The Finest Cruise Line You’ve Never Heard About

by Carl Anderson

A couple of weeks ago, we had the opportunity to sail aboard Hapag-Lloyd’s Europa 2. While the name may not be widely recognized among American cruisers, Hapag-Lloyd has long been regarded as a hidden gem in the luxury cruise world, catering primarily to the German market. Among seasoned luxury travelers, however, the line consistently earns a reputation as one of the finest at sea.

Our five-night voyage took us from Spain’s Canary Islands to Lisbon, delivering an exceptional experience from start to finish. Throughout the journey, we enjoyed some of the best cuisine we’ve ever encountered on a cruise ship. The service was flawless, and the staterooms were remarkably spacious, elegant, and thoughtfully designed.

In addition to the main dining room and the Yacht Club buffet, Europa 2 featured several specialty restaurants, all of which we had the chance to experience during the sailing. Two standout venues were Elements, offering inventive Asian fusion cuisine, and Serenissima, which served outstanding Italian dishes. Every restaurant onboard provided a refined culinary experience that rivaled top restaurants on land.

Europa 2 also excelled at creating memorable “surprise and delight” moments throughout the voyage. One highlight was a poolside lunch featuring lobster rolls, German sausages, and unlimited champagne — far from the typical cruise lunch experience.

During the trip, we visited two memorable ports of call en route to Lisbon. The Portuguese island of Madeira impressed us with its lush mountainside landscapes filled with vibrant flora and fauna, reminiscent of Hawaii set in the Atlantic Ocean. Its capital city, Funchal, blended historic charm with a sophisticated cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Further along Portugal’s Algarve coast, we embarked on a thrilling rib boat excursion through the colorful Benagil caves and along the region’s dramatic cliffs near Portimão. The stunning coastal scenery made it an unforgettable experience and one that should be on every visitor’s Algarve itinerary.

After our five-night cruise, we disembarked in Lisbon, Portugal — one of our favorite cities in Europe. We then spent four wonderful nights exploring Lisbon, a stay we look forward to highlighting in a future blog post. 

Despite being among the few English-speaking guests onboard, we always felt completely welcome and comfortable. All onboard announcements were delivered in both German and English, and printed materials were readily available in either language. The hospitality throughout the ship was warm, polished, and consistently attentive. With just 500 guests onboard, the atmosphere never felt crowded, and wherever we went, we were greeted with genuine friendliness and exceptional service. 

Hapag-Lloyd is a cruise line we confidently recommend to discerning travelers seeking a truly elevated luxury cruise experience in some of the world’s most exotic destinations. In addition to Europa 2, the fleet includes the original Europa as well as three luxury expedition ships that sail to remote destinations, including the polar regions. For more information about Hapag-Lloyd and its unique voyages, contact the cruise experts at Anderson Vacations.