- MS EUROPA still the world's best
- Guide to appear in November in Germany
MS EUROPA, the flagship of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, has been distinguished by the renowned cruise guide "Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships" as the only cruise ship worldwide with the highest evaluation for the eleventh consecutive time. In the latest issue for 2011 the EUROPA is the only one out of more than 270 tested cruise ships to be awarded the 5-star-plus classification. The other three ships operated by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises have also achieved excellent ratings in each of their segments.
With 1,853 out of a maximum of 2,000 points the EUROPA has reached the highest evaluation among all tested ships. The HANSEATIC, with 1,746 points, enjoys third place among the "boutique ships" category (5-star), the second expedition vessel BREMEN was awarded 1,461 points (4-star) and the intimate COLUMBUS attained 1,398 points (3-star-plus).
Author Douglas Ward and his team tested more than 270 cruise liners throughout the world and assessed them under six categories: ship, accommodation, cuisine, service, entertainment and cruise experience. In this year's edition of the "Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships" they have again only awarded the rating "5-star-plus" once – to MS EUROPA.
In his guide Ward justified the highest number of points for the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' flagship by her particular love of detail and the great attention paid to the personal wellbeing of her guests.
Sebastian Ahrens, spokesman for the management of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises: "We are very pleased about the distinction of our ships. Top marks for the EUROPA confirm that we are on the right path and show that we are not resting on our laurels. Thanks to consistent modernisation, the EUROPA still meets the highest demands even after eleven years."
"Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2011" by Douglas Ward, 720 pages. Available on the market from November onwards.
For more information on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' exciting destinations and itineraries visit www.hl-cruises.com. For bookings, inquiries or to request a brochure, please look here for the nearest sales agent in your country.
