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Since her introduction in 1999 the present Europa has been a great success.
There is not one review to be found which is not full of praise for this ship’s superb service, most interesting itineraries and decoration of her public spaces.
 

                                                                                                Clipper Lounge
HAPAG Lloyd, always striving to perfection, has modified two items on board Europa since her inaugural cruise: the pool, on Lido Deck, a marvellous 20 meter lap pool, had a narrow passage in the middle. This has been removed, making the pool seem much larger. Second, a novelty on the present Europa, a casino, has also been removed. HAPAG Lloyd's clientele (mostly consisting of educated, well travelled passengers) were quite clear in their comments that a casino on board was not appreciated. It is a known fact that European cruise ships have much smaller (if they have one) casinos than their American counterparts. Interest in gambling among Europeans is much less than in the USA.

                                                                                                        Lido Pool
Really impressive (but then again what is not impressive on Europa?) is the Spa Futuresse and beauty parlour/ fitness room on Sport Deck. A special rest room has been placed between the sauna and the hairdressing salon. It features stone seats, which are heated. Just across, the spectacular Japanese Bath is situated, fitted out in subdued brown/ dark red colours. A treatment here takes about 90 minutes (alas, no longer…) and offers total relaxation.
In the Far East, it is customary that not only the body, but also the soul must be made pure. First the steam bath relaxes your body, then a massage on one of the heated stone couches and again an exotic smelling bath follows. To conclude the treatment, a massage is given. Mmmmmm, you could spend the whole cruise here.

On this same deck, Sports Deck a gymnasium, further aft a golf simulator (original cost said to be 500.00DM!) and a putting green are located, as well as the kindergarten and storage space for water-jets and several Zodiacs.

                                                       Atrium                                           Click on picture for large deck-plan
Suites available on Europa measure 27 sqm or more, and are very comfortable. Done in light colours, they are luxurious, but in a subdued way, nothing is overdone. Many of them have a private verandah, and those looking over the ship’s stern are the most popular ones. Minibar (all inclusive!!), walk in  closet, TV, a desk, it is all there. 24-hour service is provided, it is also possible to enjoy ones dinner here.
On Penthouse Deck  another 12 suites offer even more space: 45 sq m. Top of the bill are both Grand Suites, with 85 sq m of floor space, they have their own sauna and a double verandah, looking out over the side of the ships as well as over the bows!. On this deck two butlers take care of every need you may possibly have….


On deck 8, the Lido Deck, the pool and lido area are situated, part of which can be covered by a magrodome. Forward, looking over the ship’s bows, is the Club Belvedere, positioned atop of the vessel, offering great views. It seats 170 passengers and doubles as a bar with dance floor at night.
Most public spaces can be found on deck 4, Europa Deck. This deck houses the main entrance to the ship, one enters into the atrium, which features two glass lifts and a bar, the Piano Bar. Proceeding aft via a winding promenade, we pass the havana Bar, a smoking room where a fine range of cigars is offered, the boutique, and opposite of the boutique the Gallerie, a lounge where artwork is on display (often the artists themselves are on board) and further aft the Clipper Lounge, a roomy lounge/ bar featuring models of sailing yachts. All the way aft, there is a choice of three restaurants: the Venezian Restaurant, the Oriental Restaurant both specialty restaurants offering Italian and Asian food and seating appr. 35 passengers and the main restaurant, The Europa Restaurant seating 335 guests.
All the way forward on this deck, the grand Europa Lounge is situated (400 guests). This is Europa’s main show lounge.

                                                                      Penthouse Grand Suite

In Sept 2003 we were granted a visit to the Europa. Her outside appearance, our first impression of the vessel already pleased us: a streamlined vessel looking smaller than she is in reality, with an easy recognizable stern, which looks a bit like Silja Line’s Silja Opera. While touring the vessel, we could easily imagine what life on this great ships would be like: being pampered in luxury while being at sea, alternating with visits to exotic ports. What else could you want?

We found the Europa to be a roomy vessel, the high ceilings and light colours emphasizing this. HAPAG Lloyd has done it again: this vessel, the sixth to bear the name Europa, is a worthy successor to the former Europa’s, offering a cruise in elegant surroundings, with impeccable service and very different Itineraries. Regularly, theme cruises are organised, covering subjects like music, art, culture.
                                             

                                                                                 Venezia Restaurant

Europa has the largest passenger/ space ratio in the cruise business: 69 (GRT divided by number of passengers, measures 28.400 tons and accommodates appr. 400 guests.

Several parties apart from the yard and HAPAG Lloyd contributed to the design of this elegant vessel: well known architects Yran & Storbraaten and Willfed Kohnemann for example.

Europa (VI) and her predecessors

                                                                Europa (VI) 1996 - present

The first Europa (1532GRT) sailed on her maiden voyage in 1879, and was one of the first vessels in the world used for cruising. A  second ship named Europa  (2737GRT) followed in 1905 and she was mainly used in transatlantic service. The third Europa (49746GRT) of 1930 (together with her famous sister Bremen) held the speed record for the fastest transatlantic crossing (she won the Blue Riband) for an impressive three years.

Europa IV 1965, former Kungsholm of the Swedish America Line, later sold to Costa Cruises, Italy

                                                                        Europa V, 1982. Sold in 1998 to Asia Star Cruises and presently sailing for Spanish owners

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