Hapag-Lloyd Cruises: what it is, how it works, and what to expect
Cruise guide · Updated 2026 · Ultra-luxury · German · Berlitz 5-star Plus · MS Europa · MS Europa 2 · HANSEATIC expedition ships
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises holds a distinction that no other cruise line in the world can claim: its two luxury flagships, MS Europa and MS Europa 2, are the only ships ever to receive a 5-star Plus rating from the Berlitz Cruise Guide, the most rigorous independent rating system in the cruise industry. MS Europa has received this rating continuously since its publication.
The fleet is the only one in the world to hold a five-ship 5-star Berlitz rating across all vessels. It is also the only cruise line whose origins trace to 1891, when HAPAG operated the first pleasure cruise at sea. Its three luxury expedition ships, HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration, and HANSEATIC spirit, carry the highest ice class rating available to passenger vessels and have been co-founders of IAATO, the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators.
Two things a potential guest must understand before anything else: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is primarily a German-language product, and in 2026 it is actively and deliberately expanding its English-speaking offering. This guide addresses the language question directly and explains which ships are which for non-German-speaking guests.
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A brief history of Hapag-Lloyd
The roots of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises trace to two of the most consequential shipping companies in German maritime history. HAPAG, the Hamburg-Amerikanische Packetfahrt-Actien-Gesellschaft, was founded in Hamburg in 1847 and became one of the world’s largest shipping companies, operating both transatlantic cargo and passenger services. Norddeutscher Lloyd was founded in Bremen in 1857 and similarly became a major force in global shipping. The two companies merged on September 1, 1970, to form Hapag-Lloyd AG.
The passenger and cruise division of Hapag-Lloyd AG was spun off as an independent company in 1997, creating today’s Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. The cruise line traces its heritage to 1891, when HAPAG operated the first ever pleasure cruise at sea, a voyage aboard Augusta Victoria from Hamburg. The first expedition cruise concept followed in 1931.
In 2017, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises was acquired by TUI AG, the multinational German tourism and travel company, and is today a subsidiary of TUI alongside TUI Cruises. The cruise line maintains its Hamburg headquarters and its independent identity. It is managed separately from TUI’s other cruise brands and continues to position itself at the absolute apex of the German-language luxury market.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is a co-founder of IAATO (the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) and a member of AECO (the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators), reflecting its decades of polar expedition heritage. Since July 2020, the entire fleet has operated exclusively on marine gas oil, eliminating heavy fuel entirely, reducing sulphur emissions by 80 percent and particulate emissions by 30 percent.
Understanding the language dimension: the most important thing to know
Before discussing ships, itineraries, or inclusions, non-German-speaking guests need to understand how Hapag-Lloyd handles language, because it shapes which ships are appropriate for them.
Hapag-Lloyd is primarily a German-language cruise line. Its heritage, its core market, and the majority of its guests are German-speaking. For decades, the Europa operated almost entirely in German, with only select bilingual voyages available to English speakers. This created a situation where the world’s highest-rated cruise ship was effectively invisible to most international travellers.
From January 2026, Hapag-Lloyd has committed to operating its entire fleet bilingually, a significant shift. In practice, this means:
MS Europa: From 2026, all voyages on MS Europa are offered bilingually in German and English. This makes the ship genuinely accessible to international guests for the first time. German remains the primary language in practice, as the majority of guests are German-speaking, but menus, daily programmes, announcements, and crew interactions are available in both languages.
MS Europa 2: Has been bilingual in German and English since its launch in 2013. It was designed from the start to serve an international market alongside the German-speaking one, and the atmosphere is described as more cosmopolitan. All services, restaurants, entertainment, and enrichment are fully bilingual.
HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit: Both ships operate bilingually in German and English. These are the expedition ships explicitly designed for the international market.
HANSEATIC nature: Operates primarily in German. Non-German-speaking guests can sail but the primary service language is German.
For English-speaking travellers, the practical recommendation is MS Europa 2, HANSEATIC inspiration, or HANSEATIC spirit, all of which operate fully bilingually and cater actively to an international guest base. The bilingual expansion of MS Europa in 2026 opens the world’s highest-rated cruise ship to international guests who were previously unable to fully access its experience.
The five ships
MS Europa
MS Europa is the most decorated cruise ship in the world by the Berlitz standard. She has received the 5-star Plus Berlitz rating continuously since the publication began tracking this category, a distinction no other ship has achieved. She was built in Helsinki in 1999, refurbished in 2022 and again in 2024 (134 suites modernised with new furniture, warm colour palettes, and a redesigned pool area), and carries a maximum of 408 guests served by approximately 280 crew.
