cathaana

Finally read a write-up on the Europa 2. It apparently has accommodations for children and their nannies -- not something that U.S. luxury passengers are looking for. The staff speak both English and German and they even offer some excursions with English speaking guides (not many and they were described as being "vanilla".) In the USA Today article (dated July 5th), it sounds as though they are trying but have a long way to go in terms of attracting English speaking passengers.

 

Last week, the 516 passenger ship was carrying around "a half dozen" Americans.

 

Another issue could be the German views on nudity. There are coed saunas, steam rooms and showers in the spa. This is something very common in Germany.

 

Another cultural difference is the way dinner is served. Europeans waiters take food orders first, before taking drink orders. Americans, of course, like their drinks brought out quickly, thank you -- and keep them coming.

 

If this were a new Silversea, Regent, Seabourn or Crystal ship, we would consider booking (without the quirks and children). They identify themselves with Seabourn. IMO, they are more closely related to Silversea since they are European-owned. Perhaps they could learn something from Silversea in terms of catering to English speaking passengers.

The 'accomodation for children and their nannies' refers to connecting suites called Familien Appartement (2x20sqm). I doubt you will find many children on board though considering the cost of about 10.000 Euros for the cheapest cruises.

Taking food orders before drink orders is not normal in Germany. And it's certainly not a Hapag Lloyd thing either since they didn't do that on either the Hanseatic or the Europa. But drink orders are often taken by a different waiter, so maybe the 'drink' waiter didn't get to them before the 'food' waiter did.

For those of you interested, I posted some notes and photos of the Europa in the Other Cruise Lines forum.

Regent, Silversea and Crystal (effective 2014?) do not allow smoking in staterooms/suites or balconies. That seems to be the standard for U.S. and Canadian customers. Seabourn is the one hold-out and is no doubt getting all of the smokers who were formerly sailing on the other lines.

 

I do not know much about Hapag-LLoyd Europa 2 but do not believe that it is inclusive (tips, alcohol......). IMO, in order to do well in the U.S. and Canada, they would need to be competitive in all areas to the above named cruise lines.

Tips are included. Even if they weren't, this is a German cruise line and therefore tipping might be appreciated but definitely not necessary.

I prefer alcohol not to be included since I don't really drink and it always means a fare increase if they start to include drinks. Tea, coffee, and ice tea is always available and the prices for alcoholic beverages are fairly decent.

As for the smoking, I only noticed it twice on my recent Europa cruise (and I am a fairly rabid non-smoker ;)).

What is the problem with their smoking policy? I know smoking is allowed in some areas and in some of the suites (you are asked not to in those), but is it really that bad? I only noticed a couple of smokers on the Hanseatic last year who were fairly easy to avoid.