Madeiran Marvels And The Iberian Peninsula
Madeiran Marvels And The Iberian Peninsula
Cruise overview
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About Funchal, Madeira
Formed by a volcanic eruption, Madeira lies in the Gulf Stream, about 500 miles due west of Casablanca. Discovered by Portuguese explorer João Gonçalves Zarco in 1419, this beautiful island became part of Portugal’s vast empire and was named for the dense forest which cloaked it - 'Madeira' means 'wood' in Portuguese. Sugar plantations first brought wealth here, and when King Charles II of England granted an exclusive franchise to sell wine to England and its colonies, many British emigrants were drawn to the capital, Funchal. Today’s travellers come to Madeira for the varied and luxuriant scenery, from mountain slopes covered with vines to picturesque villages and a profusion of wild flowers. The natural beauty of the island has earned it many pseudonyms such as ‘The Floating Garden of the Atlantic’, 'The Island of Eternal Springtime' and ‘God’s Botanical Gardens’ and our selection of excursions aim to show you why.
About Porto Santo Island
About Portimão
Portimão is a major fishing port, and significant investment has been poured into transforming it into an attractive cruise port as well. The city itself is spacious and has several good shopping streets—though sadly many of the more traditional retailers have closed in the wake of the global economic crisis. There is also a lovely riverside area that just begs to be strolled (lots of the coastal cruises depart from here). Don’t leave without stopping for an alfresco lunch at the Doca da Sardinha ("sardine dock") between the old bridge and the railway bridge. You can sit at one of many inexpensive establishments, eating charcoal-grilled sardines (a local specialty) accompanied by chewy fresh bread, simple salads, and local wine.
About Cádiz
Believed to be the oldest town on the Iberian Peninsula, the Andalusian port of Cádiz enjoys a stunning location at the edge of a six-mile promontory. The town itself, with 3,000 years of history, is characterised by pretty white houses with balconies often adorned with colourful flowers. As you wander around be sure to take a stroll through the sizeable Plaza de Espãna, with its large monument dedicated to the first Spanish constitution, which was signed here in 1812. Cádiz has two pleasant seafront promenades which boast fine views of the Atlantic Ocean, and has a lovely park, the Parque Genoves, located close to the sea with an open-air theatre and attractive palm garden. Also notable is the neo-Classical cathedral, capped by a golden dome.
About Marbella
About Valencia
Valencia, Spain's third-largest municipality, is a proud city with a thriving nightlife and restaurant scene, quality museums, and spectacular contemporary architecture, juxtaposed with a thoroughly charming historic quarter, making it a popular destination year in year out. During the Civil War, it was the last seat of the Republican Loyalist government (1935–36), holding out against Franco’s National forces until the country fell to 40 years of dictatorship. Today it represents the essence of contemporary Spain—daring design and architecture along with experimental cuisine—but remains deeply conservative and proud of its traditions. Though it faces the Mediterranean, Valencia's history and geography have been defined most significantly by the River Turia and the fertile huerta that surrounds it.The city has been fiercely contested ever since it was founded by the Greeks. El Cid captured Valencia from the Moors in 1094 and won his strangest victory here in 1099: he died in the battle, but his corpse was strapped into his saddle and so frightened the besieging Moors that it caused their complete defeat. In 1102 his widow, Jimena, was forced to return the city to Moorish rule; Jaume I finally drove them out in 1238. Modern Valencia was best known for its frequent disastrous floods until the River Turia was diverted to the south in the late 1950s. Since then the city has been on a steady course of urban beautification. The lovely bridges that once spanned the Turia look equally graceful spanning a wandering municipal park, and the spectacularly futuristic Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences), most of it designed by Valencia-born architect Santiago Calatrava, has at last created an exciting architectural link between this river town and the Mediterranean. If you're in Valencia, an excursion to Albufera Nature Park is a worthwhile day trip.
