From The River Elbe To The Mediterranean
From The River Elbe To The Mediterranean
Cruise overview
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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.
About Dover
Known as the gateway of England, Dover welcomes millions of visitors from all over the globe each year in its role as the ferry capital of the world and the second busiest cruise port in the UK. The White Cliffs Country has a rich heritage. Within the walls of the town’s iconic castle, over 2,000 years of history waits to be explored, whilst the town’s museum is home to the Dover Bronze Age Boat, the world’s oldest known seagoing vessel. The town’s cliffs that are a welcome sight for today's cross-channel travellers also served as the control centre for the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940.
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 Saint-Malo
Thrust out into the sea and bound to the mainland only by tenuous man-made causeways, romantic St-Malo has built a reputation as a breeding ground for phenomenal sailors. Many were fishermen, but others—most notably Jacques Cartier, who claimed Canada for Francis I in 1534—were New World explorers. Still others were corsairs, "sea dogs" paid by the French crown to harass the Limeys across the Channel: legendary ones like Robert Surcouf and Duguay-Trouin helped make St-Malo rich through their pillaging, in the process earning it the nickname "the pirates' city." The St-Malo you see today isn’t quite the one they called home because a weeklong fire in 1944, kindled by retreating Nazis, wiped out nearly all of the old buildings. Restoration work was more painstaking than brilliant, but the narrow streets and granite houses of the Vieille Ville were satisfactorily recreated, enabling St-Malo to regain its role as a busy fishing port, seaside resort, and tourist destination. The ramparts that help define this city figuratively and literally are authentic, and the flames also spared houses along Rue de Pelicot in the Vieille Ville. Battalions of tourists invade this quaint part of town in summer, so arrive off-season if you want to avoid crowds.
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 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 Lisbon
Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city's terraced hillsides. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.
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 Málaga
As you sail into Malaga you will notice what an idyllic setting the city enjoys on the famous Costa del Sol. To the east of this provincial capital, the coast along the region of La Axarqua is scattered with villages, farmland and sleepy fishing hamlets - the epitome of traditional rural Spain. To the west stretches a continuous city where the razzmatazz and bustle creates a colourful contrast that is easily recognisable as the Costa del Sol. Surrounding the region, the Penibéetica Mountains provide an attractive backdrop overlooking the lower terraced slopes which yield olives and almonds. This spectacular mountain chain shelters the province from cold northerly winds, giving it a reputation as a therapeutic and exotic place in which to escape from cold northern climes. Malaga is also the gateway to many of Andalusia's enchanting historic villages, towns and cities.
About Marbella
About Málaga
As you sail into Malaga you will notice what an idyllic setting the city enjoys on the famous Costa del Sol. To the east of this provincial capital, the coast along the region of La Axarqua is scattered with villages, farmland and sleepy fishing hamlets - the epitome of traditional rural Spain. To the west stretches a continuous city where the razzmatazz and bustle creates a colourful contrast that is easily recognisable as the Costa del Sol. Surrounding the region, the Penibéetica Mountains provide an attractive backdrop overlooking the lower terraced slopes which yield olives and almonds. This spectacular mountain chain shelters the province from cold northerly winds, giving it a reputation as a therapeutic and exotic place in which to escape from cold northern climes. Malaga is also the gateway to many of Andalusia's enchanting historic villages, towns and cities.
The Owner's Suite is so much more than our most exclusive suite; it is an exquisite home on the oceans of the world. Enjoy all the amenities you could possibly need, spread over more than 114 m²/1,227 ft² of personal freedom.
Selected equipment features
- Living are: 99 m²/1,066 ft²; veranda 15 m²/161 ft²
- Separate living and sleeping area.
- Separate dining table.
- Guest WC.
- Bathroom with two sinks.
- Shower with steam sauna.
- Whirlpool and daybed in the bathroom area.
- Spacious walk-in wardrobe.
- Butler service.
- Free mini bar (soft drinks, beer and a selection of high-quality spirits).
- Other exclusive service privileges.
In the Grand Penthouse Suite, you can enjoy lavishness at sea - on a daybed with view of the endless sea, or while taking a bath in the middle of the ocean in your private whirlpool.
Selected equipment features
- Living areas: 78 m²/840 ft²; veranda: 10 m²/108 ft².
- Separate living and sleeping area.
- Separate dining table.
- Guest WC.
- Bathroom with two sinks.
- Shower with steam sauna.
- Whirlpool and daybed in the bathroom.
- Butler service.
- Free mini bar.
- Exclusive service privileges.
A private oasis of well-being and a stylish haven of peace
- in the Grand Ocean Suite, you can leave all your worries far behind you.
Pamper your body and soul at the highest level
- with warm colour tones and a spa bath with a panoramic view over the sea.
Selected equipment features
- Living area: 42 m²/452 ft²; veranda: 10 m²/ 108 ft².
- Bathroom with two sinks.
- Separate WC.
- Natural light in the bathroom.
- Shower with steam sauna.
- Whirlpool tub.
- Free mini bar.
