Ballin realized it didn't have to be that way. Noticing that transatlantic passenger traffic dropped off steeply during the wet, cold, and entirely unpleasant winter months, he decided to relocate one of the line's under-utilized ships to the Mediterranean, where the destination, as well as the ship, would be the key advertising features.
On a cold winter day in January 1891, the Augusta Victoria sailed into history as the first cruise ship. The idea was such a huge - and unexpected - success that in 1899 the line contracted Blohm & Voss to construct the first purpose-built cruise ship, to be called Prinzessin Victoria Luise. Ballin oversaw the project personally, and was continually tweaking and refining it to ensure his passengers were always satisfied.
In 2010, that tradition of exceeding passengers expectations continues at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Thier flagship, MS Europa, is the only cruise ship in the world to have been awarded five stars from the Berlitz Cruise Guide - a distinction it has proudly held for the past ten years. Together with fleetmates MS Hanseatic, MS Bremen and MS Columbus, the Europa offers some of the most unique and innovative itineraries of any ultra-luxury line at sea today.
The inviting pool deck onboard MS Europa.
Photo courtesy of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
German in heart and heritage, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers many bilingual voyages designed to appeal and cater to English-speaking travelers, while at the same time preserving the line's unique European heritage. Everything from the initial brochure to onboard documents, announcements, lifeboat drills and shore excursions will be conducted in English. This commitment to detail is just the first of many features that should make anyone looking for an ultra-luxury experience put Hapag-Lloyd Cruises at the top of their list.
Here's what we find particularly special about the line:
Outstanding Included Amenities
An impressive list of amenities are included with every Hapag-Lloyd Cruise. Beer and non-alcoholic beverages in the suite minibars are included in the cruise fare. Text email messages under 10kb can also be sent free of charge - an absolute rarity for those wishing to communicate with home. Gratuities are included, as are weather-dependent items like waterproof parkas and umbrellas. Depending on the destination, snorkeling equipment and bicycles are also available to guests.
Bicycles are available for loan on most voyages.
Photo courtesy of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Amazing Ultra-Luxury Ships and Expedition Ships
MS Europa is, without a doubt, one of the classiest ships afloat. The line even refers to her as The World's Most Beautiful Yacht - and it's easy to see why. With a passenger compliment of just 408, the 652-foot long Europa boasts an all-suite cabin arrangement, with choices ranging from a 291-sq. ft. Oceanview suite, to the SPA Suites featuring whirlpool tub, atmospheric indirect lighting, and free drinks and snacks from the special SPA menu. The Penthouse Grand Suite comes in at 915 sq. ft, and boasts all the comforts of home - and then some.
The beautiful SPA Suite bathroom onboard MS Europa.
Photo courtesy of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
But the luxury doesn't stop there: MS Bremen and MS Hanseatic sail the line's Expedition Voyages. Carrying just 164 and 184 passengers respectively, the MS Hanseatic is the world's only five-star expedition ship, and MS Bremen is not far behind with four stars. Both ships have been awarded the highest ice class for passenger ships (E4), allowing both to cruise regions like the Arctic and Antarctica with the utmost safety.
Destinations
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers some of the most unique and diverse itineraries out there - so many, in fact, it boggles the mind. One of the most unique, the MS Hanseatic spends 26 days this summer transiting the fabled Northwest Passage from Greenland to Alaska - making Hapag-Lloyd the only luxury line to be able to do so. The line also offers a wide variety of Antarctica and Artic Expedition cruises, as well as a unique 16-day Circumnavigation of Newfoundland voyage departing May 29, 2010.
MS Bremen on an expedition cruise to Antarctica.
Photo courtesy of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
MS Europa offers cruises to the Black Sea, Mediterranean, Persian Gulf, Great Britain, and the Far East - and while these are not expedition voyages as such, expect them to call at a number of ports not commonly visited by most cruise ships.
One unique itinerary in which the ship and its entertainment are the destination is the line's Ocean Sun Festival. Departing Kiel, Germany on August 24, 2010 and cruising around Great Britain, the Ocean Sun Festival is the only classical music festival on the high seas. Featuring performances both onboard and ashore at historic locations, the voyage will also offer commentary by noted music critics and guest lecturers along the way, and has been compared to the prestigious Festival del Sole in Napa Valley, California and the Tuscan Sun Festival in Italy.
Prices for the line are very much in-step with other ultra-luxury lines, but it is Hapag-Lloyd Cruises attention to detail and commitment to its English and German-speaking guests that has earned the line such high praise from a wide variety of sources.
Here at From the Deck Chair, we plan to do an in-depth article on the Ocean Sun Festival, as well as a detailed overview of the Northwest Passage Transit in the coming weeks. In the meantime, passengers wanting more information on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises should visit their website, or order a printed brochure here.
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