passenger ratio in the industry. With
370 crew members, it also has one of
the highest ratios of crew to guests.
Unique to the EUROPA 2 is what
might be described as “wasted
space,” which means spacious
corridors and walkways that make
the ship’s interiors feel like those of
a luxury hotel. The ship’s atrium has
massive windows and high ceilings,
which also contributes to this
feeling of space.
The corridors are lined with original
and engaging art works by such
distinguished artists as David
Hockney and Damien Hirst; a gallery
features shows and pieces for
purchase. Boutiques offer high-end
jewelry and clothing. The library
houses computers for passenger use.
The suites – all with verandas –
are between 301 and 1,066 square
feet, with flat-screen TVs, tablet
computers, a coffee machine, Wi-Fi
(complimentary), portable phones
and tablet PCs and complimentary
mini-bars, replenished daily with
beer and soft drinks (the upper-tier
categories include a selection of
complimentary liquor).
Miele Culinary School
My suite had a jetted tub, which
I enjoyed at every opportunity,
especially since fragrant bath salts
were provided. The complimentary
liquors were wasted on me, but they
would be a welcome amenity to
anyone who liked to have a cocktail
or aperitif within easy reach.
The 560-square-foot Grand Ocean
Suites have bathrooms with daylight
views, double sinks, TVs within the
mirrors, rain showers, steam showers
and whirlpool tubs. The Penthouse
Suites, at 840 square feet, add a
bigger veranda (108 square feet) a
separate dining table and a daybed.
As for the two drop-dead-gorgeous
Owner’s Suites, the luxury level rises
to include butler service, a private
whirlpool with a view of the ocean
and the ability to freely partake of
just about anything the ship has to
offer. Paintings by famous artists
adorn the walls.
The decor in all the suites is
understated: clean lines everywhere;
luxury fabrics in natural earthy
colors; modern sofas and chairs,
floor-to-ceiling windows leading
outside and allowing lots of natural
light to brighten the day. The beds
are very comfortable, the linens are
high-end and the selection of pillows
serves every preference.
28
Some luxury ships only put out the
‘welcome” mats for kids during
school vacations – if at all. EUROPA
2 is decidedly family friendly, with
seven family “apartments.” The free
Baby Welcome Package enables
parents to order extensive baby
equipment for their suite, freeing up
considerable luggage space. Children
under 11 travel free; youngsters
12-15 cost about $65 a night when
travelling with two adults in the
same suite.
Child care is offered for ages two and
up; I visited the cheery area reserved
for very young kids and was
impressed with the care the highly
trained nannies provided. Programs
are tailored to all age groups up to
age 15. The brightly-deco rated Kids’
Club serves four- to 10-year-olds and
the somewhat more “sophisticated”
Teens’ Club caters to 11- to 15-yearolds. A nice feature for parents who
would like to sleep in while the
children want to play: The late-riser
service will pick up the kids from the
suite and look after them until
parents want them back.
As I had previously sailed on the
EUROPA, I expected the dining