PRESS RELEASE: Berlitz Cruise Guide 2017 - Highest distinction 5-stars-plus for EUROPA 2 and EUROPA

Hamburg, October 2016

 

Berlitz Cruise Guide 2017: Highest distinction 5-stars-plus for EUROPA 2 and EUROPA

 

·         Top distinction for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ two luxury ships

·         HANSEATIC: Only 5-star expedition cruise ship

·         “New look” Berlitz Cruise Guide 2017 published October 1 ^st, 2016

·         New design with full-colour images of all inspected ships

 

In the new edition of the “Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2017“ guide, EUROPA 2 and EUROPA have been awarded the highest distinction as the only 5-stars-plus cruise ships worldwide. They defend their pole positions as the world’s best cruise ships in their category for the 4^th (EUROPA 2) and 17^th (EUROPA) time.

 

Out of a possible 2,000 possible points, the EUROPA 2 attained 1,860 points and therefore leads the ranking in the category “top 5 small ships with 251 to 750 passengers”. The EUROPA scores second place with 1,852 points. The expedition vessel HANSEATIC has been awarded 5-stars and 1,721 points and the BREMEN received the distinction 4-stars with 1,495 points.

 

“We are particularly pleased that our luxury vessels EUROPA 2 and EUROPA were able to defend their pole position in this Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ very special 125th anniversary year. Both set global standards in the luxury cruise industry. Our aim is to create unique, individual cruise experiences for our guests. The ratings are very special accolades in recognition of our performance and our standards of quality, both in the luxury and expedition sectors” says Karl J. Pojer, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. “Again our very special thanks therefore goes to our crew on board the ships, as well as our team of staff in Hamburg”.

 

The 32^nd edition of Berlitz Cruise Guide 2017 â€" with its new design and featuring full-colour throughout and photographs of every ship reviewed -  will be available from October 1^st, 2016.  Author Douglas Ward and his team inspected a total of 295 cruise ships from large to small and scored them based on criteria such as ship fittings, accommodation, food quality, service, crew, entertainment and the cruise experience.