German Cruise Line Tries to Appeal to American Passengers

How is it that a cruise line with roots as a container shipping company comes to be regarded as having amongst its fleet, perhaps the very best cruise ship afloat? NY1’s Valarie D’Elia was on board the small ship cruise liner and filed this report.

“It’s all about details,” says Douglas Ward, author of Berlitz Cruising Cruise Ships. “An electric bed, you can fold up your bed. Actually I can press my shirt in my bed if I wanted to.”

For the past two years, the prestigious Berlitz Cruise Guide awards Hapag-Lloyd’s Europa 2 with the industry’s highest distinction, citing its connection to the sea with expansive windows and a whole lot of breathing room.

“You don’t lose sight of the sea, because cruising is about the sea, isn’t it? Tremendous amount of space per passenger, so you never feel crowded – no lines anywhere,” says Ward.

On a media cruise to introduce the 500-passenger German ship to the U.S. market, I found it a bit curious that a ship hoping to appeal to more Americans would hold a seminar discussing the problematic relationship between the two countries, giving passengers no vacation from politics.

Other peeves of some Americans onboard included long wait times for meals.

“Germans and Europeans tend to spend two to three hours, while Americans, two hours max, even in a specialty restaurant,” says Brad Hatry of Pisa Brothers Travel.

While the German staff is fluent in English, communication still needs some work.

“There was a little split second lost in the translation, but the server finally got it. They tried very hard,” says American passenger Bill White.

Unlike her competitors in the upscale category, drinks during meals are not included. However, an ongoing booking bonus provides a beverage credit up to $250 per guest depending on the length of sailing.