Pintxos, Poetry And Pretty Port Gems
Pintxos, Poetry And Pretty Port Gems
Cruise overview
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About Leixões
Ever since the Romans constructed a fort here and began using it as a trading post, Oporto has been a prosperous commercial centre. In the 15th and 16th centuries the city benefited from the wealth generated by Portugal’s maritime discoveries, and later, the establishment of a lucrative wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade. Today, Portugal’s second-largest city is a thriving, cosmopolitan place and is famous for its production of the fortified, sweet 'port' wine. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city was also awarded the status of European Capital of Culture in 2001. A large sandbar prevents ships from sailing into Oporto itself, so for over a century they have used nearby Leixões instead, a man-made seaport constructed nine miles from the city. Leixões is one of Portugal's major sea ports and is also home to one of the country's oldest football clubs, winners of the Taça de Portugal cup in 1961.
About Vigo
Dating from Roman times, the Galician city of Vigo has a fine natural harbour and is renowned as the biggest fishing port in the world. It is also full of history - it was in this fjord-like quay that the English and Dutch defeated the French and Spanish fleets in 1702. Today, the attractive marinas stand in contrast to the industrialised areas of the city, while further exploration will reveal the characteristic 17th-century architecture and attractive countryside beyond. The charming Old Town is a delight, with its labyrinth of winding narrow streets and shaded squares. Nearby is the Cathedral city of Tui, and further to the north is the pilgrimage centre of Santiago de Compostela, which can be reached by car in approximately 1¼ hours.
About Bilbao
Time in Bilbao (Bilbo, in Euskera) may be recorded as BG or AG (Before Guggenheim or After Guggenheim). Never has a single monument of art and architecture so radically changed a city. Frank Gehry's stunning museum, Norman Foster's sleek subway system, the Santiago Calatrava glass footbridge and airport, the leafy César Pelli Abandoibarra park and commercial complex next to the Guggenheim, and the Philippe Starck AlhóndigaBilbao cultural center have contributed to an unprecedented cultural revolution in what was once the industry capital of the Basque Country.Greater Bilbao contains almost 1 million inhabitants, nearly half the total population of the Basque Country. Founded in 1300 by Vizcayan noble Diego López de Haro, Bilbao became an industrial center in the mid-19th century, largely because of the abundance of minerals in the surrounding hills. An affluent industrial class grew up here, as did the working class in suburbs that line the Margen Izquierda (Left Bank) of the Nervión estuary.Bilbao's new attractions get more press, but the city's old treasures still quietly line the banks of the rust-color Nervión River. The Casco Viejo (Old Quarter)—also known as Siete Calles (Seven Streets)—is a charming jumble of shops, bars, and restaurants on the river's Right Bank, near the Puente del Arenal bridge. This elegant proto-Bilbao nucleus was carefully restored after devastating floods in 1983. Throughout the Casco Viejo are ancient mansions emblazoned with family coats of arms, wooden doors, and fine ironwork balconies. The most interesting square is the 64-arch Plaza Nueva, where an outdoor market is pitched every Sunday morning.Walking the banks of the Nervión is a satisfying jaunt. After all, this was how—while out on a morning jog—Guggenheim director Thomas Krens first discovered the perfect spot for his project, nearly opposite the right bank's Deusto University. From the Palacio de Euskalduna upstream to the colossal Mercado de la Ribera, parks and green zones line the river. César Pelli's Abandoibarra project fills in the half mile between the Guggenheim and the Euskalduna bridge with a series of parks, the Deusto University library, the Meliá Bilbao Hotel, and a major shopping center.On the left bank, the wide, late-19th-century boulevards of the Ensanche neighborhood, such as Gran Vía (the main shopping artery) and Alameda de Mazarredo, are the city's more formal face. Bilbao's cultural institutions include, along with the Guggenheim, a major museum of fine arts (the Museo de Bellas Artes) and an opera society (Asociación Bilbaína de Amigos de la Ópera, or ABAO) with 7,000 members from Spain and southern France. In addition, epicureans have long ranked Bilbao's culinary offerings among the best in Spain. Don't miss a chance to ride the trolley line, the Euskotram, for a trip along the river from Atxuri Station to Basurto's San Mamés soccer stadium, reverently dubbed "la Catedral del Fútbol" (the Cathedral of Football).
