MS Europa 2 is a cruise ship operated by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, a German-based cruise line. She entered service in May 2013, and is the highest rated cruise ship in the world according to the Berlitz Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships, replacing her fleetmate, MS Europa, which had held that distinction for more than a decade.

Concept and construction

Europa 2 was built at the STX Europe shipyard at St-Nazaire, France. Her first steel was cut on 5 September 2011, her keel was laid on 1 March 2012 and she was launched on 6 July 2012. On 29 April 2013, the vessel was handed over to Hapag Lloyd, with Dr Wolfgang Flägel, Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and Laurent Castaing, General Manager of STX France, signing the takeover protocol. She was christened on 10 May 2013, during the 824th Hamburg Port anniversary.

Architecture and equipment

Public spaces

Europa 2 is intended to convey an atmosphere more relaxing than that of her more traditional fleet mate, the Europa. She has the greatest space per passenger of any cruise ship, and her décor is contemporary. During the day, her reception area is bathed in natural light, which floods in through floor-to-ceiling windows extending over several levels.

The art collection aboard Europa 2 is one of the largest at sea, with 890 originals commissioned exclusively for the vessel. The collection's focus is on contemporary pieces; it includes works by Ólafur Elíasson, David Hockney, Damien Hirst, Adam Fuss and Hans Hartung.

Restaurants and bars

Europa 2 has seven restaurants. All offer gourmet dining and a choice of 600 wines. According to one source, "On a normal night, 120 different dishes are served à la carte in the ship’s restaurants. Fifty-six cooks serve up to 500 passengers..." The largest of the restaurants, Weltmeere, serves an international range of dishes. The other six include Tarragon, which is French-based; Elements, with an Asian theme; Serenissima, which serves Italian fare; and Sakura, a sushi restaurant. German cuisine is not a major feature.

The self-service Yacht Club restaurant on the ninth deck is open to the elements. It has wood and metal tables and chairs, with a fleecy blanket on the back of each chair for northern waters.

There are six bars: Herrenzimmer, Sansibar, the Jazz club, Belvedere, the pool bar and the piano bar.

Europa 2 carries more than 200 different varieties of gin; Hapag-Lloyd claims that the vessel's gin collection, which is constantly evolving, is the largest in the cruise industry.

Accommodation

251 cabins in total:

• 2 Owner's Suites including veranda at 114 m²
• 2 Grand Penthouse Suites including veranda at 88 m²
• 16 Spa Suites including veranda at 52 m²
• 24 Grand Suites including veranda at 52 m²
• 59 Ocean Suites including veranda at 35 m²
• 141 Veranda Suites including veranda at 35 m²
• 7 family apartments including veranda at 2× 27 m²

Veranda Suites include walk-in wardrobes, baths and showers. Ocean Suites have rain showers and whirlpool tubs with an ocean view. The Owner's Suites and Grand Penthouse Suites are decorated with works by David Hockney featuring images of butterflies. All suites have internet access, Nespresso coffee machines and 24-hour room service. Higher category suites are also provided with butler service.

Other facilities

Europa 2 has one 15 metre long pool, a gym and two golf simulators. She also features a spa.

The pool is long enough to enable the swimming of laps, and is surrounded by comfortable loungers with soft marine-blue cushions.

The pool deck has a small bar and stage for live music. A retractable roof can be closed to create an atmosphere reminiscent of a conservatory.

Europa 2's well-equipped gym offers classes such as Pilates and Spinning, and also assists passengers who wish to continue their normal exercise regime ashore.

The spa is classed as an "authentic wellness centre". It includes three types of sauna - Finnish, herbal and bio. The spa is also equipped with a steam room, ice wall and large whirlpool with views out to the private sun deck, where spa users can relax after their treatments.

Service history

Europa 2's 14-night maiden voyage departed from Hamburg, Germany, and stopped at Amsterdam, Antwerp, Honfleur, La Rochelle, Bordeaux, Bilbao, Leixões and Lisbon. The vessel has since been named the number-one cruise ship in the world by the Berlitz Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships, replacing her fleetmate, MS Europa, which had held that distinction for more than a decade.