MS EUROPA, The Only Five-Star Plus Ship in the World

(New York, NY) November 5, 2007 –Top cruise rankings (once again) go to Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' MS EUROPA in the 2008 Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships, out last week. According to the book's editor, expert cruise writer, Douglas Ward, The EUROPA is ranked the only five-star plus cruise ship in the world with 1,860 points out of a total 2,000 points. No cruise ship has ever received this score, and the EUROPA is the only cruise ship ever to be ranked five-star plus for the past eight years. The EUROPA added two extra points to its score this year as a result of the newly renovated SPA facilities and the addition of the SPA suites. Top honors also went to Hapag-Lloyd Cruises HANSEATIC, the only five-star ranked expedition ship in the world.

According to a Berlitz press release, "This luxury Hapag-Lloyd ship (EUROPA), with 1,860 points (2 more than last year), is literally in a class of its own. So impeccable is the ship's performance that Ward creates a dedicated class for it, Five-Stars-Plus, in which it remains the sole occupant for 2008."

The British author Douglas Ward, with 960 cruises under his belt, is the world's most highly regarded expert on cruising. This annual cruise guide now in its 23rd year of publication, has become a source of independent star ranking for ocean going cruise ships worldwide.

EUROPA is the first "all-suites" cruise ship, with staterooms that are never less than 290 square feet, 80% of them having their own veranda, assuring privacy and relaxation. The EUROPA also offers guest the largest space per passenger in the industry, as well as the highest staff passenger ratio, with 280 staff members for 400 guests. Each suite features Cruise Net, a complimentary TV information network with private e-mail, movies, music on demand, cruise information and the internet (at an additional charge). The EUROPA experience includes a masterful blend of world-class cuisine with guest chefs, two specialty restaurants of fine Italian and Euro-Asian dishes, an open grill café, special light and healthy menu options, and themed dinners. The ship also has a 65 ft. saltwater pool that can be partially covered by the hydraulic Magrodome – so swimming inside and outside is possible, a newly renovated world-class Ocean SPA, a fitness loft with ocean views, and a 21-course golf simulator with a PGA professional golf coach onboard. Most importantly, on the EUROPA the individual always comes first. If guests want to explore the various ports of call separate from the group, tailor-made shore excursions can be arranged by the concierge.

The EUROPA offering bilingual cruises (German/English) ensures English-speaking passengers feel comfortable from the moment they step onboard. Travel Documents and information is provided to guests in English prior to their trip. Documentation in English onboard includes: daily programs, menus, announcements, lectures/video presentations, safety drill instructions. Selected in-room movies are offered in English as well. Shore excursions are offered in English on a group or individual basis whenever possible in the port of call. Lastly, the entire crew is fluent in English. For more information on the EUROPA's 08'-09' bilingual itineraries visit www.hl-cruises.com. For bookings, inquiries or to request a brochure call 877-445-7447.

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