EUROPA

EUROPA at a Glance

EUROPA is operated by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and spans five decks, carrying a deliberately intimate number of guests in an all-suite environment. She conducts a genuinely global itinerary programme — Mediterranean summers, Norwegian fjords, transatlantic crossings, African coastal voyages, Southeast and East Asian circuits, South American expeditions and UK sailings are all represented in the current sailing programme, which opens from late September 2026.

• Operator: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, sailing from Hamburg
• Languages on board: German-led, with international service
• Currency on board: Euro
• Signature strength: Multiple gourmet restaurants, including a three-Michelin-star venue

The broadest range of sailings currently available covers the Western Mediterranean, with voyages also reaching Norway, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Africa, South America, Central America and Transatlantic routes. Sailings of up to 29 nights are available.

Dining on EUROPA

EUROPA's dining programme is one of the most varied afloat, anchored by a three-Michelin-star restaurant and spanning eight distinct venues.

The Globe by Kevin Fehling is the headline act: an à la carte restaurant by a three-Michelin-star chef whose cooking blends modern technique with ingredients drawn from around the world. On selected voyages, Chef Fehling cooks on board personally. A reservation is advised.

Pearls reimagines French seafood tradition — caviar, innovative preparations and outdoor terrace sea views are its hallmarks; à la carte pricing applies. Venezia focuses on Italian and Mediterranean classics, from handmade pasta to fine cheeses and dolci, with a cover fee. The EUROPA Restaurant serves daily-changing gourmet cuisine inspired by the regions visited, with many tables for two and full inclusion in the fare. The Lido Café takes dining outdoors from breakfast on the terrace to dinner under the stars, with chefs preparing specialities and grilling fresh at an open station — all included.

Gatsby's brings the bar culture of the Roaring Twenties on board, with expertly crafted cocktails and an atmosphere where dancing is actively encouraged. The pool bar serves fresh afternoon waffles, light snacks and refreshing drinks, and can deliver to your sunlounger on request.

The Restaurant GRANDE Réserve offers a curated wine collection available à la carte or in small-group sommelier-guided tastings; this venue carries an additional charge.

Bars and Lounges

EUROPA carries several distinct bar and lounge spaces, each with its own character. Sansibar holds the ship's largest champagne selection and hosts live music on selected evenings — sommeliers are on hand to guide your choice. The Piano Bar pairs gentle piano accompaniment with aperitifs or afternoon coffee; drinks are charged à la carte unless a drinks package applies. The Havana Bar offers a well-stocked humidor and matched drinks, perfect for ending an evening in comfort. Club Belvedere serves complimentary tea, coffee and pastries alongside panoramic views, and hosts readings and entertainment on selected evenings.

Wellness on EUROPA

The EUROPA Refresh programme takes a holistic approach to wellbeing, combining fitness, nutrition, mental support and meditation. Access to the programme itself is included in the fare; individual treatments, therapies and coaching sessions carry a separate charge.

Cabins on EUROPA

EUROPA is an all-suite ship. The highest grade available is the Penthouse Grand Suite with private whirlpool, at approximately 85 m² — considerably more spacious than all other suites on board, with separately located living and sleeping areas, a private whirlpool and accommodation for two guests. Full details of all grades, sizes and deck positions are set out on the EUROPA cabins and deck plans page.

Where EUROPA Sails

EUROPA's itinerary programme ranges across every major cruising region. Most sailings in the current programme depart from Hamburg, Germany, with additional embarkation ports including Cape Town, South Africa, Palma de Mallorca, Miami, Hong Kong, Monte Carlo, Kiel, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, among others.

Because all departures require travel to a port abroad, the cruise naturally forms the centrepiece of a longer trip. Cruise1st can book the flights, hotels and transfers either side alongside the cruise itself — everything confirmed in a single Cruise1st Package booking.

Itinerary highlights by region:

• Western Mediterranean — the most frequently sailed region; browse Western Mediterranean cruises
• Norway — Norway cruises, including 2026 sailings and 2027 sailings
• Transatlantic — 2026 and 2027 transatlantic voyages, including repositioning cruises
• South America — South America cruises 2027
• Southeast and East Asia — voyages out of Hong Kong and wider Southeast Asian itineraries
• Africa — sailings out of Cape Town and the wider African coast

Why Book EUROPA with Cruise1st

Cruise1st is one of the UK's leading cruise specialists — that means genuine expertise in Hapag-Lloyd Cruises specifically, not the general travel-agent approach. Our cruise experts are available on the phone before you commit, to help match the right cabin grade and fare inclusions to your trip. Because every EUROPA sailing involves flying to the port, we routinely put the whole holiday together — flights from your nearest UK airport, hotels at either end, transfers — as one joined-up Cruise1st Package.

Alternatives to EUROPA

If you are choosing between ships rather than committed to EUROPA, two other vessels sail similar routes from the same kinds of ports and are worth comparing.

EXPLORA I (Explora Journeys) departs from ports that include France, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States — the same countries EUROPA uses — and carries no flight requirement, making it a straight alternative for the same kind of holiday.

Seven Seas Grandeur (Regent Seven Seas Cruises) likewise sails from France, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States without a flight, sharing more than half the same countries as EUROPA's itineraries.

EXPLORA II (Explora Journeys) is a further option in the same no-fly bracket, departing from France, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States and visiting a significant overlap of the same destinations.

Common Questions About EUROPA

Is EUROPA Suitable for Non-German Speakers?

EUROPA is a German-flag ship operated by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and the primary on-board language is German. International guests do travel on her, and crew speak English, but the ship's programming, entertainment and announcements are predominantly in German. Guests who are comfortable in a predominantly German-speaking environment will feel most at home.

What Is Included in the Fare on EUROPA?

The EUROPA Restaurant, Lido Café and Yacht Club Restaurant are all included in the cruise fare. Specialty restaurants — including The Globe by Kevin Fehling, Pearls, Venezia, Restaurant Elements, Restaurant Sakura, Restaurant Tarragon and Restaurant Serenissima — operate on an à la carte basis or carry a cover fee, charged on top of the fare. The EUROPA Refresh wellness programme is included; individual spa treatments and coaching sessions are charged separately. Drinks at most bars are charged separately unless a drinks package has been booked.

How Long Are EUROPA Sailings?

In the current programme, sailings range up to 29 nights, covering regions from short European circuits to extended voyages through Asia, Africa and South America. The right length depends on the region — a Western Mediterranean sailing typically runs shorter than a transatlantic or Asian itinerary.

Which Cabin Grade Should I Book on EUROPA?

EUROPA is an all-suite ship. The Penthouse Grand Suite with private whirlpool is the most spacious option at approximately 85 m², with separate living and sleeping areas. For a full picture of all available grades, sizes and positions by deck, the EUROPA cabins and deck plans page sets everything out. Our cruise experts can also talk you through the differences before you book.

Do I Need to Fly to Join EUROPA?

All sailings in the current programme depart from ports abroad — Hamburg, Cape Town, Palma de Mallorca, Miami, Hong Kong and others — so travel to the embarkation port is required for every sailing. Cruise1st can book your flights, pre- or post-cruise hotels and transfers together with the cruise as a single Cruise1st Package, so the whole trip is confirmed in one place.