The Hapag-Lloyd Europa 2 was one of the most anticipated new ships of 2013, primarily because of the acclaim her sister ship, the Europa, has received over the past several years. The cruise line launched the new Europa 2 in May, and she carries 516 guests on cruises to the Western and Eastern Mediterranean (7-day combination voyages in spring, summer and autumn 2013); and the Arabian Peninsula and Asia (14-16-day combination voyages in autumn and winter 2013, spring 2014).

Although most of the cruises are 7-days, they can be easily combined into longer voyages since itineraries do not repeat on consecutive weeks.

Although the ship's owner, Hapag-Lloyd Cruise Line, is German, the cruises are bi-lingual, much like the one I did to Antarctica on the Hanseatic, another ship in the Hapag-Lloyd fleet.

A writer for the About.com Honeymoon and Romantic Travel site sailed on the new luxury ship and wrote this nice article on the Europa 2.

Suites on the Europa 2

Hapag-Lloyd calls all the accommodations on the Europa 2 suites, and the ship has eight different types of suites, ranging in size from about 300 square feet to over 1000 square feet. Every suite has a veranda, and those suites over 450 square feet (Owner's, Grand Penthouse, Grand, and Spa) have 24-hour butler service.
Here's a list of the suites and some information from the company: First, all suites have verandas that measure 75 square feet or larger. Each suite also has a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, tablet PC, portable telephones, and a Nespresso machine to make your first cup of java each day.

Owner’s Suites

The Europa 2 has two Owner's Suites.

• Living area: 1065 square feet; veranda: 161 square feet
• Separate living and sleeping areas
• Separate dining table
• Guest bathroom
• Bathroom with two washbasins
• Shower with steam sauna
• Whirlpool
• Daybed and TV in the bathroom area
• Butler service
• Free mini bar (beer, soft drinks and a selection of high-quality spirits)
• Other exclusive service privileges

Grand Penthouse Suite

The Europa 2 has two Grand Penthouse suites.

• Living area: 840 square feet; veranda: 108 square feet
• Separate living and sleeping areas
• Separate dining table
• Guest bathroom
• Bathroom with two washbasins
• Shower with steam sauna
• Whirlpool
• Daybed and TV in the bathroom area
• Spacious walk-in wardrobe
• Butler service
• Free mini-bar (beer, soft drinks and a selection of high-quality spirits).
• Other exclusive service privileges.

Spa Suite

The Europa 2 has 16 Spa Suites.

• Living area: 452 square feet; veranda: 108 square feet
• Bathroom with two washbasins
• Separate bathroom
• Butler service
• Daylight in the bathroom
• TV in the bathroom mirror
• Rain shower with steam sauna
• Whirlpool tub
• Free mini bar (beer, soft drinks and a selection of high-quality spirits)

Grand Suite

The 24 Grand Suites are located on the upper decks of the Europa 2 and is also available with facilities suitable for the physically disabled.

• Living area: 452 square feet; veranda: 108 square feet
• Bathroom with two washbasins
• Separate bathroom
• Butler service
• TV in the bathroom mirror
• Walk-in wardrobe
• Bathtub and separate shower
• Free mini bar (beer, soft drinks and a selection of high-quality spirits).

Ocean Suite

The 59 Ocean Suites all have a bathroom with daylight, so you can look out over the sea.

• Living area: 301 square feet; veranda: 75 square feet
• Daylight in the bathroom
• Bathroom with two washbasins
• Rain shower
• Whirlpool tub
• Separate bathroom
• Free mini bar (beer and soft drinks)

Veranda Suite

The 141 Veranda Suites on the Europa 2 are the most common type of accommodation on the ship. Although the smallest cabins, they still measure a whopping 301 square feet (28 square meters).

• Living area: 301 square feet; veranda: 75 square feet
• Walk-in wardrobe
• Exclusive living area with day bed
• Bathtub and separate shower
• Free mini bar (beer and soft drinks)

Family Apartment

In the 7 Family Apartments, parents and children live in two separate sections that are connected with each other by a door and via the veranda.

• Living area: 2× 215 square feet; veranda: 2× 75 square feet
• Connecting door between the rooms and verandas
• Separate bathrooms
• Free mini bar (beer and soft drinks)

Dining on the Europa 2

The Europa 2 has seven dining venues, all of which feature open seating.
Restaurant Weltmeere is the largest restaurant on board. It is located at the stern of the ship and features a wide selection of international dishes.

Restaurant Tarragon looks much like a Parisian brasserie, and the French-oriented cuisine reinforces the sensation.

Restaurant Elements is the ship's Asian venue, with dishes designed with the five elements of cooking in mind.

Restaurant Serenissima features classical and intriguing interpretations of Italian dishes, with both Ligurian and Neapolitan delicacies available.

The Yacht Club Restaurant has open-air seating, so will be perfect for nice days at sea. It features grilled specialties and a buffet.

The Sushi Restaurant Sakura features modern design with touches of the Orient. Here, the sushi master will prepare excellent nigiris, makis, sashimis, Californian-style inside-out rolls and delicious fish specialties.

Speisezimmer is the private dining room on the Europa 2, and carries an extra surcharge. It's a good choice for family or group celebrations.

Bars on the Europa 2

The Europa 2 has six bars, each with its own personality. The new ship has the Sansibar "beach bar", much like her older sister ship. She also has a smoker's/cigar bar called the Herrenzimmer, a Jazz Club, Belvedere panoramic bar, outdoor pool bar, and a piano bar in the Atrium.

Onboard the Europa 2

Although smaller than many cruise ships, the Europa 2 features all of the activities travelers expect on an ocean ship. She has a large outdoor pool, spa with all the latest treatments, and a well-equipped fitness center. The Europa 2 theater features a variety of entertainers, including musicians, singers, and comedy acts. The new ship also has an onboard cooking school where (for an extra fee) guests can take lessons from one of the chefs.