Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is a German cruise line known for its luxurious, small-ship experiences and exceptional attention to detail. While German is the primary language on board, the MS Europa 2 is fully bilingual and with just 500 guests, the experience is intimate and cosmopolitan. The Hapag-Lloyd fleet is also the only cruise ship fleet in the world with a 5-star rating according to Insight Guides (formerly Berlitz Guide). From January 2026, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will operate their entire fleet bilingually, so the 400-guest MS Europa will also be available to the English-speaking market.

This is a cruise line that values individuality. Staff are responsive, warm, and welcoming and with a near 1:1 guest to staff ratio on board, you can expect truly personalised service.

Exceptional Dining on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers a diverse range of gourmet dining options, with seven unique restaurants on board MS Europa 2. All venues offer open seating and can be reserved at your leisure, ensuring a relaxed, unhurried experience, plus all dining experiences are included in your fare, with the exception of Grand Reserve which offers a sommelier-led small group culinary and wine experience at an additional cost.

The main restaurant, Weltmeere, offers global cuisine with daily changing menus, or for something more casual head to the Yacht Club for relaxed buffet dining complete with an outdoor terrace for dining alfresco. Elsewhere on board you can find speciality restaurants focusing on different culinary regions - Serenissima serves Italian specialities, enjoy traditional and modern interpretations of Japanese cuisine and sushi in Sakura, relish the feeling of dining in a French bistro in Tarragon, and savour pan-Asian delicacies in Elements.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' Outstanding Accommodation

Expect Nordic-inspired, minimalist design across all staterooms and public spaces on board MS Europa 2. The décor is fresh, clean, and light-filled, creating a sense of serenity at sea and every suite benefits from a private verandah and floor-to-ceiling windows offering expansive ocean views.

For the ultimate luxury, the Grand Penthouse Suite and Owner Suite each boast truly spectacular bathrooms complete with a whirlpool and daybed facing out to sea so you can enjoy your own private spa-like sanctuary in the comfort of your suite.

Enriching Hapag-Lloyd Cruises in 2026, 2027 and 2028

Itineraries on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises are meticulously designed with voyages often taking you off the beaten path, combining lesser-known ports with iconic destinations. Regions include the Mediterranean, Canary Islands and Atlantic Coast, Pacific Islands, New Zealand, Northern Europe, and beyond.

Hapag-Lloyd also expanded into the expedition market with a fleet of expedition ships offering intrepid and unusual adventures for up to 230 guests including Antarctica, in-depth explorations of Japan, North America's Great Lakes, the Amazon, and more.

What's Included with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

While Hapag-Lloyd Cruises sits in our Best of the Best category, unlike other ultra-luxury lines, they are not fully inclusive - some elements such as alcoholic drinks and gratuities are not included in the base fare. Inclusions are:

• Dining in a choice of restaurants including speciality venues and in-suite dining

• Tea and coffee and an in-suite minibar stocked with soft drinks

• Use of sauna and steam room in the wellness area

• Onboard entertainment and enrichment programme

• Zodiac cruises and landings on expedition cruises (subject to regulations in each destination)

Our Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Insider Insight

One of the standout features of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is their seamless bilingual service aboard MS Europa 2, which is soon to be rolled out to the rest of the fleet from 2026. If you're an English-speaking guest concerned about the language barrier, don't be. The crew ensures a smooth, enjoyable experience for all guests, with English spoken widely.

A huge spa with extensive facilities is very appealing, entertainment is thoughtfully curated with a focus on visual and musical experiences, and the ship features excellent children's facilities, making it a great choice for sophisticated families.

Responsible travel with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Hapag-Lloyd are committed to environmentally responsible cruising and have implemented numerous initiatives across their fleet, including banning the use of heavy fuels and switching to marine gas oil. Optimised hull design on MS Europa 2 and the expedition vessels helps to reduce fuel consumption by 18% and conscious route planning and speed management also contributes to this. Catalysts reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by almost 95%, advanced water management means zero sewage is disposed at sea, and ballast water is treated to stop flora and fauna being introduced to foreign ecosystems. This is in addition to the use of electric Zodiacs where possible, extensive recycling of onboard waste, and smart management of energy usage (e.g. LED lighting).

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises supports the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust aiming to preserve and promote British Antarctic heritage as well as The South Georgia Heritage Trust, whose efforts help to preserve the native flora and fauna on South Georgia and in the surrounding waters.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises are also members of AECO (the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators), who support responsible, environmentally friendly and safe tourism in the Arctic, and were co-founders of IAATO (the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) who advocate for and promote safe and environmentally responsible private sector travel to Antarctica.