Hapag-LLoyd Europa 2.

[ededmd]

I have also booked our first E2 cruise. I have been informed the beverage credit is determined by the length of the cruise: 2-6 night, 100 euro pp. 7-9 night, 150 euro pp. 10+ night, 200 euro pp. Valid for all residents outside of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

 

Congratulations! I'm certain that all of us here who are "fans" hope you enjoy the experience as much as we have.

 

You are correct about the gradiations on the beverage credit and the eligibility.

 

My posting about the 200€ credit specifically was in response to Zimbo's cruise (EUX1800) which is 19 days duration.

 

If you have any questions that come up during your planning, this is a welcoming community; please ask.

[English Voyager]

Also, be careful in Hamburg. I have friends there who used to work in California with DH and I have visited them. The touristy downtown and the waterway cruise past beautiful neighborhoods is very nice, but not far away is an area where Mohammed Atta et al hatched their 911 plans. My friends made a point of steering my walking and wandering away from there. Might also be best to avoid the main train station, Hauptbahnhof. Easy to avoid potential problem areas if you plan.

 

Thank you for the advice.

 

Having asked Hapag-Lloyd to recommend hotels in Hamburg, I was amused to see that one of their recommendations was not only in the St Pauli district, but was not far from the Reeperbahn.

 

I have opted for another of their recommendations, the Vier Jahreszeiten.

 

 

My only disappointment will be that my favourite venue for live music, The Cotton Club, appears to be closed for most of July.

I will have to check further when I am in Hamburg.

[vistaman]

concerning hotels in Hamburg :

most of the times i do take Steigenberger or Sofitel and eventually Radisson Blu ( somewhat cheaper )

i found the Jahreszeiten very good however not for a quick pre or post cruise night

and the bar is rather expensive ;)

the breakfast however was the best in Vier Jahreszeiten

the area around the main station is not very nice indeed

it is very easy to find decently priced set lunches in Hamburg as well

i think those on board credits are only granted on Europa 2 and not on ms Europa.

those credits were a reply i think - to non German pax on Europa 2 making comments on "not all in " and no free mineral water or soda's .

[English Voyager]

vistaman,

 

I have opted to spend two nights pre-cruise in Hamburg, so I will have two opportunities to sample that breakfast you recommend.

 

I will regard it as training for eating on board the Europa 2!

[Floridiana]

Re my 3 July cruise,I received today from Hapag-Lloyd preliminary documentation which included an illustrated pocket guide book to Norway, a guide to Hamburg, and a booklet on the available excursions.

 

I do like the fact that one can book excursions well in advance of a cruise without being asked for pre-payment.

 

That's good to read. I would even prefer more advance notice on the excursions. Will they take place even if just DH and I book one? Ponant promised theirs would. Maybe it is a moot point because enough people will take ship sponsored excursions in South East Asia.

[English Voyager]

That's good to read. I would even prefer more advance notice on the excursions. Will they take place even if just DH and I book one? Ponant promised theirs would. Maybe it is a moot point because enough people will take ship sponsored excursions in South East Asia.

 

I don't know if it is the general policy of Hapag-Lloyd, or if it was the specific nature of the excursion, but for our overnight in Lisbon I had booked an evening dinner and Fado show excursion which was cancelled because of insufficient numbers.

 

In fact the cancellation worked to one's advantage because a Fado singer, Teresa Tapadas, and her musicians came on board and gave an excellent show.

 

This is one of the songs she performed, and we did all join her in singing the first two lines of the chorus:

 

Edited March 24, 2016 by English Voyager

[vistaman]

it is urgent time CC create a separate chapter for Hapag Lloyd !!! :rolleyes:

it is the actual 1st and 2nd best rated cruise ship in the Berlitz and the highest rated expedition ship Hanseatic

[Floridiana]

Overnight outside need sufficient numbers on Ponant as well. I am happy for you that a Fado singer came aboard.

[scandun]

Congratulations! I'm certain that all of us here who are "fans" hope you enjoy the experience as much as we have.

 

You are correct about the gradiations on the beverage credit and the eligibility.

 

My posting about the 200€ credit specifically was in response to Zimbo's cruise (EUX1800) which is 19 days duration.

 

If you have any questions that come up during your planning, this is a welcoming community; please ask.

Thank you for the kind wish. I know this is very welcoming community and provides tons of useful information from which I already benefit much. As I have some knowledge of the German language, I really look forward to a very pleasant experience onboard the E2. Maybe you know something about:

1) What is the internet plan onboard E2 ?

