Hapag-LLoyd Europa 2.

[machotspur]

machotspur,

 

Via my cruise agent, I have received an e-mail from Hapag-Lloyd which confirms the Smoking Policy for each of the four ships.

 

For the Europa 2 it is as follows:

 

 

MV EUROPA 2:

 

 

 

- Smoking is allowed on the Veranda of the Suite

 

- Port side outdoor area of the Yacht Club Restaurant

 

- Outdoor Smoking area of the Sansibar

 

- In the Herrenzimmer

 

- The outside area on deck except under the Magrodome

 

 

It would appear that what you were told on your recent visit regarding smoking in the outdoor area of the Yacht Club Restaurant was incorrect.

 

 

I hope the above helps to ease your concerns.

 

Thanks for the post English Voyager.

 

If anything the information contained increases my concern on this subject, as it is another version of the truth.

 

This situation is not only informed by what we were told on the ship visit this week. As importantly it is what 25 of us saw with our own eyes.

What was happening on Europa 2 this week was inconsistent to the latest 'policy' that you have described, the policy released earlier this year, and what is currently showing on the website.

 

So forgive me for not agreeing with your statement that Hapag Lloyd in Hamburg 'runs a very tight ship'. This 'policy' IMHO is a joke.

 

I continue to await the outcome of the investigation by my TA next week, but whilst I will be very disappointed I fear that I will be pulling my booking.

 

Thank you again for your input.

[hypercafe]

I realize different people have different outlooks and tolerance toward smokeing. We were on the Europa 2 for two weeks in December and never felt smokeing was a issue. The only place I really noticed it was the outdoor part of Sansabar. I never noticed it in the outdoor yacht club area. Our Veranda was ok however we were on deck ten so there was no one above us. Sorry if you can not go, ship is Very nice.

 

Sent from my SM-T320 using Forums mobile app

[English Voyager]

machotspur,

 

It would appear that there were two groups being shown around the Europa 2.

 

A representative from my cruise agent was in a group being escorted by someone from the Hamburg HQ who informed her group that smoking was only permitted port side of the outside area of the Yacht Club Restaurant.

 

Any idea when you may be able to shed further light on this subject?

[lakediver]

We were on the Europa 2 for the April Transatlantic. Smoking at that time was permitted at the port side of the outdoor area of Yachtclub.

[English Voyager]

Here is the latest in the Experience.tv series featuring the Europa 2.

 

Episode 07: Golf & Cruise On Board.

 

[English Voyager]

Here are a couple of recent reviews on the Europa 2.

 

https://cruiseable.com/cruise-line/hapag-lloyd-cruises/europa-2

 

 

 

http://cruise-international.com/europa-ii-cruise-ship-review/

 

 

For me, the middle of September , for my cruise, cannot come quick enough-----even though it will be a cruise through the Greek Islands on a German ship!!

[mpfund]

Here is a new review of Europa 2:

 

http://www.recommend.com/themes/active/hapag-lloyds-europa-2/

 

She gets a few things wrong -- the beverage credit is 200 Euros (and I believe a sliding scale depending of length of cruise) and she fails to mention that the fare can be paid in Euros.

 

I am hoping she is incorrect about at least some of the specialty restaurants, which she states are open only for dinner.

[English Voyager]

Here is a new review of Europa 2:

 

http://www.recommend.com/themes/active/hapag-lloyds-europa-2/

 

She gets a few things wrong -- the beverage credit is 200 Euros (and I believe a sliding scale depending of length of cruise) and she fails to mention that the fare can be paid in Euros.

 

I am hoping she is incorrect about at least some of the specialty restaurants, which she states are open only for dinner.

 

Thank you for providing the link to the review.