About Saint-Jean-de-Luz
About Concarneau
About Fowey
Nestled in the mouth of a wooded estuary, Fowey (pronounced Foy) is still very much a working china-clay port as well as a focal point for the sailing fraternity. Increasingly, it's also a favored home of the rich and famous. Good and varied dining and lodging options abound; these are most in demand during Regatta Week in mid- to late August and the annual Fowey Festival of Words and Music in mid-May. The Bodinnick and Polruan ferries take cars as well as foot passengers across the river for the coast road on to Looe.A few miles west of Fowey are a pair of very different gardens: the Eden Project, a futuristic display of plants from around the world, and the Lost Gardens of Heligan, a revitalized reminder of the Victorian age.
About Dartmouth
About Saint Peter Port
Cobblestone streets, blooming floral displays, and tiny churches welcome you to this wonderfully pretty harbour. The town of St Peter Port is as pretty as they come, with glowing flower displays painting practically every street corner and window-ledge with colour. As the capital, and main port of Guernsey, St Peter Port puts all of the island’s gorgeous beaches, wonderful history and inspiring stories at your fingertips. Feel the gut punch of the midday gun firing at Castle Cornet, which stands guard over one of the world's prettiest ports. This 800-year-old, Medieval castle offers staggering views of the harbour from its imposing, craggy island location, and you can look out across to the looming shorelines of the other Channel Islands from its weathered battlements. With four well-tended gardens, and five museums offering a rich overview of Guernsey's history, you’ll want to leave a few hours aside to explore the many treasures that lie within the castle’s walls.
About Saint Hélier
Located approximately 12 miles from the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy (France), and 100 miles from the south coast of Great Britain, the British Crown dependency of Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands and shares a World War II German occupied history.
About Cowes, Isle of Wight
The 147-square-mile island with its pretty bays and thatched villages is like a miniature England. A well-preserved Victorian character dates from no other than Queen Victoria herself, who favored the island as her summer residence and made it her permanent home after the death of her husband, Prince Albert. Several other great names have close associations with the Isle of Wight, such as Tennyson, Dickens and Keats. The small port of Cowes at the northern tip of the island hosts every year in August Britain’s most prestigious sailing event – Cowes Week, often called “the yachtsman’s Ascot.”This is when the cozy and laid-back island bursts with visitors from all over, who fill the ranks of the island’s retired folk. Apart from being a haven for sailing craft, the world’s first hovercraft made its test runs here in the 1950s. For a place of relatively small size, the Isle of Wight packs a startling variety of landscapes and coastal scenery, ranging from a terrain of low-lying woodland and pasture to open chalky downland fringed by high cliffs. In addition, there are a number of historic buildings and a splendid array of well-preserved Victoriana. The town of Cowes is bisected by the Medina River, with West Cowes near the harbor being the old, pretty part, while East Cowes is more industrialized. Outside the suburbs stands Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s favorite residence. The grand mansion was largely designed by Albert, and the interior has been left very much as it was in the Queen’s lifetime. Around the island, some of the highlights include the Needles, three tall chalk stacks beneath the cliffs at the far west end of the island. The small village of Shanklin is known for its golden cliffs and a scenic steep ravine whose mossy, fern-filled woods have been embellished with tiny lights and thatched tea shops. The port of Yarmouth features an attractive fortress and quaint pubs in the main square. Pier Information The ship is scheduled to anchor off Cowes. Guests will be taken ashore via ship’s tender. Walking distance to the town center is approximately 5 minutes. Taxis are generally available for trips around the island. Shopping Shops in the town center of Cowes carry maritime items and yachting attire, local glassware and the famous Isle of Wight colored sand. Normal opening times are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The local currency is the pound. Cuisine Not surprisingly, seafood is a good choice as well as other popular English fare. If you fancy lunch ashore, you may want to give the Amadeus Restaurant in Cowes a try, or stop in one of the local pubs for a quick meal and a cold beer. Other Sites Most of the island’s sights are covered in the organized excursions. Additionally, at the far west end of the island is the site of The Needles, a cluster of three tall chalk stacks beneath steep cliffs. The drive there takes about 45 minutes each way. Nearby is Alum Bay. The oxidized sandstone cliffs are popular for their multicolored sands, which are collected and arranged in diverse glass bottles, making popular souvenirs. Private arrangements are not encouraged in this port.
About Hamburg
Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city with a history dating back to Charlemagne. A major port, this vibrant city is home to art and culture, extensive shopping facilities, Baroque buildings and waterfront vistas. With its well-known fish market, art galleries and Museums together with several beautiful parks including a botanical garden, this is a city with something for everyone. British visitors who remember the Swinging Sixties may like to visit the streets around Grosse Freiheit, where an unknown pop group called The Beatles gave their first public performances in various local clubs before achieving worldwide fame.
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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