Asian odyssey - heading east on Europa 2

There’s nothing quite like waking up on a cruise ship. Not knowingwhat lies behind the curtains each morning is one of the simple joys
of cruising. It was something to look forward to as I laid my head to rest eachnight on an Asian sailing on Hapag Lloyd Cruises’ Europa 2.

After being rocked slowly to sleep by the gentle motion of theocean and enjoying a solid eight hours, I wake and stumble over to draw back mycurtains.

For a second I forget where I am, expecting to see another drearyLondon morning before me, but I’m met instead by beautiful views of the azurewaters surrounding the ship. Each morning starts the same glorious way, withviews of the sun bouncing off the ocean, or of equally stunning vistas of portsof call including Penang and Langkawi, but that sense of anticipation doesn’tfade.

HIGH EXPECTATIONS

My sailing started from Thailand’s second largest island, KohSamui. As we approach the ship by tender, my expectations of the next week areextremely high. I’d previously sailed with other luxury lines, so I knew aluxury cruise was unlikely to disappoint, but in the lead-up to my trip,everyone I spoke to raised the bar higher and higher.

“You’re sailing on the mostluxurious ship in the world” was a phrase I heard at least a dozen times fromagents, cruise fans and fellow journalists.

This isn’t a phrase thrown around without justification, becauseEuropa 2 has been crowned the world’s most luxurious ship in the Berlitz guideto cruising on multiple occasions since the vessel launched in 2013. But doesit match expectations I was eager to find out.

Welcomed by a smiling member of staff presenting a glass of bubblycertainly set us on the right course. The service is friendly andattentive. A preconception many have about Hapag-Lloyd is that there will be alanguage barrier, given the line’s German roots. While most guests do sprechenDeutsch, staff are multi-lingual and all ship announcements are in English aswell as German.

The atrium, where guests head on embarkation, is impressive. Theclassy and stylish decor is more aligned to a Soho House-style boutique hotelthan a cruise ship. The suave look and design precision of Europa 2certainly help support the age old cliché about German engineering. The heartof the ship is also home to the plush jazz bar where a pianist plays nightlyfor guests sipping delicious cocktails.

Throughout the vessel light floods in through endless walls ofwindows. High ceilings, bright colours and modern styling and artwork runthrough the ship, making it a breath of fresh air in the cruising world.

Carrying 516 passengers, this all- singing, all-dancing (or shouldthat be all-suite, all-veranda) ship quickly begins to feel like home.It’s not long before I find myself cracking open a beer from my suite’scomplimentary minibar before lounging on my veranda as the palm-fringed beachesof Thailand fade into the distance.

RELAXATION AND INDULGENCE

One of the biggest points of distinction onboard Europa 2 is thesheer amount of space it offers – the brand claims to have one of the highestspace-to-passenger ratios in the industry. The width of corridors might soundlike a minor feature, but I can’t stress enough how much of a difference itmakes when exploring the 11 decks. The brand is keen to emphasise health andrelaxation, and the ship’s ample space and peaceful nooks help encapsulatethis.

If the space isn’t enough to zen you out, then the Ocean Spa andfitness centre will do the job. Bleary-eyed, I dragged myself to a yoga sessionearly one morning. As an inflexible yoga novice, I approached withapprehension, yet an hour later emerged feeling revitalised and peaceful. Thestruggle to perform the downward dog and warrior pose was worthwhile. I’m surethe perfect sea views helped me unwind too.

My efforts were rewarded by the copious dining options. With sevenrestaurants serving cuisines such as French, Italian and Asian, I was spoiltfor choice.

The same goes for the extensive beverage offering, although itshould be stressed that this isn’t included in the booking price. The line’spolicy on alcohol is a little confusing. The aforementioned minibar is includedin the price, but nothing else is on the drinks front, unlike most luxurylines.

I’m sure guests paying a premium to sail on this ship can afford toput their hand in their pocket for drinks, but many British guests, who areused to the all-inclusive concept, would prefer the hassle to be takenaway completely.

That said, the array of alcohol is impressive, with 19,000 bottlesof red and white wine originating from 14 countries. If that’s not enough,there are more than 20 vodka brands and 45 varieties of gin to work your waythrough.

THE BEAUTY OF ASIA

A particular highlight was an afternoon champagne tasting hosted byour very knowledgeable sommelier, Tobias. Sipping some of the world’s finestbottles of bubbly such as Krug, Ruinart, Dom Perignon and Bollinger was theperfect way to spend the afternoon as our floating boutique hotel manoeuvredalong the Malacca Straits. The experience can be booked on board for €80.

It also went a long way to mask the pain of this sunburntpassenger, who had spent the previous day lapping up rays by the pool.

Our excursions on land to Penang and Langkawi gave us ample time tosample the bubbling culture and amazing views Malaysia offers George Town, Penang’s capital, has been listed as a Unesco WorldHeritage Site since 2008 and it doesn’t take you long to see why.

This place is best experienced on foot, allowing you to soak up thehistory, vibrancy and charm that greets you on every street corner. The streetart and murals add another layer of appeal to this quaint place.

As Malaysia’s only state to have a Chinese-majority population,George Town is a melting-pot of cultures, with Chinese heritage mixing withThai, Indian and European influences.

Our time spent in the landscape of Langkawi is the most memorable.The 99 islands making up this heavenly place produce a stunning backdrop. Ourday in Langkawi started with a refreshing boat trip. The morning cobwebswere soon blown away as we sped through winding waterways surrounded bymangrove forests, the echo of wildlife filling the air.

After an adrenaline-filled morning, it was time to relax inparadise. We headed to picture- perfect Naam Island. Lounging in my hammock,cold beer in hand, on the whitest of beaches while overlooking thecrystal-clear water with not a cloud in the sky, I took a minute to soak in thetranquillity. This was one of those moments that we all seek – one of completesatisfaction.

Back on board, as I drew back my curtains for the final time on thelast morning, I felt my expectations of Europa 2 had definitely been matched.I’d have to sample them all to know whether it really is the best in the world,but it’s certainly up there.