From October 10 to 16, 2024, I, Fleur Press and PR Instigator at Pitch Perfect, had the unique opportunity to embark on the MS EUROPA 2, the award-winning luxury ship of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, along with a group of 10 travel agents from Belgium, the Netherlands, Canada, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. This study trip was a dream come true, not only to experience the beauty of the ship itself but also to enjoy everything it has to offer. In this blog article, I share my personal experiences from this unforgettable journey, which has undoubtedly become one of the highlights of my career.

Thursday, October 10: Welcome aboard

The adventure began upon our arrival in sunny Athens, where the majestic MS EUROPA 2 awaited us in the harbor. I was immediately impressed by the modern look of this ship. It felt almost surreal to step aboard and see and feel luxury in every corner.

After the mandatory but good organized safety briefing on the Pool Deck, our first culinary journey began at Tarragon, the refined French specialty restaurant. What a dinner! From French classics to the small artistic touches that appeared in the presentation of each dish, everything was meticulously crafted. As the icing on the cake, we concluded the evening at Sansibar, a trendy bar where the atmosphere was instantly lively. After this first day, I was eagerly looking forward to what the rest of the week would bring. 

Friday, October 11: Discovering the MS EUROPA 2

The next morning began blissfully relaxed with breakfast in the Yacht Club, where the view of the ocean was breathtaking. Waking up with the sunrise sets the tone for a successful day.

We started the day with an extensive tour of the ship, and believe me, it was overwhelming! From the spacious, stylish suites to the Pool Deck and the wellness areas, everything exudes luxury and relaxation. It quickly became clear why the MS EUROPA 2 is so highly regarded in the cruise industry. 

An absolute highlight of the day was our visit to the bridge, where we received an exclusive behind-the-scenes look. The captain himself gave us a warm welcome, and everyone took the opportunity to ask all the questions they had always wanted to know. We learned that during four-hour shifts, one person continuously monitors the ship through a computer screen. And as if that weren't intense enough, another crew member watches the sea with binoculars for four hours straight. Talk about a demanding job!

The day ended with dinner at Sakura, the refined Japanese restaurant on board. Each dish is a combination of fresh ingredients and innovative flavors. As a big sushi lover, this restaurant was my personal favorite.

Saturday, October 12: Workshops and tasting experiences

Day three was entirely focused on discovering Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and its unique brand values. Together with my colleague James, we gave a presentation to the travel agents so that everyone would understand what Hapag-Lloyd Cruises stands for.

In the afternoon, we enjoyed a gin tasting, sampling a selection of premium gins, each with its own unique character. This type of exclusive experience demonstrates how the MS EUROPA 2 consistently surprises its guests with special moments. And if you, like me, don't drink alcohol, they effortlessly cater to that with flavorful non-alcoholic alternatives.

I am a big fan of Italian cuisine, so I was really looking forward to trying the Italian restaurant Serenissima that evening. The flavors, like the delicious truffle pasta, the presentation, and the cozy atmosphere were simply perfect.

As if that wasn't enough, we ended the evening with a performance by Kamrad, a German pop artist. Prior to this performance, I had never heard of him, but now his music is on my Spotify playlist.

Sunday, October 13: Relaxation and culinary discoveries

On Sunday, the day began with a moment of pure indulgence in total luxury: an in-suite breakfast on the balcony of my suite, along with a few travel agents. This was one of those moments when I realized just how special this trip truly was. 

The rest of the day was dedicated to relaxation and culinary fun. We participated in a delightful cooking workshop, where we could improve our cooking skills alongside a top chef. It was hilarious to see some people fumbling a bit in the kitchen! 

In the afternoon, everyone took the time to relax and fully enjoy the luxurious facilities of the MS EUROPA 2, such as the wellness center and the spa. I decided to try the famous waffles, a staple on board. They were amazing!

We usually had breakfast in the Yacht Club, but tonight we decided to dine there as well. The buffet offered so many different dishes that it was difficult to choose, but the food was top quality once again. 

Monday, October 14: Work and relaxation

The morning started with a strategic session, during which the group conducted a SWOT analysis of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. This interactive exercise provided the travel agents with a clear understanding of the brand's strengths and opportunities, and how they could leverage these in their own sales.

Later in the day, we enjoyed a refined high tea in the stylish Belvedere Lounge, accompanied by live piano music and a selection of delicious snacks. I had never tried tea with milk before. It wasn't bad, but I still prefer coffee. That evening, we were once again pampered with culinary delights at Weltmeere, the largest restaurant on board, which particularly stands out for its beautiful interior.

Tuesday, October 15: Last day of indulgence 

And then it was already our last day… The morning began with a valuable feedback session, where we shared our experiences and impressions with the crew. 

During lunch at Tarragon, we enjoyed the delicious French cuisine one last time. Despite the less favorable weather that afternoon, some took advantage of the spa, while others relaxed by the pool one final time.

It was hard to believe that this trip was almost over, but even on the last day, we were treated to fantastic dishes at Restaurant Elements, which focuses on Asian cuisine. We wrapped up the evening in style at Club 2, where we enjoyed live music and a relaxed atmosphere together.

Wednesday, October 16: Arrival in Tenerife

On Wednesday morning, we docked in Tenerife. I was not at all ready to say goodbye to this beautiful ship, but eventually, it had to happen. 

This journey demonstrated to everyone how Hapag-Lloyd Cruises not only offers exceptional luxury but also personal connections, unique experiences, and unparalleled service. This week was so much more than just a study trip for me. It was a wonderful experience filled with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.