Hapag-Lloyd's MS Europa wins #1 rating from Berlitz cruise guide

Miami, FL, October, 2004 – Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has been awarded a plaque by Berlitz Publishing for its flagship luxury cruise ship, MS Europa, in recognition of being the only cruise ship in the world to reach the coveted ***** + (Five-Stars-Plus) rating. Douglas Ward, author of Ocean Cruising & Cruise Ships 2005 and world renowned authority on cruise ships, presented the plaque on behalf of Berlitz Publishing to Captain Hagen Damaschke of the MS Europa.

For the fifth consecutive year, Europa, the luxury Hapag-Lloyd ship, captured the highest ratings in Berlitz Publishing’s annual definitive cruising guide, Ocean Cruising & Cruise Ships 2005, which is due in bookstores in November 2004.

The Europa, which entered service in 1999, is so exclusive and high-scoring in all possible decisive factors that Ward created a new class for her: Five-Stars-Plus.

Europa is classified as a “Small Ship”, serving up to 408 passengers. Ward has described her as “the very best and most luxurious cruise ship and cruise experience available today” and notes that Hapag-Lloyd Cruises works hard to deliver a unique life experience to every passenger on every trip. This includes exceptional cuisine, world-class lecturers, interesting and unusual excursions, and a beautifully trained staff in gorgeous surroundings.

In September 2004, Europa revealed a new refurbishment that includes a new bar, a three-level fitness area, and an expanded children’s playroom.

Hapag-Lloyd Web site:

Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten (German)

Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten (English - under construction)

Where to book Hapag-Lloyd cruises in the U.S.:

• Julia Ann Liantonio, Euro Lloyd Travel Group, Tel: 516-228-4970, or Ingrid Schacht, 800-334-0284, Fax: 516-228-8258; Website: www.eurolloyd.com; E-mail: Julia@eurolloyd.com OR Ingrid Schacht, Tel: 704-752-0042, 800-782-3924; Fax: 704-752-0662; Website: www.eurolloyd.com; E-mail: elt_clt@bellsouth.net.
• Annemarie Victory, Annemarie Victory Organization, Inc., 136 East 64th Street, New York, N.Y. 10021; Tel.: (212) 486-0353 / Fax: (212) 751-3149
• Mary Dailey, Dailey-Thorp Travel, P.O. Box 670, Big Horn, WY 82833; Tel.: (307) 673-1555 / FAX: (307) 674-7474
• Chuck Cross, Expeditions, Inc., 20525 SE Dorchester Rd., Bend, OR 97702; Tel.: (541) 330-2454
• Lisa Wilson-Schmitt, Nonstop Travel, Alpine Village, 833 W. Torrance Blvd., Suite 111, Torrance, CA 90502, Tel. (310) 324-5500 / Fax: (310) 324-7623

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