About Palma de Mallorca
If you look north of the cathedral (La Seu, or the seat of the bishopric, to Mallorcans) on a map of the city of Palma, you can see around the Plaça Santa Eulàlia a jumble of tiny streets that made up the earliest settlement. Farther out, a ring of wide boulevards traces the fortifications built by the Moors to defend the larger city that emerged by the 12th century. The zigzags mark the bastions that jutted out at regular intervals. By the end of the 19th century, most of the walls had been demolished; the only place where you can still see the massive defenses is at Ses Voltes, along the seafront west of the cathedral.A torrent (streambed) used to run through the middle of the old city, dry for most of the year but often a raging flood in the rainy season. In the 17th century it was diverted to the east, along the moat that ran outside the city walls. Two of Palma's main arteries, La Rambla and the Passeig d'es Born, now follow the stream's natural course. The traditional evening paseo (promenade) takes place on the Born.If you come to Palma by car, park in the garage beneath the Parc de la Mar (the ramp is just off the highway from the airport, as you reach the cathedral) and stroll along the park. Beside it run the huge bastions guarding the Almudaina Palace; the cathedral, golden and massive, rises beyond. Where you exit the garage, there's a ceramic mural by the late Catalan artist and Mallorca resident Joan Miró, facing the cathedral across the pool that runs the length of the park.If you begin early enough, a walk along the ramparts at Ses Voltes from the mirador beside the cathedral is spectacular. The first rays of the sun turn the upper pinnacles of La Seu bright gold and then begin to work their way down the sandstone walls. From the Parc de la Mar, follow Avinguda Antoni Maura past the steps to the palace. Just below the Plaça de la Reina, where the Passeig d'es Born begins, turn left on Carrer de la Boteria into the Plaça de la Llotja (if the Llotja itself is open, don't miss a chance to visit—it's the Mediterranean's finest Gothic-style civic building). From there stroll through the Plaça Drassana to the Museu d'Es Baluard, at the end of Carrer Sant Pere. Retrace your steps to Avinguda Antoni Maura. Walk up the Passeig d'es Born to Plaça Joan Carles I, then right on Avenida de La Unió.
About Palma de Mallorca
If you look north of the cathedral (La Seu, or the seat of the bishopric, to Mallorcans) on a map of the city of Palma, you can see around the Plaça Santa Eulàlia a jumble of tiny streets that made up the earliest settlement. Farther out, a ring of wide boulevards traces the fortifications built by the Moors to defend the larger city that emerged by the 12th century. The zigzags mark the bastions that jutted out at regular intervals. By the end of the 19th century, most of the walls had been demolished; the only place where you can still see the massive defenses is at Ses Voltes, along the seafront west of the cathedral.A torrent (streambed) used to run through the middle of the old city, dry for most of the year but often a raging flood in the rainy season. In the 17th century it was diverted to the east, along the moat that ran outside the city walls. Two of Palma's main arteries, La Rambla and the Passeig d'es Born, now follow the stream's natural course. The traditional evening paseo (promenade) takes place on the Born.If you come to Palma by car, park in the garage beneath the Parc de la Mar (the ramp is just off the highway from the airport, as you reach the cathedral) and stroll along the park. Beside it run the huge bastions guarding the Almudaina Palace; the cathedral, golden and massive, rises beyond. Where you exit the garage, there's a ceramic mural by the late Catalan artist and Mallorca resident Joan Miró, facing the cathedral across the pool that runs the length of the park.If you begin early enough, a walk along the ramparts at Ses Voltes from the mirador beside the cathedral is spectacular. The first rays of the sun turn the upper pinnacles of La Seu bright gold and then begin to work their way down the sandstone walls. From the Parc de la Mar, follow Avinguda Antoni Maura past the steps to the palace. Just below the Plaça de la Reina, where the Passeig d'es Born begins, turn left on Carrer de la Boteria into the Plaça de la Llotja (if the Llotja itself is open, don't miss a chance to visit—it's the Mediterranean's finest Gothic-style civic building). From there stroll through the Plaça Drassana to the Museu d'Es Baluard, at the end of Carrer Sant Pere. Retrace your steps to Avinguda Antoni Maura. Walk up the Passeig d'es Born to Plaça Joan Carles I, then right on Avenida de La Unió.
