MS EUROPA 2 and MS EUROPA: the only 5-stars-plus rated ships in the Berlitz Cruise Guide 2019

• Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' luxury ships defend their top ranking
• EUROPA 2 tops the small ships category for the sixth time
• Berlitz Cruise Guide 2019 available from 1 October 2018

Once again, the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' luxury ships EUROPA and EUROPA 2 are the only cruise ships to receive the coveted distinction of 5-stars-plus in the latest edition of the renowned guide Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2019. This is the sixth time that the EUROPA 2 has been awarded the highest distinction and the 19th time for the EUROPA.

The EUROPA 2 achieved 1,864 of a possible 2,000 points, topping the rankings for small ships with 251 to 750 passengers. Its sister ship, the EUROPA, earned its 5-stars-plus rating with 1,852 points.

'Once again, both luxury ships have impressed', said Douglas Ward, author of the Berlitz Cruise Guides, when reviewing the EUROPA and the EUROPA 2. 'Unmatched is the attentive, friendly and yet at the same time unobtrusive service. In addition, both ships score highly for their excellent gastronomic offerings and the outstanding amount of space per guest.'

The BREMEN expedition ship was awarded 4 stars and 1,416 points. Three new expedition ships are currently under construction. The HANSEATIC nature and HANSEATIC inspiration will join the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' expedition fleet in April and October 2019 respectively, followed by HANSEATIC spirit in 2021.

'We are proud, once again, to have defended our top position with the EUROPA 2 and the EUROPA. The renewed 5-stars-plus rating shows how hard we work to fulfil our quality promise to our guests and to continue developing both ships. We want to set global benchmarks in the future too', says Karl J. Pojer, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. 'I would particularly like to thank our crew members on board and our employees in Hamburg, who spend every day creating unique and outstanding experiences for our guests.'

Douglas Ward's team tested a total of 300 cruise ships and scored them based on criteria such as ship hardware, accommodation, cuisine, service, entertainment and the general cruise experience.