2) Do they provide shuttle service between port and city/town centre ?

3) When is the next dry dock for E2 ? ( they say by the dry dock they will fix the issue that the bed in the cabin cannot be separated for 2 twin beds ) I know it won't be until after our cruise. For this time I have booked triple and waitlist for single occupany. Just after I booked, the triple becomes unavailable, so they really have it space controlled.

Happy cruising!

[English Voyager]

Thank you for the kind wish. I know this is very welcoming community and provides tons of useful information from which I already benefit much. As I have some knowledge of the German language, I really look forward to a very pleasant experience onboard the E2. Maybe you know something about:

1) What is the internet plan onboard E2 ?

2) Do they provide shuttle service between port and city/town centre ?

3) When is the next dry dock for E2 ? ( they say by the dry dock they will fix the issue that the bed in the cabin cannot be separated for 2 twin beds ) I know it won't be until after our cruise. For this time I have booked triple and waitlist for single occupany. Just after I booked, the triple becomes unavailable, so they really have it space controlled.

Happy cruising!

 

1.E-mail service is provided free of charge.

However, if one sends, or opens, an attachment a charge is levied.

 

Unfortunately, I do not know the current level of charges.

 

2. A shuttle service is provided free of charge.

 

3. Hapag-Lloyd dry dock their ships every two years.

 

The last one for the Europa 2 was April 2015, so Approximately April 2017 for the next dry dock.

 

If you have not already seen it, you may find the following video on the Europa 2's 2015 dry dock of interest:

 

[Catlover54]

Internet was 0.19 Euro per minute when I was on the E2 3 months ago, and it was often slow, often too slow to properly surf. There was also no "unlimited" plan that could have made up for thr slowness. This was in South Africa, where it might run slower than if you are closer to mid-earth on your cruise. There were also 60 kids on that holiday cruise so I suspect they were on a lot, making it slower. Internet slowness is a scourge of all cruise ships, I had the same problem on Silver Sea near the tip of South America.

[scandun]

Internet was 0.19 Euro per minute when I was on the E2 3 months ago, and it was often slow, often too slow to properly surf. There was also no "unlimited" plan that could have made up for thr slowness. This was in South Africa, where it might run slower than if you are closer to mid-earth on your cruise. There were also 60 kids on that holiday cruise so I suspect they were on a lot, making it slower. Internet slowness is a scourge of all cruise ships, I had the same problem on Silver Sea near the tip of South America.

Do you know what is the cost to open an attached file in email or sending emails with attached file ? What do you mean by "mid-earth" ? I had sailed from Sydney to Bali on a Crystal ship where the internet onboard was completely down for a couple of days, is that area more closer to mid earth ? Thanks.

[English Voyager]

vistaman,

 

I hope your imminent flight to Dubai has not been affected by recent events in Brussels, and that you have a very enjoyable cruise on the Europa 2.

[vistaman]

English Voyager,

many thanks for the wishes ...

i am as nervous as possible as i am booked to Dubai on BA - ex Brussels LHR to Dubai ...

of course this is nothing compared to the suffering of the families of the people who died or are - very severely - wounded or burned

the airport can re -open but now the unions are doing difficult concerning security

BA temporarely did operate flights to Liège as the Airbus cannot use Antwerp airport - 2.5 miles from my home.

I hope to reach LHR :)

[English Voyager]

vistaman,

 

I hope that you had a very enjoyable cruise.

 

Given my forthcoming cruise in July, I would appreciate your confirmation that previous high standards on board the Europa 2 are being maintained.

 

Thank you.

[Zimbo]

Would also be interested in vistaman's feedback.

 

We are considering Crystal Cruise's V7304 Antarctic Adventure as an alternative to the Europa 2's Christmas 2017 sailing around South America. The Crystal cruise has the added highlights of sailing to Antarctica, and a precruise trip to Machu Picchu, otherwise it is very similar.

 

Anyone here sailed Crystal before? Thoughts?

[TrulyBlonde]

I had seen your post on Crystal and I have not cruised Crystal or Hapag Lloyd. I am currently looking at cruises to Antarctica. We are doing a cruise this Oct. from Lima to BA on Oceania and flying to Rio for a few days after to experience all of SA. We are also doing a side trip O offers to Machu Picchu pre cruise. Therefore, I understand and can see why the portion to Antarctica would be appealing.