On warm days, sun worshippers will appreciate the spacious DEDON sofa island, which is a great place for some private relaxation. And the separate living and sleeping areas with their subtle, earthy colours and high-quality furnishings will make you feel relaxed and comfortable. Do you have any other requests? If so, please ask your personal butler, who will be available to help at any time.
Selected equipment features
- 85 m² (915 ft²) Penthouse Grand Suite with a spacious veranda above the bridge
- Butler service
- 24-hour suite service
- Separate living and sleeping areas
- Spacious walk-in wardrobe
- Generously sized dining area
- DEDON sun island on the veranda
- Bathroom with underfloor heating, two washbasins, a whirlpool bath, seperate shower, a private sauna
- Separate guest toilet
- Tablet
- Nespresso machine
- Free mini bar (water, juices, soft drinks, beer and a selection of high-quality spirits)
- Fresh canapes
- Ironing service
- On-board table reservation for the restaurant The Globe by Kevin Fehling
- Free daily full edition of a newspaper of your choice on request
- Exclusive service privileges
In the relaxed atmosphere of your suite, it is our pleasure to pamper you with gourmet snacks or a glass of champagne, for example. Whether you prefer to dream away the day in the cosy lounge or on your private veranda, the choice is yours – either way, you will be able to enjoy an ocean view.
Selected equipment features
- 45 m² (484 ft²) Penthouse Deluxe Suite with a veranda
- Butler service
- 24-hour suite service
- Separate living and sleeping areas
- Walk-in wardrobe
- Bathroom with underfloor heating, two washbasins, whirlpool bath and seperate shower
- Tablet
- Nespresso machine
- Free mini bar (water, juices, soft drinks, beer and a selection of high-quality spirits)
- Fresh canapes every day
- Ironing service
- On-board table reservation for the restaurant The Globe by Kevin Fehling
- Exclusive service privileges
The modern living and sleeping areas feature a contemporary design. Light-coloured wood furniture further accentuates the spaciousness of the light-filled room. The whirlpool bath with optional lighting provides a special opportunity for relaxation – and the large window with a Venetian blind means you can enjoy the fantastic views from the bath as well.
Selected equipment features
27 m² (291 ft²) SPA Suite with a veranda
- 24-hour suite service
- Includes SPA pamper package
- Walk-in wardrobe
- Bathroom with natural light, ocean view, whirlpool bath ans separate shower
- Tablet
- Nespresso machine
- Free mini bar (water, juices, soft drinks, beer and a selection of high-quality spirits)
- Choice of SPA drinks, including smoothies, fresh fruit juices and herbal teas, fresh canapes and fresh fruits
- Ironing service
- On-board table reservations for the restaurant The Globe by Kevin Fehling
- Exclusive service privileges
A modern suite with an elegant design, stylishly furnished to the last detail. Enjoy total privacy while taking in the view from your very own veranda.
Selected equipment features
27 m² (291 ft²) suite with a veranda (cat. 6-7)
- 24-hour suite service
- Visually divided living and sleeping area
- Walk-in wardrobe
- Bathroom with bathtub and seperate shower
- Nespresso machine
- Free mini bar (water, juices, soft drinks and beer)
- Some suites can be booked with connecting doors
With their subtle colours, harmonious design and visually divided living and sleeping areas, the Veranda Suites fulfil your requirements for a cosy, private retreat. Additional connecting doors in some suites provide the option of making your family cruise even more comfortable.