A wonderfully spacious suite offering the utmost comfort, uniquely located on the upper decks - is there a better place to relax? In the Penthouse Suite, you can enjoy endless views over the sea and all the amenities of a classic Penthouse Suite.
Selected equipment features
- Living area: 42 m²/452 ft²; veranda: 10 m²/108 ft².
- Walk-in wardrobe.
- Bathroom with two sinks.
- Separate WC.
- Butler service.
- Whirlpool tub and separate shower.
- Free mini bar.
The Penthouse Suite can also be booked with facilities suitable for disabled guests.
Where everyone will feel comfortable. Plenty of room for you and your personal needs - creating a relaxing family holiday. In the Family Apartments, children and parents live in two separate areas connected by a door and a balcony. The furniture of one of the living areas has been tailored especially for our younger passengers.
Selected equipment features
- Living area: 2× 20 m² (2x 215 ft²); veranda: 14 m² (150 ft²), divisible into 2x 7 m² (2x 75 ft²).
- Connecting door between the rooms and the verandas.
- Separate toilets.
- Free mini bars.
The furniture of one of the living areas has been tailored especially for our younger passengers:
- Two twin beds, one of which is a Pullman (80 × 200 cm [2 × 6 ft]).
- Bathtub (140 × 80 cm [4 × 2 ft]).
- Age-appropriate range of toys and games including a games console.
Those who like to start their day with a fantastic view will have a wonderful time in the Ocean Suite. The bathrooms in this category all provide plenty of natural light. Treat yourself to this special luxury and look out over the open ocean from your own bath.
Selected equipment features
- Living area: 28 m²/301 ft²; veranda: 7 m²/75 ft².
- Natural light in the bathroom.
- Bathroom with two sinks.
- Whirlpool tub and separate shower.
- Separate WC.
- Free mini bar.
This comfortable suite has plenty of space for relaxing days on board and boasts wonderful views. The spacious veranda affords a magnificent view over the open sea and the first port lights on the horizon.
Selected equipment features
- Living area: 28 m²/301 ft²; veranda: 7 m²/75 ft².
Walk-in wardrobe.
- Exclusive living area with a chaise longue.
- Bathtub and separate shower.
- Free mini bar.
MS EUROPA 2
All the promises of a yacht and the serenity of a small resort: on board the EUROPA 2, you can enjoy the highest level of casual luxury with a maximum of 500 guests. Discover the best cruise ship in the world*.
Ship Facts
| Speed | 21 | ||||
| Width | 26.7 | ||||
| Length | 225.38 | ||||
| Capacity | 516 | ||||
| Currency | EUR | ||||
| Language | de+en | ||||
| Crew Count | 370 | ||||
| Deck Count | 7 | ||||
| Refit Year | 2017 | ||||
| Cabin Count | 251 | ||||
| Launch Year | 2013 | ||||
| Gross Tonnage | 42830 | ||||
| Electrical Plugs |
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| Large Cabin Count | N/A | ||||
| Wheelchair Cabin Count | 2 |
Deck 10
- Zodiacs
- Shuffleboard
- Sun Deck
- Bridge
- Veranda Suites
- Penthouse Suites
- Grand Penthouse Suites
- Owner Suites
Deck 9
- Restaurant Yacht Club
- Sushi Restaurant Sakura
- Sun Deck
- Pool
- Conference Room
- Studio
- Gallery
- Culinary School
- Belvedere with library and coffee lounge
Deck 8
- Sansibar
- Tender
- Knopf Club / Kids Club
- Veranda Suites
- Ocean Suites
- Family Apartments
- Penthouse Suites (accessible)
Deck 7
- Veranda Suites
- Ocean Suites
Deck 6
- Veranda Suites
- Ocean Suites
- Owner Suites
- Grand Ocean Suites
Deck 5
- Ocean Spa
- Sauna
- Jacuzzi
- Golf
- Embarkation and disembarkation
- Grand Ocean Suites
- Veranda Suites
- Ocean Suites
Deck 4
- Restaurant Weltmeere
- Restaurant Serenissima
- Restaurant Elements
- Restaurant Tarragon
- Grand Reserve
- Tour Office
- Teens' Club
- Boutique / Jeweller
- Reception
- Foyer
- Embarkation / disembarkation
- Photo shop
- Club 2
- Collins
- Theatre
With an eye for detail, the EUROPA 2 chefs are constantly opening up new culinary horizons. They also offer a fine selection of artfully presented dishes at the highest level for those who prefer vegetarian cuisine. Enjoy modern creations or timeless classics with flexible mealtimes and no fixed seating plans in our seven gourmet restaurants.
Weltmeere
Restaurant Weltmeere is the biggest restaurant on board. It is located at the stern of the ship and is quite striking thanks to its spacious room concept.
The world a la carte
The flagship restaurant at the heart of the EUROPA 2: enjoy an international gourmet menu that changes every day, and embark on a culinary voyage of discovery. Weltmeere bears the very personal hallmark of our chef and stands for creative culinary sensations – always interpreted in new and extraordinary ways, with vegetarians also catered for.
