Six-star German cruising — and the world's top-rated ship
Hapag-Lloyd operates the Europa 2, ranked #1 in the world by the Berlitz Cruising and Cruise Ships Guide for thirteen consecutive years. The ultra-luxury fleet is paired with three Hanseatic-class expedition ships (Inspiration, Nature, Spirit) that bring the same six-star ethos to the polar regions, Amazon and remote oceans.
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Six reasons we recommend this line to the right kind of traveller.
For thirteen years running, the Berlitz Cruising and Cruise Ships Guide has rated MS Europa 2 as the highest-scoring cruise ship globally — the only ship to consistently earn the 5-Stars-Plus rating. Spacious all-suite, contemporary design, near-1:1 crew ratio.
HANSEATIC inspiration, HANSEATIC nature and HANSEATIC spirit — three small (230-guest) ice-classed expedition ships purpose-built for polar regions, the Amazon, Pacific atolls and Northwest Passage. The German engineering shows in the build quality.
Most cruises are international (English + German), with all signage, menus and announcements in both languages. The crew is multinational, the food has German hallmarks but a broad international palette.
Hapag-Lloyd voyages stay later in port — overnights are common, multi-day stays in flagship destinations standard. The expedition itineraries reach genuinely remote places (Russian Far East, deep Amazon, Atlantic islands).
No cruise line is for everyone. Here's where Hapag-Lloyd Cruises might not fit. We'll point you elsewhere if so.
Hapag-Lloyd is premium across the board — the entry price reflects the six-star service and small-ship dynamics. For mid-priced premium, look at Oceania or Holland America.
Even Europa 2 carries only 516 guests. For thousands-of-passengers with theatre and water parks, look at Royal Caribbean or MSC.
Some seasonal family departures run, but the bulk of Hapag-Lloyd sailings are adult-tilted. For family cruising at the same quality tier, Oceania doesn't have kids' clubs either — Disney is the natural family-luxury choice.
The Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet at a glance.
The world's only 5-Stars-Plus rated ship per Berlitz Guide for thirteen consecutive years. All-suite, all-veranda, near-1:1 crew ratio. Contemporary design by Partner Ship Design Hamburg.
The original 5-Stars-Plus Hapag-Lloyd flagship — classic European elegance, all-suite, world-cruise regular. Largest crew-per-guest ratio of any larger ship at sea.
Polar Class 6 ice-class expedition ship. International (English/German) sailings to polar regions, Amazon, Pacific atolls. All-balcony cabins; expedition equipment included.
Sister to inspiration. Predominantly German-language sailings — international bookings via Travelisto where languages are available.
Third Hanseatic, launched 2021. International bilingual sailings. The same ice-class hull, same six-star expedition fit-out.
A glance at the on-board experience and the destinations beyond the ship.
Europa 2 carries seven onboard restaurants, several Michelin-trained chefs, and a wine cellar with over 600 references. Hanseatic ships scale this down to four restaurants but keep the same quality. All meals, all drinks, all gratuities included.
Every guest in a suite or larger. Europa 2 has 251 suites, all with verandas. Hanseatic ships have 120 all-balcony cabins. Crew remembers preferences across multiple sailings.
Generous spa decks with thalassotherapy, hammam, saunas, salt-water grottoes (Europa 2), and Hapag-Lloyd's signature Ofuro Japanese bathing on top-tier suites.
Strong enrichment culture — themed cruises around classical music, golf (PGA pros on board), wine, motor racing, photography. Lecturers across science, history and culture.
On the Hanseatic ships: PADI dive operation, helicopter pad, zodiac excursions, multilingual expedition team, hands-on science workshops.
Every Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fare bakes these in.
Including specialty restaurants; no surcharges
Wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks — all included
All included in the fare
Parkas, rubber boots, biosecurity gear all loaned
Lecturers, themed cruises (golf, music, classical, etc.)
A multi-tier programme rewarding repeat sailings with increasing benefits. Status carries between the luxury and expedition fleets.
A Travel Designer who knows Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will pick the right ship, the right itinerary, and the right cabin tier for you. No call centres.