Selected equipment features
- 27 m² (291 ft²) suite with a veranda (cat. 4-5)
- 24-hour suite service
- Visually divided living and sleeping area
- Walk-in wardrobe
- Bathroom with bathtub and separate shower
- Nespresso machine
- Free mini (water, juices, soft drinks and beer)
- Some suites can be booked with connecting doors or are equipped for use by disabled guests
Your suite is a place where you can feel completely at home. An inspiring colour palette, cosy lighting and carefully selected interior decor combine to create a pleasant atmosphere of well-being. Featuring a panorama window with a view that changes every day.
Selected equipment features
- 27 m² (291 ft²) suite with a panorama window
- 24-hour suite service
- Visually divided living and sleeping area
- Walk-in wardrobe
- Bathroom with bathtub and seperate shower
- Nespresso machine
- Free mini bar (water, juices, soft drinks and beer)
MS EUROPA
Welcome to a ship that sets the global benchmarks for luxury cruises. It may be smaller than other cruise ships, but the EUROPA is miles ahead of the crowd. Enjoy the unrivalled freedom for personal relaxation on a cruise with no more than 400 guests – with plenty of scope for fresh ideas, indulgence and inspiring perspectives.
However you define it, enjoy your own personal luxury throughout your time on the EUROPA. Come aboard and experience an exceptional cruise as you travel to the world’s most beautiful destinations.
Ship Facts
| Launch Year | 1999 | ||||
| Refit Year | 2013 | ||||
| Language | de+en | ||||
| Gross Tonnage | 28890 | ||||
| Length | 198 | ||||
| Width | 24 | ||||
| Currency | EUR | ||||
| Speed | 21 | ||||
| Capacity | 400 | ||||
| Crew Count | 285 | ||||
| Deck Count | 7 | ||||
| Cabin Count | 204 | ||||
| Large Cabin Count | N/A | ||||
| Wheelchair Cabin Count | 2 | ||||
| Electrical Plugs |
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Penthouse Deck
- Fitness
- Penthouse Deluxe Suite Cat. 8
- Penthouse Grand Suite Cat.9
Bellevue Deck
- Bridge
- Magrodome
- Fitness Area
- Golf
- Sansibar
- Veranda Suite Cat. 6
- Veranda Suite Cat. 7
Lido Deck
- Lido Café
- Shuffleboard
- Whirlpool
- Lido Pool
- Pool Bar
- Library
- Atelier
- Club Belvedere
Sport Deck
- Pearls
- Play-room
- Creative room
- OCEAN SPA
- Hair-dresser
- SPA Suite Cat. 10
- Veranda Suite Cat. 5
- Veranda Suite Cat. 6
- Suite without veranda Cat. 3
Atlantik Deck
- Veranda Suite Cat. 5
- Suite without veranda Cat. 2
- Veranda Suite Cat. 6
Pazifik Deck
- Photo Shop
- Tendering Area
- Veranda Suite Cat. 4
- Veranda Suite Cat. 5
- Suite without veranda Cat. 1
Europa Deck
- Europa Restaurant
- Venezia
- The Globe
- Boutique and jeweller
- Studio
- Havana Bar
- Cruise sales
- Reception
- Atrium
- Tour office
- Gatsby's
- Europa Lounge
- Stage
Sophisticated indulgence up to the stars
Exclusive flavour experiences await you as a guest of the EUROPA. Our chefs, along with one of the top three-star chefs Kevin Fehling, will spoil you with refined, modern creations and timeless classics. Enjoy the special atmosphere in our five restaurants with a free choice of seats and a dress code ranging from casual to elegant according to how you feel.
Europa Restaurant
In the stylish atmosphere of our main restaurant, every experience is a pleasure. Our chefs de cuisine will delight you with gourmet dishes, which are often inspired by the region you are cruising in. There are now even more tables for two, allowing you a flexible choice of seating and some wonderful private moments.
Lido Café
Venezia
The small, fine Venezia is dedicated to Italian-Mediterranean cuisine. Allora: Pasta or freshly caught fish? Exquisite cheese selection or tempting dolci? Delicacies and Italian classics, brought together for you on one menu.
