Yesterday we explored the recently renovated Hapag-Lloyd Europa 2, which arrived in Miami and is heading on its Caribbean route.
The ship, which has capacity for 500 passengers, recently left dry dock in Europe this Fall, where it received a few upgrades. The latest sailing, which left Port Miami on Nov. 25th was the ship’s third itinerary since the refurbishments were completed.
Now, you’re probably wondering, “What’s new?” Here’ are all the updates you can share with your clients. Though the ship isn’t new, it’ll feel just as if they’re sailing on a new ship, especially with updated guestrooms. Each suite–all guestrooms are suite categories—have a comfortable and spacious walk-in closet, as well as a tri-fold vanity area (a new addition to the rooms) in the living room section perfect to do hair and makeup before an evening out onboard.
At the Yacht Club, the ship’s buffet restaurant, new floor was put in, as well as new seating and a new buffet area. There is also an area with it’s own smaller buffet area sectioned of just for kids. This is the spot where the Nanny’s can sit with the kids for dinner, close off a sliding door, and keep the noise contained for other guests. The updates in this area aimed to make the atmosphere more modern and cozy, offering guests more of a yacht feeling. Guests can choose from booth seating, tables, and even high tops.
At the Belvedere, new chairs were added to match with the room’s blue and green motif. And, continuing with culinary updates, the Miele Culinary School added new Miele appliances. Here, guests can take in a culinary class with wine pairings, and then dine on their culinary feast, while enjoying the views of the ocean.
After all the eating that will be done at these stunning eateries serving delicious food, (trust us, we were treated to lunch and the food was delish) guests might want to work off some of those calories. The Fitness Center was also renovated with more modern offerings. The floor was updated, and new treadmills and additional machinery was installed including a SKILLMILL—a motorless treadmill that’s activated by the guest’s own force, plus TRX bands. The studio within the fitness center, which offers yoga, pilates, and spinning, also received new flooring and improved sound insulation.
Then when guests are ready to be pampered, they can head to the updated spa and hair salon. Here, the hair salon received new flooring, and a new color design on the walls, as well as new furnishings. At the spa, a cascade shower was installed, offering guests a relaxing way to cool down after their use of the sauna.
Ways to Relax
On Deck 11, guests will be able to relax on new Fatboy hammocks. For more relaxing experiences, the former Jazz Club was also updated, and is now Club 2, and offers guests drinks and live music performances—the perfect spot for a lively nightcap after dinner.
And, for guests who like to take a little “me time” while on board, the ship’s library was relocated and updated. Guests can take some time to indulge in a good book and coffees and teas, while enjoying views of the ocean in this cozy, turquoise colored room with wall-to-wall book selections and artwork to admire.
For golf pros, or those who want to be, there are two golf simulators on board, and a full-time golf pro to help them reach their best game. Guests can choose from 35 of the best golf courses around the world to practice their swing.
And for those whose idea of disconnecting is sitting back with a good cigar, suggest the Cigar Room, now named the Collins, as a place to decompress. Featuring gins from around the world, and eclectic artwork along the walls, this hip room would be a fun stop even for those who don’t enjoy a smoke. If eclectic artwork is what your clients are into, make sure to mention the artwork throughout the ship, like fun statues, a wall of butterflies, and even an onboard gallery. Guests can sign up for daily tours with the ship’s art curator, who can tell them more about each piece found throughout the ship and in the gallery.
Extra Perks
Guests on board have access to two cell phones in each room, which they can take along and use while on board. It’s a good way to help guests stay connected with each other, or for couples to coordinate plans when one is off at the spa and the other is enjoying a good cigar.
There are also iPads in each room with Internet access that guests can use to catch up on the news, e-mail loved ones back home (each guest also gets a temporary e-mail address to use while on board), or browse the Internet.
When lounging at the pool, guests don’t have to worry about having to get around a crowd of kids. First, there are only a select number of children allowed on each sailing. And, there are certain hours during the day where the pool is reserved only for adults. This gives those traveling without children, an opportunity to unwind at the pool without the little ones running around.
For more information, visit hl-crusies.com. For more on cruise, click here. And, for more images, and behind-the-scenes video of all the new updates on the ship, check out our Instagram highlight story @Recommendmag.
