of the expedition fleet. The adventure trips on the luxurious ALBERT BALLIN private jet, a particularly exclusive type of travel, complements the portfolio.