After doing my research and much reading, the Crystal part to Antarctica only does a sort of "drive thru" and you do not see as much wildlife etc. as you would find on something like Silversea or HP. Touching land and being able to get inside a bit more is what I decided is more important to us. I want to get out in a Zodiac and feel the ground/ice etc etc.

Due to the fact I am researching this thoroughly, I wanted to give you my thoughts. If South America is the main reason for the trip, then Crystal seems OK. For us, I wanted more of Antarctica, therefore, will look at alternatives.

Enjoy your trip, whatever you choose.

[Zimbo]

I had seen your post on Crystal and I have not cruised Crystal or Hapag Lloyd. I am currently looking at cruises to Antarctica. We are doing a cruise this Oct. from Lima to BA on Oceania and flying to Rio for a few days after to experience all of SA. We are also doing a side trip O offers to Machu Picchu pre cruise. Therefore, I understand and can see why the portion to Antarctica would be appealing.

After doing my research and much reading, the Crystal part to Antarctica only does a sort of "drive thru" and you do not see as much wildlife etc. as you would find on something like Silversea or HP. Touching land and being able to get inside a bit more is what I decided is more important to us. I want to get out in a Zodiac and feel the ground/ice etc etc.

Due to the fact I am researching this thoroughly, I wanted to give you my thoughts. If South America is the main reason for the trip, then Crystal seems OK. For us, I wanted more of Antarctica, therefore, will look at alternatives.

Enjoy your trip, whatever you choose.

 

Thanks for the thoughts, very useful. You are quite correct, Crystal only does a sail through. I would prefer to set foot on land/ice, but as with everything, it's all about compromises.

 

Seabourn has been suggested, and looking at their offerings, they do offer zodiac landings and similar on the Peninsula, without being a full-on expedition ship such as the Hanseatic or Silversea equivalent.

 

Perhaps, instead of trying to achieve everything in one go, this would be best split up into two trips? Do South America around Cape Horn, and then separately do an Antarctica expedition?

[vistaman]

i am back from Europa 2 now for a week. The voyage started very difficult : Friday prior to my departure on Thuesday BA did cancel my flight Bru London Heathrow at 6.15 pm and did not put me automatic on the temporary flight Liege - London. As it was a flight with avios miles - it had to be handled by Club offices closing ... at 6PM until monday 9 am

i could not risk going into cancellation - Qatar ex Amsterdam was already sold out so i was forced to buy an Emirates tickets to be sure i could reach Dubai

on that flight - with a delay of nearly 4 hours a wallet with a "limited" amount of $$$ and €€€ disappeared .

Good that my hotel room in Dubai was available as i was as very tired and upset

and i repeat all the above is nothing compared to the suffering of the victims of the attack on the airport - today still 30 people in various hospitals with very serious injuries

and last week the Belgian Government said they will consider the victims as "victims of war"

[TrulyBlonde]

Thanks for the thoughts, very useful. You are quite correct, Crystal only does a sail through. I would prefer to set foot on land/ice, but as with everything, it's all about compromises.

 

Seabourn has been suggested, and looking at their offerings, they do offer zodiac landings and similar on the Peninsula, without being a full-on expedition ship such as the Hanseatic or Silversea equivalent.

 

Perhaps, instead of trying to achieve everything in one go, this would be best split up into two trips? Do South America around Cape Horn, and then separately do an Antarctica expedition?

 

Yes, I plan to do 2 separate trips and see Antarctica possibly 2017.

[vistaman]

my cruise on ms Europa 2 to the Emirates was extremely good once again.

I will not repeat the itinerary - once in those countries is enough however i do not mind to go back to Dubai for 1 or 2 days prior to a cruise transit Suez canal.

On board the same very high standards as usual. Great food , superb service however it is another approach as the other - so said - five starred companies.

There were other Belgians they did not like it : "it was not all inclusive and there was no casino and no single knowledge of elementary German".

Was their travel agent not giving full information??

Another Belgian couple did like ms Europa very much as some Uk people and some Asian people.

Comparing MS Europa 2 with Crystal is difficult - in my opinion Crystal was excellent prior to all inclusive , now just good with a better service as on SS or SB.

I only do very short 7 days on Crystal . I even did cancel an 18 days Norwegian cruise with disembarkation 3 miles from my home in Antwerpen because i simply cannot stand economising in F and B operations and for me many free drinks is not synonym for luxury.