CREATIVE CUISINE WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH
Our chef de cuisine looks forward to pampering you with the highest possible standard of cuisine. The culinary range spans from international to vegetarian menus, which are all interpreted in new and surprising ways.
- The restaurant on board where our chefs de cuisine demonstrate their very personal flair.
- Magical culinary moments with international and vegetarian menus, always interpreted in new and unusual ways.
Tarragon
France a la carte
Tarragon stands for great French cuisine and bistro classics, served in an art-deco-style setting. You can look forward to specialities that are at once simple and sophisticated, such as beef tartare prepared at the table.
Elements
Asia a la carte
Whether Indian, Vietnamese or traditional Chinese dishes – Elements offers a feast for the senses of everyone with a penchant for the flavours of the East. Enjoy varied Asian cuisine, the aroma of lemongrass, seafood and lime – and Elements’ exotic, modern ambience.
Serenissima
Italy a la carte
Exquisite classics and new interpretations of the flavours of the Italian Mediterranean: the Serenissima combines the best of Italy's flavours and lifestyle. The house speciality is the malfatti tartufo.
Yacht Club
Relaxed enjoyment, also under an open sky.
At the Yacht Club you can experience the finest cuisine and an unforgettable panoramic ocean view, from breakfast to dinner time. Fresh salads, antipasti from the buffet and freshly grilled specialities, fish, pasta and dishes cooked a la minute direct from the open chef’s stations await you.
Sakura
Japanese creations with a modern twist.
Our master chef for Asian cuisine has perfected the art of conjuring up small masterpieces from the finest ingredients. The result is traditional and modern interpretations of Japanese cuisine, as well as exquisite sushi dishes ranging from classic to creative. Sample the culinary delights from an exclusive menu while enjoying the ocean view in the Sakura’s relaxed setting.
Grand Reserve
Fine wines & specialities
At the Grande Reserve the focus is on fine wines, which you can taste* in small groups under the direction of a sommelier.
*This service in not included in the cruise price.
Raise the curtain! Enjoy unforgettable events and spectacular shows featuring famous artists and stars on board the EUROPA 2. Great comedy, music from classical to pop, and exciting presentations and talks - and always first class.
Sansibar
Germany's most famous beach bar. Also on board.
The little sister of the Sansibar on the German island Sylt has seen a lot more of the world. The view from the open-air bar across the ocean and the parties on the dance floor, with DJ music pumping, are simply unforgettable. Plus, it’s also a fantastic location for a late breakfast or a small bite to eat in the afternoon or evening.
Belvedere Club
Superb panoramic views.
Providing breathtaking panoramic views when the ship is entering or leaving the harbour, the Belvedere is the ideal place to enjoy a little time out. But it’s also an atmospheric lounge with a library, where select coffee and tea specialities are served. Readings and concerts are also held here.
Pool Bar
Culinary enjoyment on the sun deck.
In the pool or at the poolside bar – which is the best place for maximum refreshment? This relaxed meeting place on the Pool Deck serves snacks at breakfast and lunch-time, and our famous waffles in the afternoon, plus fresh juices and coffee specialities. It then takes on a laid-back bar atmosphere until late into the evening.
Piano Bar
A pleasant atmosphere for a relaxing drink.
The Piano Bar is modelled on the bars found in classic grand hotels: a place to sit back with a first-class drink while you reflect on the highlights of your day and enjoy relaxing music from the Steinway grand piano. All this plus an ocean view that no hotel in the world can match.
Club 2
Concerts, comedy and cabaret
Whether for musical entertainment, readings, cabaret or comedy, Club 2 – with its bar and lounge area and small stage – will also adapt its ambience to the cruise route, constantly changing its colour and lighting concept. Bring your day to a close enjoying our fine selection of drinks and snacks that match the destination, and be inspired by our varied entertainment programme.
Collins
Largest gin selection at sea.
The perfect backdrop for the perfect drink – nothing more, nothing less. The atmosphere is traditional and stylish, with armchairs and high-grade woods. The menu features Cuban specialities from the humidor, as well as the largest gin selection on the seven seas.
Theatre
- Multifaceted shows.
- Performances with numerous guest stars, soloists, entertainers and acrobats.
- Concerts from classical music to pop.
- Vaudeville highlights.
- State-of-the-art stage technology with LED screen.
Art
State of the art
A stroll through the luminous corridors of the EUROPA 2 is as inspiring as a day in a museum of modern art. Over 890 original paintings and exhibits, as well as photographs and sculptures by artists including Damien Hirst and Gerhard Richter, accompany the ship and its guests around the world. The collection is complemented by changing exhibitions and lectures by artists on various aspects of art history. Enjoy fine art on the open sea.
The perfect setting for art
Set sail and discover the world of art – art2sea welcomes prominent artists, gallerists, art experts and curators from great museums. Cooperations with renowned experts reveal fascinating insights into the international art world. Exclusive exhibition, gallery and museum visits offer you a look behind the scenes.