Asian odyssey - heading east on Europa 2
Malaysia | December 11, 2017
As regular cruisers turn their attention to the east, Joshua Merrick heads on an Asian adventure with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises to see whether flagship Europa 2 deserves its title as the best ship in the
There’s nothing quite like waking up on a cruise ship. Not knowing
what 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 each
night on an Asian sailing on Hapag Lloyd Cruises’ Europa 2.
After being rocked slowly to sleep by the gentle motion of the
ocean and enjoying a solid eight hours, I wake and stumble over to draw back my
curtains.
For a second I forget where I am, expecting to see another dreary
London morning before me, but I’m met instead by beautiful views of the azure
waters surrounding the ship. Each morning starts the same glorious way, with
views of the sun bouncing off the ocean, or of equally stunning vistas of ports
of call including Penang and Langkawi, but that sense of anticipation doesn’t
fade.
HIGH EXPECTATIONS
My sailing started from Thailand’s second largest island, Koh
Samui. As we approach the ship by tender, my expectations of the next week are
extremely high. I’d previously sailed with other luxury lines, so I knew a
luxury 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 most
luxurious ship in the world” was a phrase I heard at least a dozen times from
agents, cruise fans and fellow journalists.
This isn’t a phrase thrown around without justification, because
Europa 2 has been crowned the world’s most luxurious ship in the Berlitz guide
to cruising on multiple occasions since the vessel launched in 2013. But does
it match expectations? I was eager to find out.
Welcomed by a smiling member of staff presenting a glass of bubbly
certainly set us on the right course. The service is friendly and
attentive. A preconception many have about Hapag-Lloyd is that there will be a
language barrier, given the line’s German roots. While most guests do sprechen
Deutsch, staff are multi-lingual and all ship announcements are in English as
well as German.
The atrium, where guests head on embarkation, is impressive. The
classy and stylish decor is more aligned to a Soho House-style boutique hotel
than a cruise ship. The suave look and design precision of Europa 2
certainly help support the age old cliché about German engineering. The heart
of the ship is also home to the plush jazz bar where a pianist plays nightly
for guests sipping delicious cocktails.
Throughout the vessel light floods in through endless walls of
windows. High ceilings, bright colours and modern styling and artwork run
through the ship, making it a breath of fresh air in the cruising world.
Carrying 516 passengers, this all- singing, all-dancing (or should
that 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’s
complimentary minibar before lounging on my veranda as the palm-fringed beaches
of Thailand fade into the distance.
RELAXATION AND INDULGENCE
One of the biggest points of distinction onboard Europa 2 is the
sheer amount of space it offers – the brand claims to have one of the highest
space-to-passenger ratios in the industry. The width of corridors might sound
like a minor feature, but I can’t stress enough how much of a difference it
makes when exploring the 11 decks. The brand is keen to emphasise health and
relaxation, and the ship’s ample space and peaceful nooks help encapsulate
this.
If the space isn’t enough to zen you out, then the Ocean Spa and
fitness centre will do the job. Bleary-eyed, I dragged myself to a yoga session
early one morning. As an inflexible yoga novice, I approached with
apprehension, yet an hour later emerged feeling revitalised and peaceful. The
struggle to perform the downward dog and warrior pose was worthwhile. I’m sure
the perfect sea views helped me unwind too.
My efforts were rewarded by the copious dining options. With seven
restaurants serving cuisines such as French, Italian and Asian, I was spoilt
for choice.
The same goes for the extensive beverage offering, although it
should be stressed that this isn’t included in the booking price. The line’s
policy on alcohol is a little confusing. The aforementioned minibar is included
in the price, but nothing else is on the drinks front, unlike most luxury
lines.
I’m sure guests paying a premium to sail on this ship can afford to
put their hand in their pocket for drinks, but many British guests, who are
used to the all-inclusive concept, would prefer the hassle to be taken
away completely.
That said, the array of alcohol is impressive, with 19,000 bottles
of 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 way
through.
THE BEAUTY OF ASIA
A particular highlight was an afternoon champagne tasting hosted by
our very knowledgeable sommelier, Tobias. Sipping some of the world’s finest
bottles of bubbly such as Krug, Ruinart, Dom Perignon and Bollinger was the
perfect way to spend the afternoon as our floating boutique hotel manoeuvred
along the Malacca Straits. The experience can be booked on board for €80.
It also went a long way to mask the pain of this sunburnt
passenger, who had spent the previous day lapping up rays by the pool.
Our excursions on land to Penang and Langkawi gave us ample time to sample the bubbling culture and amazing views Malaysia offers George Town, Penang’s capital, has been listed as a Unesco World Heritage 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 the
history, vibrancy and charm that greets you on every street corner. The street
art 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 with
Thai, 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. Our
day in Langkawi started with a refreshing boat trip. The morning cobwebs
were soon blown away as we sped through winding waterways surrounded by
mangrove forests, the echo of wildlife filling the air.
After an adrenaline-filled morning, it was time to relax in
paradise. We headed to picture- perfect Naam Island. Lounging in my hammock,
cold beer in hand, on the whitest of beaches while overlooking the
crystal-clear water with not a cloud in the sky, I took a minute to soak in the
tranquillity. This was one of those moments that we all seek – one of complete
satisfaction.
Back on board, as I drew back my curtains for the final time on the
last 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.