When it comes to luxury cruises, nobody does it better than the MS Europa 2, part of the exclusive Hapag Lloyd fleet. More giant yacht meets floating resort than your typical cruise ship, the ship’s all-suite accommodations range from amazingly spacious Veranda and Ocean suites to Grand Penthouse Suites, Owner Suites and Family Apartments with kid-friendly spaces. Suites include both deep soaking bathtubs and large walk-in showers. The multilingual staff makes English-speaking guests feel right at home, and dedicated nanny services are available — along with a spacious children’s center — so you can decompress and completely immerse yourself in the ship’s relaxing ambience while still having your family nearby. The theme of refinement and sophistication without an ounce of stuffiness is reflected in Hapag Lloyd and MS Europa 2’s philosophy of “Twenty-one knots and no tie.” Typical cruise formal nights are replaced with a nod to causal elegance. Seven specialty dining venues are included with the cost of the cruise, and offer a huge range of experiences, from gourmet fare at Weltmeere and sushi at Sakura, to Asian dishes at Elements, Italian Mediterranean at Serenisima and French classics at Tarragon. Guests enjoy a gin tasting workshop, waffles at the Pool Bar, daily Afternoon Tea and a wide range of treatments at Ocean Spa — where therapy spaces even include a private spa suite equipped with a sauna, whirlpool bath and double massage tables. The ship’s world-class art collection, which includes 890 works with pieces by Damien Hirst and Gerhard Richter, is featured throughout on-board spaces and in a dedicated gallery. Guided tours of the collection are available. There’s also a library with an English wing and plenty of entertainment. Nightly shows run the gamut from comedy and magic acts to presentations by renowned authors, actors and artists, and premiere performances of theater and music. In-suite amenities feature beautifully scented products created with sea fennel. Mini fridges are restocked daily on a totally complimentary basis, and the spa and fitness area offers classes, four saunas and plenty of state-of-the-art workout equipment with the best ocean views around. Sailing routes cover the globe, and the ship’s smaller size allows for unique experiences including sailing deep into Scandinavian fjords.