 

With regard to the beverage credit, the amount is dependant on the length of the cruise:

 

According to Hapag-Lloyd's original announcement:

 

'For a cruise up to six nights, a beverage credit of €100 per person is offered. For a cruise lasting for seven to nine nights the international guest will receive a beverage credit of €150 per person. If the cruise lasts longer than ten days a beverage credit of €200 will apply to each guest'

 

In respect of back to back cruises, each individual cruise will attract the relevant beverage credit.

 

With regard to the Review, I do not see in it any reference to the opening times of the specialty restaurants.

 

Of the specialty restaurants, the Sakura is closed for lunch.

 

The 'On-Board ABC', recently received by me, continues to state that the Tarragon is only open for dinner, yet on my cruise in July 2014 it was open every day for lunch.

 

It is unclear from the latest 'On-Board ABC' if the Weltmeere continues to be closed for lunch.

[tiggis]

We have just returned from a week on Europa 2, cruising in the Western Mediterranean. I can confirm that the speciality restaurants, except for the French one, were open for lunch each day. The Weltmeere, though, was closed - perhaps because during a port-intensive cruise in very warm weather (as this was) many passengers will be ashore, while those on board probably prefer the Yacht Club (which was busy whenever we used it). We went to Weltmeere on three evenings and it was pretty quiet even then.

My only negative comment on the food was that the menus in the restaurants were rather heavily focused on meat – presumably reflecting German tastes. We are not vegetarian but would have welcomed more non-meat choices. The selection in the Yacht Club was excellent, though – as was the quality.

Drinks prices were very reasonable – helped for us, of course, by the weak Euro. But we did not get a beverage credit – I don’t know why and didn’t think of asking . Actually, our bar bill was modest –helped by free drinks at receptions and in the cabin.

A few other comments on what was overall a most enjoyable week.

We chose this ship and cruise because my partner needs dialysis, which is available on certain Europa 2 cruises (and which was delivered to a very high standard). We were, I think, the only British passengers: there were a few Americans and a handful of others who were not German speakers. But the ship is fully bilingual. The staff were very helpful at all times. As an example, my partner uses a walking stick and when we were in the Yacht Club she was nearly always approached by a waiter/waitress offering to take her food to the table.

As we weren’t using the inclusive flight package (because the flights go to/from Germany) we made our own travel arrangements. This meant that we needed to arrange airport transfers ourselves. This was easy in Barcelona but quite expensive in Civitavecchia because of the distance from the airport. However, in Barcelona we were able to use what HL call a welcome lounge – essentially a large lounge in a city centre hotel where we could leave our luggage (we had five hours to spare), enjoy complimentary tea/coffee/soft drinks, and get a free transfer to the ship at around 4pm. That was very useful.

Smoking didn’t worry us once we remembered not to sit on the port side of the Yacht Club outside area.

Our suite was remarkable for an entry-level cabin. It’s hard to see why people would want to spend more on something bigger – but some obviously do!

Happy to try to answer any questions.

[English Voyager]

tiggis,

 

Thank you for providing your thoughts on your recent cruise.

 

One thing that irked me on my cruise last year was being charged for bottled water during a meal.

 

Is that still the case?

 

 

In terms of variety, and quality, how would you rate the entertainment?

 

 

Although time consuming, I hope you will consider contributing a review on the Europa 2.`

[tiggis]

Yes - there is still a charge for water at the table. The Germans seem to be comfortable with this - and it's the same on other German ships that we have used. An additional factor mentioned to me by a crew member is that most Germans drink sparkling water, which you would expect to pay for on many ships.

 

As for the entertainment, we went to a few shows including a tribute to the Rat Pack. The band was excellent - as were the singers. There was also a Queen tribute (rock group, not monarch), which we could hear without going in! As it ended the audience looked pretty happy as they walked past us in the Jazz Club (where a trio was playing rather more sedate music). The other show we went to reminded me a bit of Cirque du Soleil - acrobatics against a musical and filmed background. This too was enjoyable and of a high standard - and of course suitable for every nationality.

 

There was also a classical pianist who played in various venues during the afternoon and evening.