If you take the basic - non penthouse - cabins on Crystal - those are very small comparing to the basic on ms Europa 2 all with bath and separate shower. There are ven basic degrees with jacuzzi - "ocean suites"

Breakfast : i am a continental breakfast eater : on Crystal you have 2 cold cuts and 2 bread cheeses - nearly the same every day and not of a great quality.

On MS Europa 2 you have at least 5 cold cuts including cold roastbeef with remoulade sauce , and a full choice of 8 speciality cheeses. . a selection of smoked hams from Spain and Italy.

On Crystal fresh orange juice for sure , on ms Europa 4 fresh juices.

on Ms Europa 2 - exception made for the sushi Sakura , all the speciality restaurants are open for lunch - never extra charges

Once a week there is susi on the lunch buffet.

i must describe the wine list on ms Europa as rather cheap - Crystal does have the most expensive wine list ( wines to purchase ) in the 5 starred cruise department - especially for real champagne .

I you looking for fun and laughs : Crystal does have a casino and does trivia etc ... not done on ms Europa 2

I never would go on a cruise to Antartica without the possibility to go on land - that is like looking to an open box of premium caviar without the permission to taste it.

On ms Europa a lot of people do drink champagne , and plain drinks , like gin tonic ; whisky , campari soda - otherwise said few martini's.

Crystal always had difficulties to break through in European non UK market while Hapag Lloyd is building up a good number of pax outside German speaking countries.

[English Voyager]

I had seen your post on Crystal and I have not cruised Crystal or Hapag Lloyd. I am currently looking at cruises to Antarctica. We are doing a cruise this Oct. from Lima to BA on Oceania and flying to Rio for a few days after to experience all of SA. We are also doing a side trip O offers to Machu Picchu pre cruise. Therefore, I understand and can see why the portion to Antarctica would be appealing.

After doing my research and much reading, the Crystal part to Antarctica only does a sort of "drive thru" and you do not see as much wildlife etc. as you would find on something like Silversea or HP. Touching land and being able to get inside a bit more is what I decided is more important to us. I want to get out in a Zodiac and feel the ground/ice etc etc.

Due to the fact I am researching this thoroughly, I wanted to give you my thoughts. If South America is the main reason for the trip, then Crystal seems OK. For us, I wanted more of Antarctica, therefore, will look at alternatives.

Enjoy your trip, whatever you choose.

 

With regard to cruises in Antarctica, have you considered one of the bilingual cruises on the MS Hanseatic?

 

Although an expedition ship, it is rated 5* by Douglas Ward.

 

You may have already viewed the video posted in this earlier thread.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2304700

[TrulyBlonde]

With regard to cruises in Antarctica, have you considered one of the bilingual cruises on the MS Hanseatic?

 

Although an expedition ship, it is rated 5* by Douglas Ward.

 

You may have already viewed the video posted in this earlier thread.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2304700

 

Thank you, yes I have researched the Hanseatic. The dates do not work for me. My DH and I live at a ski resort in the Winter and because it is his passion, I do not mess with that travel period Dec. thru March.

I think after extensive research, the trip on Ponant would work best for us and they do have a November 2017 sailing. ( He will only miss a week of skiing;-) I have no problem with an Exhibition ship such as Hanseatic and may consider them for an Arctic cruise in the future.

[English Voyager]

vistaman,

 

Thank you for your feedback on your recent cruise.

 

It is good to read that standards are being maintained.

 

With regard to the prices of drinks on the Europa 2, it is worth reiterating that Hapag-Lloyd's policy has been to set them 30%-40% below what one would expect to pay in a 5* hotel.

 

 

Apart from the small size of their entry level staterooms, another thing that puts me off considering Crystal is the two sittings for dinner.

[vistaman]

vistaman,

 

Thank you for your feedback on your recent cruise.

 

It is good to read that standards are being maintained.

 

With regard to the prices of drinks on the Europa 2, it is worth reiterating that Hapag-Lloyd's policy has been to set them 30%-40% below what one would expect to pay in a 5* hotel.

 

 

Apart from the small size of their entry level staterooms, another thing that puts me off considering Crystal is the two sittings for dinner.

 

Thank you - in my comments i forgot to put the "2" a few times

all the comments were about "ms Europa 2" - not concerning the ms Europa

I ' ll be back on her 31st May

Still very happy i had the courage to try Hapag Lloyd in 2007 :)