Out of a possible 2,000 points, the EUROPA 2 attained 1,860 points and therefore leads the ranking in the category “top 5 small ships with 251 to 750 passengers”. The EUROPA scores second place with 1,852 points. The expedition vessel HANSEATIC has been awarded 5-stars and 1,721 points and the BREMEN received the distinction 4-stars with 1,495 points.
“We are particularly pleased that our luxury vessels EUROPA 2 and EUROPA were able to defend their pole position in this Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ very special 125th anniversary year. Both set global standards in the luxury cruise industry. Our aim is to create unique, individual cruise experiences for our guests. The ratings are very special accolades in recognition of our performance and our standards of quality, both in the luxury and expedition sectosr” says Karl J. Pojer, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. “Again our very special thanks therefore goes to our crew on board the ships, as well as our team of staff in Hamburg”.
The 32nd edition of Berlitz Cruise Guide 2017 – with its new design and featuring full-colour throughout and photographs of every ship reviewed - will be available from October 1st, 2016. Author Douglas Ward and his team inspected a total of 295 cruise ships from large to small and scored them based on criteria such as ship fittings, accommodation, food quality, service, crew, entertainment and the cruise experience.
Hamburg, October 2016