Every accommodation on MS Europa is a suite. There are no standard cabins. The 204 suites include 156 Veranda Suites at approximately 290 square feet, four Spa Suites with private wellness amenities, and the flagship Grand Penthouse Suites at approximately 915 square feet with DEDON outdoor furniture and panoramic views. All suites include Nespresso machines, free mini-bars, smart televisions, and Wi-Fi.
The atmosphere on Europa is one of the most formally elegant available in ocean travel, including formal evenings where suits for gentlemen and equivalent dress for ladies are expected in most dining venues. This formality is not anachronistic on Europa; it is the product and the guests who choose it understand and embrace it. The ship attracts a loyal clientele of returning guests who describe the experience as the closest approximation in modern travel to the great ocean liners of the mid-twentieth century.
Four restaurants serve Europa guests: the main Europa Restaurant for gourmet international cuisine, the Venezia for Italian specialties, Serenissima for Mediterranean-inspired cooking, and the Ocean Grill as a more casual outdoor option. All dining is included in the fare.
MS Europa 2
MS Europa 2 entered service in 2013 and shares the Berlitz 5-star Plus rating with her older sister, making her the second ship in history to achieve this distinction. She was refurbished in 2023. She carries a maximum of 516 guests served by approximately 370 crew.
Where MS Europa is formally classical, MS Europa 2 is casually contemporary. The dress code is relaxed: no formal nights, no tuxedos, no obligation to dress for dinner beyond smart casual. The design, described by Hapag-Lloyd as “casual luxury,” draws on Scandinavian-influenced contemporary aesthetics, with clean lines, natural materials, and generous use of natural light. The atmosphere is described as closer to a boutique resort than an ocean liner.
All 251 suites on MS Europa 2 have private balconies. Seven suite categories span from Veranda Suites at 28 square metres through Penthouse Suites with whirlpool baths and steam saunas, to Owner’s Suites at 114 square metres with daybeds and premium outdoor furniture. Family Apartments with interconnecting doors accommodate up to four guests. All suites include Nespresso machines, free mini-bars, and Wi-Fi, with butler service for higher categories.
Seven restaurants operate on MS Europa 2: the main Weltmeere, the fine dining Yacht Club, Japanese-inspired Sakura, Mediterranean-influenced Elements, and others including a Cookery School that offers hands-on culinary classes. A Cartier boutique and the Kids’ Club and Knopf Club reflect the ship’s family-friendly positioning compared to the more adult-oriented Europa.
The HANSEATIC ships: three luxury expedition vessels
HANSEATIC nature and HANSEATIC inspiration both entered service in 2019, with HANSEATIC spirit following in 2021. All three are Polar Class 6 vessels, the highest ice-strengthened classification available to passenger ships, built by VARD Holdings at Tulcea, Romania, and carrying a maximum of 230 guests in expedition conditions (reduced to 199 in polar waters to comply with IAATO regulations on simultaneous shore landings).
The HANSEATIC ships are not compromise products that happen to have expedition capability added to a luxury base. They are purpose-built expedition vessels that happen to offer luxury standards of accommodation and service. The distinction matters because the two design approaches produce different physical products: on the Hapag-Lloyd ships, the luxury and the expedition capability were engineered together from the hull up.
Each HANSEATIC ship carries a fleet of Zodiacs for shore landings, kayaks and other watersports equipment, a dedicated expedition team of scientists and naturalists, an observation lounge with panoramic windows, and a mudroom for expedition gear. The onboard spa, pool, and fitness facilities are genuine rather than token, and the dining standard matches the luxury fleet. Expedition-specific inclusions on polar voyages include a warm parka, rubber boots, binoculars (one pair per cabin, plus Nordic walking poles), and snorkelling equipment on loan.
The three ships are individually distinguished by their language offering: HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit are fully bilingual in German and English and designed for the international market. HANSEATIC nature operates primarily in German. Itinerary programmes across the three ships cover Antarctica, the Arctic including Svalbard, Greenland, Norway, and Russia’s Franz Josef Land, the Amazon River, the South Seas and Pacific Islands, Japan, the Great Lakes of North America, the Azores, Cape Verde, and Patagonian fjords.
