Luxury Travel Advisor - October 2008 - (Page 44)

A PORTION OF THE POOL AREA (top) can be covered by a magrodome during inclimate weather. THE ORIENTAL RESTAURANT (above), one of two specialty restaurants, offers Euro-Asian cuisine amid refined décor and impeccable service. Photo by Dave Eisen over the wild boar ragout with saffron dumplings, which was washed down by a delicate Sangiovese. Note: Unlike other specialty restaurants, there is no extra charge aboard MS Europa, but reservations are necessary. If it’s breakfast or lunch, odds are you’ll be at the Lido restaurant. The space offers indoor or alfresco dining and, even though this is Lido, luxury still abounds. This includes made-to-order eggs and other breakfast items, along with “pots” of coffee. (Each diner receives an individual small pot of coffee— another simple but effective touch.) This being a European ship, there are some food items that Americans might be confused by, such as cold deli meats served at breakfast time. That said, there are worse ways to start your day than with a few slices of prosciutto and a hunk of cantaloupe. Again, the service is sublime. At one point we had a yen for a good, old-fashioned cheeseburger. Such fare is not readily available, but we did query the restaurant manager. Two minutes later we are told that the chef is pounding out fresh ground beef, seasoning it and that our burger would be out in short time. When food isn’t on the mind, relaxation is. MS Europa has an ideal mid-ship spot to do just that. The ship’s pool on Deck 8 is actually filled with saltwater, giving it that fresh sea feeling. Nice touch: The day we pulled into St. Petersburg it was cold and gray, but the pool, which was heated, emitted inviting lines of steam into the air. Note: A magrodome covers the pool area, so even rainy days are dry. Top treat: In the afternoon, the poolside bar makes the most scrumptious waffles outside of Belgium. Further relaxation is attained at the Ocean Spa, which offers an array of spa services from massages to facials. Four spa suites, which debuted in 2007, are located directly next door to the spa. These rooms are decorated with more relaxing and sunny colors and include rainforest showers and whirlpools. Spa services are also included in the spa suite price. In the evening, many guests take in a show at the Europa Lounge or sip a cocktail at the Sansibar, a great little aft spot, which opens up to the fresh air. Another quaint spot is the Havana Bar, which features “real” Cuban cigars. Note: Smoking rules are rather lax; however, there are designated smoking areas. Also, there is no casino onboard. Hapag-Lloyd is going out of its way to attract the North American market. Its brochure is bilingual, onboard announcements are also made in English, the line employs international hosts who cater to Englishspeaking guests and, in 2009, MS Europa will offer seven bilingual cruises. The line is making a great effort. Here’s the only problem: the culture gap. This is most tangible in the spa, where there exists an area with showers, sauna, steam room and relaxation room. Unbeknownst to us, the entire area is co-ed, and, frankly, as an American, it is jarring to be around opposite-sex nudity in a spa setting. To a German, however, it is nothing. (A fellow German passenger made a jocular remark about American prudishness.) Another heads up: When it’s time to get a massage on an American ship, the masseuse leaves the room while you undress and hide under the towels. Not here. Expect to disrobe with your masseuse in the room. Again, these are just differences that could make an American uncomfortable. MS Europa is perfect for your seasoned cruiser who is curious to experience something different and foreign. If it’s experiences your clients want to attain, this is the ship. 44 LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR | October 2008

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Luxury Travel Advisor - October 2008 Contents Publisher's Letter Editor's Letter Glasgow Greece & Cyprus Private Islands Park Hotel Weggis Mexico Private Yachts MS Europa Coastline Travel Awards of Excellence The Pulse Just Back Luxury Travel Expo Sightings Source List

Luxury Travel Advisor - October 2008

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