 

So I'd say that the evening shows were pretty good - but I find that reaction to ship's entertainment generally can vary quite a bit, as what one person likes, another may hate.

 

I'll think about writing a review if there is enough to say that hasn't already been covered by others.

[cathaana]

tiggis,

One thing that irked me on my cruise last year was being charged for bottled water during a meal.

 

Charging for water is a very German thing so I doubt it will change. We got around it by always drinking (the unsweetened) ice tea which is free funnily enough.

[wripro]

I assume they offer tap water for free, right?

[Catlover54]

I assume they offer tap water for free, right?

 

My understanding is it is free on E2, though I have not yet been on board.

 

However, in Germany at least, Germans generally consider people who drink tap water low-brow, and many (including people who are not well-off or from the snobbier rich societal strata) are horrified when they visit the U.S, and see tap water served in restaurants. They worry about contamination and aftertaste, not to mention missing out on all the wonderful "minerals" people think they need from bottled water that come from natural springs. So you might get some looks if you loudly ask for tap water, but you may not care.

 

I prefer sparkling water ( or wine) , even if not free, so I should be good to go on my xmas trip :)

[retiredand happy]

We have just returned from a week on Europa 2, cruising in the Western Mediterranean. I can confirm that the speciality restaurants, except for the French one, were open for lunch each day. The Weltmeere, though, was closed - perhaps because during a port-intensive cruise in very warm weather (as this was) many passengers will be ashore, while those on board probably prefer the Yacht Club (which was busy whenever we used it). We went to Weltmeere on three evenings and it was pretty quiet even then.

My only negative comment on the food was that the menus in the restaurants were rather heavily focused on meat – presumably reflecting German tastes. We are not vegetarian but would have welcomed more non-meat choices. The selection in the Yacht Club was excellent, though – as was the quality.

Drinks prices were very reasonable – helped for us, of course, by the weak Euro. But we did not get a beverage credit – I don’t know why and didn’t think of asking . Actually, our bar bill was modest –helped by free drinks at receptions and in the cabin.

A few other comments on what was overall a most enjoyable week.

We chose this ship and cruise because my partner needs dialysis, which is available on certain Europa 2 cruises (and which was delivered to a very high standard). We were, I think, the only British passengers: there were a few Americans and a handful of others who were not German speakers. But the ship is fully bilingual. The staff were very helpful at all times. As an example, my partner uses a walking stick and when we were in the Yacht Club she was nearly always approached by a waiter/waitress offering to take her food to the table.

As we weren’t using the inclusive flight package (because the flights go to/from Germany) we made our own travel arrangements. This meant that we needed to arrange airport transfers ourselves. This was easy in Barcelona but quite expensive in Civitavecchia because of the distance from the airport. However, in Barcelona we were able to use what HL call a welcome lounge – essentially a large lounge in a city centre hotel where we could leave our luggage (we had five hours to spare), enjoy complimentary tea/coffee/soft drinks, and get a free transfer to the ship at around 4pm. That was very useful.

Smoking didn’t worry us once we remembered not to sit on the port side of the Yacht Club outside area.

Our suite was remarkable for an entry-level cabin. It’s hard to see why people would want to spend more on something bigger – but some obviously do!

Happy to try to answer any questions.

 

I saw your reference to dialysis. I think you got on the Europa2 when I got off. I sailed from Lisbon to Barcelona and departed on July 4th. I have a friend who is on kidney dialysis and this wonderful service allows him to travel and enjoy the world without worry. I spent 23 days last year on the E2 and booked 16 nights next year in Norway. Dr. Westerman and Dr. Rittich are not only great doctors but super guys. It's amazing that a dialysis patient can travel in such luxury and still undergo dialysis. When the 4 of us left the E2 we spent a week in Barcelona. He did dialysis in Barcelona and had a very good experience. All the best to you and your friend who is on dialysis. We may meet up on a future cruise.

