There are many people who dislike cruising in principle – but have never been on board a ship. There are few people who have been on board a ship and don’t like cruising. Provided they catch the right ship and the right route. What MS Europa 2 cruise experience have I had? Read it for yourself. Here is part 1 of the story.
Chicken without Feathers
“You have to try this now!” says my colleague Antje-Katrin from Senzacamedi. She waves a somewhat burnt-looking piece around in front of my nose. It smells good, a bit like lemongrass and grilled meat. She looks serious, her gaze brooking no argument. “That’s what people eat here,” she adds. I give myself a second to think, then I grab it. I eat frog legs. It tastes like chicken without feathers. The meat is a little firmer, but good. If someone had told me that just two hours ago – or even before I left – I would have just shaken my head in disbelief. After all, I am somehow three-quarters vegetarian and quite fussy (not to say cowardly!) about my food. But a lot has happened since I boarded the MS Europa 2 in Manila.
Was it love at first sight? Not necessarily. That – the first sight – was a little clouded. After all, I had a rather long journey, I was tired and if it wasn’t part of the honest MS Europa 2 cruise experience report – I would keep it quiet. But: I was sweating. To go from European winter directly to 36 degrees and 79 percent humid Manila is – well – a bit extreme. But already the second glance made me feel affectionate. Fortified with a glass of welcome champagne, which by the way is given to all shore visitors together with a refreshing towel upon their return, I explored the ship.
Size of a Grand Dame
You don’t ask ladies their age. And certainly not about their dress size. What is striking without any research: the MS Europa 2 seems elegant and more intimate than all the ships on which I have been a passenger so far. In comparison: the Costa Deliziosa has room for 2,826 passengers. The AIDAnova sails the seas with around 6,000 people. And how many passengers fit on Hapag-Lloyd’s MS Europa 2? There are just 251 suites spread over the ship, which is just over 200 metres long. With a maximum draught of 6.5 metres and its model dimensions, the MS Europa 2 can also call at destinations whose ports are unsuitable for larger ships. For example, in the Amazon region.
She was christened almost exactly ten years ago, on 10 May 2013. Since then, continuous facelifts have helped to ensure that the “Grand Dame of the Seas” does not show her age. The public areas, which are kept in pleasant and extremely elegant colours, are striking. Fortunately, one looks in vain for tangled carpets in the brightest colours. Instead, natural tones and tasteful details predominate. Anyone who has ever been a guest on a larger ship will quickly appreciate the clarity. The ship is clearly structured. And it is easy to find your own cabin, even after the fourth cocktail.
We call them “Suites”
This brings us to the next point. On the MS Europa 2 – as on her sister ship – there are only outside cabins. Here they are simply called “suites”. In the smallest category, they are still 28 square metres in size and have a veranda. The largest is the Owner Suite. It is 114 square metres including the veranda. To live in it, you probably have to buy a few million followers even as an influencer – or simply dig a little deeper into your pocket. But in return you get butler service, a whirlpool, a shower with steam sauna, service privileges and unlimited internet access.
But the “normal” veranda suite is also a wonderful place to relax. Outside, you can admire the sunset with a beer in your hand (from the minibar included!). Or you can watch the hustle and bustle of the harbour with a cup of Nespresso coffee (also included!) before finally heading to breakfast. By the way, the bathroom is remarkable. While in many categories this is often a rather small cabin, on board the MS Europa 2 you can even enjoy a bathtub. Also wonderful: the walk-in wardrobe.
Sail Away on Bord of MS Europa 2
My inspection has not yet extended to the public areas, so it is already time to get an alcoholic drink. After all, departure is imminent. So while the MS Europa 2 is setting sail and Manila is very slowly getting smaller and smaller, the sun is setting and I am standing at the railing. It is mostly a question of faith: stern or bow? Most of the other passengers are here too. They are elegantly but not overdressed. It’s easy to strike up a conversation with the ladies and gentlemen. It quickly becomes apparent that there is a special breed of people on board here. The guests are interested. They don’t just let the world pass them by. On the contrary. The people here ask questions.
You notice that they are quite worldly. Many of them are Hapag-Lloyd regulars. They have found what they were looking for: a reliable home at sea. And in the wide world. Because German is spoken on board – by all the staff. The service is cordial and every guest is free to let in as much of the world “out there” as he or she would like. Keyword: food. But we’ll get to that. One of these days I’m going to turn the corner on frog legs. I promise. Slowly, the sun sinks into the sea. And although I could stand here for ages, the next item on the agenda is already about to happen.
Dinner at “Tarragon”
Our colleague Percy from Luxify.de is a professional. He already has one or two MS Europa 2 cruises under his belt. That’s why I believe him when he recommends beef tartare as a starter. Because that is available on board the ship in insanely good quality. Once again, I forget my three-quarters vegetarianism and slap mince (prepared at the table) on the toast. Indeed, it melts in your mouth. It sets the mood for what follows. A round of delights ranging from creamy cauliflower taboulé to green pea soup and vegetables and potatoes in mushroom cream.
Crêpes Suzette and cheese (from France) should have been the finale. But the stomach reached its natural limits. After all, the wine accompaniment also had to find its place. This was chosen by sommelier Jana Töpfner. She attached great importance to vegan wines and natural wines. A circumstance for which I give her a lot of credit. But it didn’t necessarily prevent a slight swaying on the way back to the cabin suite. I blame it on the rocking of the sea. One last time out on the balcony, sniffing the sea air. Then off to the extremely comfortable bed; after all, the day starts quite early tomorrow. A Robinson Crusoe-style excursion is on the agenda.
Part 2 of my MS Europa 2 Cruise Experience will be published on the 11th of May.
