Eleventh Win For Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ MS EUROPA
According to the 2011 Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships, the EUROPA has been ranked as the top cruise ship in the world for the eleventh time in a row. “Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2011”, edited by Douglas Ward, will be available from November. Of the 270 ships reviewed, EUROPA is the only 5-star-plus cruise ship in the world, receiving total of 1,853 out of a possible 2,000 points.
The 28,400 gt EUROPA was delivered in September 1999 at Kvaerner Masa-Yards’ Helsinki Shipyard with an overall length of 198.6 m, a maximum breadth of 24 m and a draft of 6 m. Her propulsion machinery is diesel-electric with two azimuthing Azipod rudderpropellers. There are four medium speed main engines with a total power of 21,600 kW (29,370 hp) and her service speed is 21 knots. She is one of the most spacious cruise ships today, rating a 69.6 gt to passenger ratio and has one of the highest staff to passenger ratios, with 280 staff members for a maximum of 408 passengers.
The other three ships operated by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises have also achieved exceptional ratings in each of their categories. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ expedition ship HANSEATIC, with 1,746 points, enjoys third place among the “boutique ships” category (5-star) in this year’s edition. Their second expedition vessel, BREMEN, was awarded 1,461 points (4-star) and their casual ship, COLUMBUS, received 1,398 points (3-star-plus).
Sebastian Ahrens, Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises remarked, “We are very pleased about the distinction of our ships. Top marks for the EUROPA once again confirms that we are continuing to improve the EUROPA experience. Thanks to consistent modernization, she still meets the highest standards, even after eleven years.”
The EUROPA offers international cruises catering to both German and English speaking passengers. EUROPA will be the subject of a forthcoming Sea Treks Blog by MaritimeMatters’s Peter Knego when he joins the ship on a short cruise from Piraeus to Trabzon next month.
Add a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
A good record for this ship. She’s such a favorite for alot of travelers. And good news for the legendary HAPAG company. I hope there’s a new ship for them on the way at some point–a 90,000 tonner or two?
It should be noted that everything is subjective and one mans opinion should not dominate the industry!! I am a veteran of over 400 cruises and I would willingly challenge Douglas Ward and his judgement on many issues regarding cruise ships, and the overall cruise experience. Lets not put too much emphasis on this rather bias and ‘fuddy duddy’ publication!
nice article on the Europa. Im just curious if you find the smaller ships more wobbly and rough , ive been on the Island princess the old one and the Pacific princess the old one, they were like corks in the water. Ive wondered if the 100,000 gross ton ships are smoother in the open ocean. Ive also been on the Statendam 2 years ago and that ship seemed smooth but again alot heavier than the Europa.