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Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

From: European Cruise Guide

ABOVE: MV Europa 2 sets sail from Hamburg, Germany.

Hapag-Lloyd is a German shipping company that goes back to 1856, when Norddeutsche Lloyd inaugurated passenger and cargo service between Bremerhaven and New York.

In 1970, NDL merged with Hamburg America Line (HAPAG), and today the names of Hapag-Lloyd's current passenger ships--the Europa and Europa 2, and three future Hanseatic Class expedition ships--honor the great NDL liners that plied the North Atlantic route in the 1930s. (Sad to say, another Hapag-Lloyd ship with a fabled name--the Bremen--was retired in 2020.)

Hapag-Lloyd's ships focus on the upscale market, but each ship has a different character. For example, Europa has a reputation for traditional luxury (albeit with such German touches as a nudist deck), while the newer Europa 2 has a more casual and modern vibe.

In most years, Hapag-Lloyd offers a selection of international cruises that cater to both German- and English-speaking passengers. (During other voyages, German is the only official language unless a significant number of English speakers are on board.)

Cruise line's Web site:

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Photo © Hapag-Lloyd. Used by permission.