[tiggis]

'I saw your reference to dialysis. I think you got on the Europa2 when I got off. I sailed from Lisbon to Barcelona and departed on July 4th. I have a friend who is on kidney dialysis and this wonderful service allows him to travel and enjoy the world without worry. I spent 23 days last year on the E2 and booked 16 nights next year in Norway. Dr. Westerman and Dr. Rittich are not only great doctors but super guys. It's amazing that a dialysis patient can travel in such luxury and still undergo dialysis. When the 4 of us left the E2 we spent a week in Barcelona. He did dialysis in Barcelona and had a very good experience. All the best to you and your friend who is on dialysis. We may meet up on a future cruise. '

 

Thanks for your comments. I entirely agree with your remarks about the dialysis team - and indeed the whole dialysis experience. Yes - we did the Barcelona to Rome cruise.

[qwertz]

While researching for our first cruise I stumbled on a one hour

(with the exception of the kids areas which will be covered in an upcoming video). The video is in german, however the pictures will speak for themselves. Most of it has been done on a day when only 30 pax booked b2b where still on board (or enjoying a port day in Lisbon).

 

If you do not have a full hour to spare simply jump to the respective parts:

Deck 10:

Deck 9:

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-

-

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(he's having a laugh at the monitors w 4:3 aspect ratio)

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-

-

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Deck 5:

-

-

-

-

-

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Deck 8:

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(has been remodeled two years after the launch to make for a more cosy atmosphere)

Deck 4:

-

-

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(smoking lounge)

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(prices for different sizes at 45m12s)

-

-

(before lunch)

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(both closed during filming; one of the MTBs for the excursions can been seen)

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(still being readied for lunch, the crew shuts their own musiv off within seconds after him entering; he whines about the display for the days menu not having retina resolution)

-

-

 

Just today another

during his 2 night stay has been published.

 

A third one about the offerings for kids and teens has been promised and I suppose we will see some impressions about the suites in an upcoming video as well.

[English Voyager]

qwertz,

 

Thank you for posting the various links.

 

The full video certainly provides a comprehensive tour of the Europa 2.

 

With regard to the Tarragon restaurant, he states that it is open for lunch, yet recent travellers are advising that it is not.

Rather confusing.

 

The subsequent video is entitled 'Food Porn'.

It made me feel extremely hungry.

[Ithaca]

English Voyager, and any other sailor recently on the Europa 2,

 

I read the cc members' review regarding the ship, and we are interested in trying it out. We have only sailed SS and SB and enjoy them both. Some questions:

 

1. How all inclusive is it? How would it differ from SS and SB inclusiveness.

 

2. My DH speaks German fluently, but I do not speak the language. In your experience, are there enough English speakers that I will not become a wall flower?

 

3. What tidbits of information would be useful to SS and SB cruisers?

 

Thanks to you and to all those who can help us with our questions.

[tiggis]

English Voyager, and any other sailor recently on the Europa 2,

 

I read the cc members' review regarding the ship, and we are interested in trying it out. We have only sailed SS and SB and enjoy them both. Some questions:

 

1. How all inclusive is it? How would it differ from SS and SB inclusiveness.

 

2. My DH speaks German fluently, but I do not speak the language. In your experience, are there enough English speakers that I will not become a wall flower?

 

3. What tidbits of information would be useful to SS and SB cruisers?

 

Thanks to you and to all those who can help us with our questions.

 

Here are a few comments from a recent Europa 2 cruiser. I haven't been on SS or SB so can't compare with those.

 

In terms of what is included, gratuities are and so is the minibar in the suite (beer and soft drinks, which are replenished) and a welcome half bottle of champagne. Otherwise drinks are not included - and that includes water with meals for which you have to pay (see comments earlier on this point). But it seems that some passengers do get some OBC specifically for drinks. We didn't. It's also worth mentioning that as well as the champagne in the suite, there is a welcome on board party with champagne and probably two other events at which drinks are free - a captain's welcome and a special reception for international (ie non-German-speaking) passengers. If Hapag Lloyd provide a 'welcome lounge' in a local hotel on departure day, that is free even if you don't use HL flights and you get taken to the ship as well.

