Adriatic & Croatia
Venice, Dubrovnik and Kotor in a week, on ships small enough for the old harbors.
ResearchLines, ships and destinations, in detail
Cruise line
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises cruises
German-run luxury ships of around 400 to 500 guests, with Europa 2 the most relaxed and the best for families in the top tier.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises runs two luxury ships, Europa and Europa 2, plus three small expedition ships. Europa 2 is bilingual (German and English), all-suite, casual and unusually good for families at this level; Europa is more traditional and mostly German-speaking.
Hapag-Lloyd is the line many American travelers have never heard of and the one European luxury regulars quietly rate very highly. Europa 2 is the ship we propose: around 500 guests, every cabin a suite with a veranda, a relaxed dress code, several restaurants and proper children's facilities, all run with German precision and announcements in both languages.
The catch is cultural rather than qualitative. Most guests are German-speaking, menus and programs are bilingual, and the fare is at the top of the market. For a confident traveler who wants space, quiet and excellent food, and does not mind being in the English-speaking minority, it is a strong alternative to Regent or Silversea.
What's included
- All-suite accommodation with verandas on Europa 2
- Most dining venues
- Bottled water and some soft drinks
- Children's clubs in school vacations on Europa 2
Ships
5 ships in the fleet. See the fleet, ship by ship
The ships
The Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet, ship by ship.
5 ships: 1 written up ship by ship (suites, dining, children, grandparents, accessibility, our verdict), a licensed photograph of each one we have pictured, the rest by name. Tell us which you are drawn to and we will say whether it is the right one for your party.
- Europa
- Hanseatic nature
- Hanseatic inspiration
- Hanseatic spirit
On board
On board with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Four honest notes, in our words, on the things people ask us about most.
- Suites
- Every Europa 2 cabin is a veranda suite from around 28 square meters, with family apartments and Owner and Grand Penthouse suites at the top. Europa's suites are a little smaller and more classic in style.
- Dining
- Europa 2 has around eight dining venues, from the main restaurant to Japanese, Italian and French rooms, most without extra charge. Wine and spirits are priced separately, which is the main difference from the all-inclusive lines.
- Facilities
- A wide pool deck with a retractable roof, a large spa, a golf simulator, a good library, and on Europa 2 generous children's and teen rooms used in the school vacations.
- Children
- Europa 2 runs supervised clubs for small children, older children and teens during school vacations, and family suites connect. Europa is quieter and better for adults only.
Who it's for
- Families who want real children's facilities on a small luxury ship
- Couples who prize space and quiet over entertainment
- Travelers comfortable in a mostly German-speaking crowd
Who it isn't for
- Anyone who wants an American or British atmosphere on board
- Travelers who want an all-inclusive fare with drinks and excursions
- Guests who want a large ship with a big show every night
Our promise
We will say no.
We do not recommend a cruise because it is expensive, and we do not put people on the wrong ship. If Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is not right for your party, we will tell you and suggest the one that is, even if it costs less or is sold by someone else. We are an advisor, not a booking engine.
Speak to a specialistNot sure Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is the right fit?
Tell us who's traveling and what matters most. We'll say honestly whether we'd book this line for you, or which one we'd choose instead.
Where they sail
Destinations
Antarctica
The trip of a lifetime, planned a year ahead and done in real comfort.
Baltic & Northern Capitals
Copenhagen, Stockholm, Tallinn and Helsinki in a week, with culture the whole way.
Caribbean
Winter sun for the whole family, on ships that make Christmas and half-term easy.
Greek Islands
Small ships, island overnights, and a late season that runs into October.
Iceland & the Arctic
Expedition comfort around Iceland, Greenland and Svalbard, without giving up the butler.
Where they take you
Explore the regions with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
A sense of the places in the regions this line sails. These regional photographs are inspiration; the itinerary confirms your ports and ship.
Silversea's Silver Wind sailing the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro, with mountains rising behind the townPhoto: Gzzz · CC BY-SA 4.0 
Two small expedition boats passing an ice-covered shore in the Lemaire Channel, AntarcticaPhoto: W. Bulach · CC BY-SA 4.0 
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's Evrima alongside at Katajanokka in HelsinkiPhoto: Ilkka Simomaa · CC BY 4.0 
Approaching Gustavia harbor, St Barts, red roofs and yachts in the CaribbeanPhoto: David Broad · CC BY 3.0 
The old harbor of Mykonos town, whitewashed houses along the quay, Greek islandsPhoto: Olaf Tausch · CC BY 3.0 
Regent's Seven Seas Explorer in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro, mountains rising on both sidesPhoto: Paavo01 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Have a budget in mind?
Tell us what you are looking for and the figure you have in mind. We will say what it buys on each line, and where the same money goes further.
Good to know
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises cruise FAQs
Is Europa 2 an English-speaking ship?
It is bilingual. Announcements, menus and the daily program are in German and English, and the crew speak both. Most guests are German-speaking, so English speakers are a minority on board.
Is Hapag-Lloyd all-inclusive?
No. Suites, most dining and some drinks are included, but wine, spirits, excursions and gratuities are extra. We put the whole cost side by side with the inclusive lines when we propose it.
Plan your Hapag-Lloyd Cruises cruise with Blackbury Travel.
Suites we would book: A Grand Ocean Suite on Europa 2 for a family of four, or a Veranda Suite for a couple; both come with a real veranda and a tub.. Tell us who is traveling and when, and we will say which ship, which sailing and which deck, or whether another line would suit you better.