Hapag-Lloyd fleet at a glance
MS Europa: 408 guests, 204 all-suites, 5-star Plus Berlitz, classical formal luxury, fully bilingual from January 2026
MS Europa 2: 516 guests, 251 all-suites with balconies, 5-star Plus Berlitz, casual contemporary luxury, bilingual German and English since 2013
HANSEATIC nature: 230 guests, Polar Class 6, 2019, primary language German
HANSEATIC inspiration: 230 guests, Polar Class 6, 2019, bilingual German/English
HANSEATIC spirit: 230 guests, Polar Class 6, 2021, bilingual German/English
All ships: all-suite, largely all-inclusive, highest ice rating for passenger vessels
What is and is not included
Hapag-Lloyd operates a largely all-inclusive model across the entire fleet, with the specific inclusions varying slightly between the luxury Europa ships and the HANSEATIC expedition vessels.
Included across the entire fleet:
All meals at all dining venues including specialty restaurants (no cover charges)
A wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day and evening
Gratuities for all crew
Wi-Fi access (one free hour per guest per day on HANSEATIC ships, satellite-dependent; broader access on the Europa ships)
Minibar restocked daily with non-alcoholic beverages (alcoholic selection available for additional charge in standard categories, included in Grand Suites and Junior Suites on HANSEATIC ships)
Champagne on arrival in every cabin
Coffee machine in every cabin
24-hour cabin service
On HANSEATIC expedition voyages, additionally included:
All Zodiac shore landings and expedition activities
Warm parka (expedition-specific use, not a gift in all cases; policies vary)
Rubber boots and snorkelling equipment on loan
One pair of binoculars and two pairs of Nordic walking poles per cabin
Expedition maps and destination briefing materials
All expedition lectures and enrichment programme
Not included on any Hapag-Lloyd sailing:
Shore excursions on luxury Europa voyages (these are priced separately)
Individual spa treatments (spa facilities access included)
Ultra-premium beverages beyond the included selection
Certain premium services on specific ships
The shore excursion model on the luxury ships is an important distinction from lines like Regent Seven Seas. While the Hapag-Lloyd fare covers dining, beverages, and onboard services comprehensively, guests on MS Europa and MS Europa 2 purchase shore excursions separately. On the HANSEATIC expedition ships, the Zodiac landings and guided expedition activities are fully included.
The Berlitz 5-star Plus rating: what it means
The Berlitz Cruise Guide is the most rigorous independent evaluation framework in the cruise industry, assessing ships across approximately 400 criteria covering accommodation, food and beverage, service, entertainment, and the cruise experience. The 5-star Plus rating is the highest category and has been awarded in the history of the guide to very few ships. MS Europa and MS Europa 2 are the only two ships to hold this rating simultaneously, and MS Europa holds the distinction of being the only ship to have received it continuously and consistently across the most years.
The practical effect of the Berlitz standard is a measurable benchmark that Hapag-Lloyd uses as an active management target rather than a historical achievement. The ships are maintained and staffed to the Berlitz criteria, and the recurring rating validates that the standard is sustained rather than merely claimed.
How Hapag-Lloyd compares to other ultra-luxury lines
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Best for: The highest independently rated cruise ships in the world, the only fleet with a perfect Berlitz 5-star Plus rating across both luxury vessels, the deepest European-language expedition heritage including Antarctic co-founding of IAATO, and a largely all-inclusive product at a price comparable to or below some competitors who offer less. The language dimension is real but is being actively addressed through the fleet-wide bilingual transition in 2026.
Silversea
Best for: The most comprehensive all-inclusive model in ultra-luxury including premium spirits, the broadest polar destination range globally including the most ice-capable passenger vessel in service (Silver Endeavour), and the S.A.L.T. culinary programme. English as the primary language throughout. Comparable price point to Hapag-Lloyd for luxury voyages; higher for deep polar expedition.
Seabourn
Best for: Fully all-inclusive ultra-luxury including Thomas Keller dining, two submarines on expedition ships, ships at 264 to 600 guests, and the most refined casual atmosphere in the ultra-luxury segment. English as the primary language. A more comprehensive all-inclusive than Hapag-Lloyd’s shore excursion-extra model on the Europa ships.
PONANT
Best for: French identity and the Blue Eye underwater lounge, the only Polar Class 2 vessel in luxury operation (Le Commandant Charcot for North Pole access), and a fully all-inclusive model including champagne and charter flights on polar voyages. Ships from 32 to 270 guests.
Regent Seven Seas
Best for: The most comprehensive all-inclusive model in the market including shore excursions, business class flights, specialty dining, and all beverages. Ships carrying 700 to 850 guests. A genuinely different scale from Hapag-Lloyd but the most complete single-price product available.
Who Hapag-Lloyd is best suited for
Hapag-Lloyd works best for a specific and clearly defined profile of guest, and the language dimension is the first filter.