 

As for language, the ship is bilingual so all announcements, menus etc are offered in English as well as German, and the crew all speak good English. Based on our experience you won't find yourself sharing a table at meals so you won't feel excluded from conversations around you in the restaurants. But many of the German passengers speak English and may well talk to you in English once they know that you don't speak German. Overall, I think you will feel perfectly comfortable.

 

One tip. Do some research on the speciality restaurants (no extra charge for these either) before you embark and make your bookings promptly once on board.

[English Voyager]

tiggis,

 

With regard to the 'Beverage Credit'.

 

I have just checked with my Cruise Agent, who advises that the Credit was a promotion that was offered in respect of bookings made in 2014.

 

Hence, my cruise this September, which I booked last year, provides a 'Beverage Credit', but my cruise for 2016, which I booked in April of this year, does not.

[English Voyager]

English Voyager, and any other sailor recently on the Europa 2,

 

I read the cc members' review regarding the ship, and we are interested in trying it out. We have only sailed SS and SB and enjoy them both. Some questions:

 

1. How all inclusive is it? How would it differ from SS and SB inclusiveness.

 

2. My DH speaks German fluently, but I do not speak the language. In your experience, are there enough English speakers that I will not become a wall flower?

 

3. What tidbits of information would be useful to SS and SB cruisers?

 

Thanks to you and to all those who can help us with our questions.

 

It is some years since I cruised with Seabourn, and Silver Sea, so any comparisons I made may well be outdated.

 

My cruise on the Europa 2 was in July 2014, so since then there may have been further 'tweaks' made to enhance the cruise experience.

 

Bottled water was freely available during the ship's shore excursions.

 

For excursions, headsets were provided to facilitate hearing the guide.

 

An additional event during which free drinks were provided was a 'Pool Party'.

 

Port lectures were available in English.

 

With regard to the Specialty Restaurants, several are open for lunch,with a restricted menu, without a reservation, so an opportunity is provided to sample the cuisine.

 

I would be very surprised if you experienced difficulty in making a dinner reservation for one of the Specialty Restaurants, as , for a maximum complement of 516 guests, they provide, in total ,seating for 210 guests.

 

Individually:

 

Tarragon: 48.

 

Serenissima: 56.

 

Elements: 48.

 

Sakura: 58.

 

 

On my cruise, I found the German guests to be very friendly, and most spoke English.

[Floridiana]

We are right now looking into a b2b Europa 2 cruise in Asia in 2017. We are not militant anti-smokers, but I would not like a cabin above the Herrenzimmer (for smokers), actually not anywhere where smoke might drift into the cabin. And then I need a cabin mid ship and fairly low because I am prone to seasickness. Those limitations led us next to the embarkation area, probably noisy early in the morning with crew setting up. What a first world dilemma! ;)

[Floridiana]

Laundry! What's the story?

 

Laundry service included or not? Laundry room accessible to passengers? I couldn't find anything on the Europa2 website.

[English Voyager]

Laundry! What's the story?

 

Laundry service included or not? Laundry room accessible to passengers? I couldn't find anything on the Europa2 website.

 

There is no Laundry Room on the Europa 2.

 

Laundry/ Dry Cleaning items are chargeable.

 

I don't know if prices have increased since my cruise in July 2014, but I found them to be reasonable.

 

For example:

 

Laundry:

 

Shirt/ Blouse:3.40 Euros.

 

Pyjamas: 3.50 Euros.

 

Trousers: 3.70 Euros.

 

 

Dry Cleaning:

 

Trousers: 4.50 Euros.

 

Jacket: 5.20 Euros.

 

Suit/Two Piece Costume: 9.40 Euros.