The Globe by Kevin Fehling
The Globe is the home of the three-star chef from Hamburg, Kevin Fehling. He has already delighted guests on board the EUROPA with his cuisine right at the start of his career. In his own gourmet restaurant on board the EUROPA he will be on board in person for selected cruises. His unconventional, modern creations are a real feast for the senses, with nuances of influence from many different latitudes. Take a seat and allow yourself to be pampered.
Top chef Kevin Fehling is head chef at ‘The Table’ in Hamburg and has been awarded 3 stars by the Michelin Guide. He is one of the stars of German Michelin-starred cuisine and brings his award-winning cuisine to the world's oceans with The Globe by Kevin Fehling.
Pearls
The gourmet restaurant on deck 7 is inspired by French seafood bars and makes caviar the star of the evening. Discover innovative dishes in the finest form, accompanied by modern flavours from all over the world. Another treat: the view from the outdoor terrace high above the sea.
Known for great moments
On every cruise, we welcome stars and all kinds of renowned artists on board. Enjoy some thrilling moments in the private setting of the EUROPA, with the finest classical music, groovy jazz and soul, danceable swing, as well as readings and theatrical pieces, first-rate comedy, and much more. As well as a varied entertainment programme, which changes every day, there are also exclusive events and shows, in which top chefs or circus acts delight the senses. Simply unforgettable.
Gatsby's
Gatsby's loves the bar culture of the Golden Twenties and first-class mixed drinks. Dancing is allowed and encouraged.
Sansibar
Sylt's famous bar is also very popular on the EUROPA. As the sun slowly sinks into the sea, a lively atmosphere spreads here until late into the night. Let our sommeliers inspire you and discover the largest selection of champagne at sea. Live music also awaits you on selected evenings.
Havana Bar
A refined and cosy club atmosphere awaits you in the Havana Bar. Take a seat, choose a first-class cigar from the well-stocked humidor and order a drink to go with it. A place to indulge.
Club Belvedere
The cosy Club Belvedere attracts guests with its panoramic view and an excellent selection of tea and coffee specialities, small macarons and delicious cakes. On selected evenings, you can enjoy exciting readings and other entertainment here.
Piano Bar
Start your evening with an aperitif, accompanied by some gentle melodies. The Piano Bar is also open in the daytime and is a great place for an afternoon coffee, reading the paper or enjoying some musical relaxation.
Pool Bar
We will treat you to light snacks and cold drinks at the pool bar. Enjoy fresh waffles in the afternoon as a delicious snack to see you through - served to your sunlounger on request.
Ocean Sun Festival
As part of the Ocean Sun Festival, the EUROPA is transformed into an exclusive concert hall at sea. Enjoy daily classical concerts on board - performed by excellent musicians with a repertoire spanning several centuries. Whether virtuoso soloists or renowned chamber ensembles - experience extraordinary concert experiences in the stylish, personalised setting of our small luxury ship.
A musical highlight also awaits you on land: an unforgettable concert evening in a special place - often far off the beaten track.
Classical Ballett
Lucia Lacarra & Matthew Golding
On board the EUROPA, you will experience classical ballet at the highest level - an exclusive offer that emphasises the ship's artistic standards and cultural diversity. Highlights include performances by ballet stars such as Lucía Lacarra and Matthew Golding.
Lucía Lacarra, one of the most important ballerinas of her generation, and Matthew Golding, an outstanding dancer, have not only made a name for themselves on international stages, but also bring their passion and expertise to the EUROPA. Their impressive skills and captivating presence offer guests on board an unforgettable experience.
Exclusive Concerts
Chamber music at the highest level is not only part of your cruise with the EUROPA during the Ocean Sun Festival - classical music in its finest form also awaits you on many other routes.
Experience excellent musicians in a personalised setting that allows you to get very close to the music and the artists. Whether duo, trio or ensemble - every performance is a cultural highlight at sea.
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