For MS Europa: Guests who want the world’s highest-rated cruise ship experience in a formal, classical ocean-liner atmosphere with the most refined European luxury standard available at sea. From January 2026, available to English-speaking guests on all voyages. The atmosphere will remain predominantly German-speaking in practice; guests who are comfortable in a multilingual social environment will thrive. Guests who want a primarily English-speaking social environment should consider MS Europa 2 instead.
For MS Europa 2: English-speaking guests who want the Berlitz 5-star Plus standard in a modern, casual-luxury format without formal dress codes, with a cosmopolitan atmosphere and an explicitly bilingual experience. The closest Hapag-Lloyd product to the ultra-luxury mainstream recognised by English-speaking travellers.
For HANSEATIC inspiration and spirit: English-speaking guests who want the finest luxury expedition product in the market, with the highest ice class, the most comprehensive expedition team and equipment, and an all-inclusive model that covers every aspect of the polar experience. The best choice for guests who want to compare Hapag-Lloyd expedition directly with Seabourn, PONANT, or Silversea.
For HANSEATIC nature: German-speaking guests or guests fully comfortable in a German-primary environment seeking the same expedition standard.
Hapag-Lloyd is less suited to guests who want the most comprehensive all-inclusive model including shore excursions bundled into the fare on luxury voyages (Regent Seven Seas is a better fit for that), those for whom English as the clear first and dominant language is non-negotiable across all interactions, or those who want polar expedition capability combined with a helicopter or submarine option (PONANT or Seabourn for the submarine; PONANT for helicopters).
Frequently asked questions
Are the Berlitz 5-star Plus ratings still current?
Yes. MS Europa and MS Europa 2 have both received Berlitz 5-star Plus ratings consistently across recent editions. They remain the only two ships in the world with this rating, and no other luxury line has matched it. The Berlitz rating assesses approximately 400 criteria and represents the most rigorous independent review in the cruise industry.
Is Hapag-Lloyd suitable for non-German-speaking guests?
From January 2026, all five ships in the fleet operate bilingually. MS Europa 2, HANSEATIC inspiration, and HANSEATIC spirit have been bilingual in German and English since their launch and are fully designed for international guests. MS Europa transitioned to full bilingual operation in January 2026. HANSEATIC nature remains primarily German. In practice, the social atmosphere on all ships except MS Europa 2 will be predominantly German-speaking, as the majority of guests are from German-speaking markets.
Are shore excursions included?
On the HANSEATIC expedition ships, all Zodiac landings, guided expedition activities, and the expedition programme are included in the fare. On MS Europa and MS Europa 2, shore excursions in port are purchased separately. This is the most significant structural difference from ultra-luxury competitors like Regent Seven Seas who include shore excursions in their base fare.
Are beverages and gratuities included?
Yes on both counts. A wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is included throughout the day on all five ships. Gratuities for all crew are pre-included in the fare. Champagne is provided on arrival in every cabin.
What is the Polar Class 6 rating on the HANSEATIC ships?
Polar Class 6 is the highest ice classification issued to passenger ships by the International Maritime Organization. It certifies the vessel’s ability to navigate in first-year ice in all seasons, in multi-year ice conditions, and in broken ice. All three HANSEATIC ships hold this classification, enabling them to operate in the most demanding polar environments accessible to passenger vessels. The ships carry a maximum of 199 guests in polar waters to comply with IAATO regulations on shore landing group sizes.
What is the dress code?
On MS Europa, formal evenings require suits for gentlemen and corresponding formal dress for ladies in most dining venues. Daytime is casual. This is the most formal dress code of any current ultra-luxury line and reflects the ship’s classical ocean-liner heritage. On MS Europa 2, the dress code is smart casual throughout, with no formal nights and no tuxedo requirement. On the HANSEATIC expedition ships, practical outdoor clothing is the expectation throughout, with smart casual for dinners.
Plan your Hapag-Lloyd Cruise with ÆRIA Voyages
Every Hapag-Lloyd voyage is different depending on which ship, which language environment, and whether the destination is polar expedition or cultural luxury. I help clients navigate those choices: from comparing MS Europa against MS Europa 2 for a first Hapag-Lloyd experience, to advising on which HANSEATIC ship best suits an English-speaking guest, to comparing the HANSEATIC expedition product against Seabourn Venture or PONANT for a specific Antarctic itinerary.
If you are curious about pricing, current availability, or whether Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is the right fit for your travel vision, I would be glad to talk it through.
Yvan Junior Blanchette
Travel & Cruise Specialist
ÆRIA Voyages📩 yvanblanchette@aeriavoyages.com
📞 1-888-460-3388
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