In mid-October 2026, the MS Europa of luxury cruise line Hapag-Lloyd Cruises sets off on a cruise in the eastern Mediterranean, with numerous stops in Greece and Turkey. Round trip from/to Piraeus, you can currently book 12 nights in the cheapest suite from €3,790 per person. This offer is well below the average price for other cruises on the MS Europa. This cruise can be booked at the early-bird rate until February 25, 2026.
Solo travellers pay €6,316 for the cheapest suite in category K01. The cruise fare includes full board with all meals, as well as a selection of soft drinks available throughout the day. In addition, the minibar in your suite is included in the price at no extra cost and is replenished daily with non-alcoholic refreshments and beer. Fresh fruit is also available on request.
Do you have questions about the offer, need help, or are you looking for a cruise that suits you even better? Feel free to contact us via our inquiry form. We’re glad to help.
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On cruises with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, passengers enjoy the following included services:
- Five restaurants at no extra charge (EUROPA Restaurant, three speciality restaurants, and one buffet restaurant)
- Full board with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, pâtisserie, and snacks
- A selection of soft drinks available throughout the day
- Coffee and tea specialities
- Champagne and delicacies on arrival (one-time)
- Minibar (non-alcoholic refreshments and beer) and fresh fruit, replenished daily on request
- 24-hour suite service; butler service in the Penthouse Suites
- Daily changing entertainment program with guest artists
- Classical music, additional concerts, cabaret artists, readings, and theatre performances
- Activity programs and lecture series, talks, lectures, and workshops with renowned lecturers and experts
- Onboard library
- 1 hour of internet per guest per day
- 15-meter heated seawater pool, whirlpool, fitness area with sea view
- Wide range of fitness classes
- Spa area with sauna, steam bath, infrared chairs, relaxation room, and tea lounge
Editor’s Note: The MS Europa is renowned to be one of the best cruise ships in the world. Not necessarily regarding entertainment, but the cabins and dining are said to be top-notch. However, be aware that of the 400 passengers around you, most will probably be retired Germans.
The Route
The cruise begins in Piraeus, where the ship does not leave the harbour until late in the evening. This allows for a convenient journey to Greece without the need for an overnight stay beforehand. The first port of call is Nafplio, the former capital of Greece. There, Syntagma Square with its cosy cafés and restaurants invites you to linger. From the Palamidi and Akronafplia fortresses, you can enjoy wonderful views.
The journey then continues to Mykonos, where the MS Europa stays overnight in port. The island is considered one of the country’s most popular destinations. It is particularly renowned for its windmills, which blend beautifully with the surrounding landscape and create a stunning backdrop. After a stop in Delos, the ship leaves Greece and sails to Kuşadası.
Just a few kilometres away is the historic site of Ephesus, where the splendour of Roman antiquity is reflected. The cruise then continues to Bozcaada. The island lies about 20 kilometres from the Dardanelles and is considered Turkey’s most important wine-growing region, as almost a third of Turkish wine comes from here.
Another highlight is the extended stay of two nights in the metropolis of Istanbul. This leaves you plenty of time to visit the most significant sights such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. A stroll through the old town is also highly recommended.
Afterwards, the Greek city of Kavala awaits you. The old town is dominated by a medieval castle dating back to 1425 and offers impressive views of the surrounding coastline. Those who prefer to relax by the sea can do so on one of the city’s beaches. The final port of call is Volos, before the cruise ends back in Piraeus after 12 nights.
| Date | Location | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piraeus | 23:45 | ||
| 5 | Nafplio | 13:00 | 23:00 |
| 6 | Mykonos | 12:00 | |
| 7 | Mykonos | 12:00 | |
| 7 | Delos | 13:30 | 19:00 |
| 8 | Kuşadası | 08:00 | 18:00 |
| 9 | Bozcaada | 08:00 | 18:00 |
| 20 | Istanbul | 13:00 | |
| 1 | Istanbul | ||
| 2 | Istanbul | 08:00 | |
| 3 | Kavala | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| 4 | Volos | 07:00 | 19:00 |
| 5 | At sea 🌊 | ||
| 6 | Piraeus | 05:00 |
The Ship
The MS Europa, operated by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, is a small luxury cruise ship that has long been positioned at the upper end of the market. Launched in 1999 and extensively modernised over the years, it carries fewer than 400 passengers, which fundamentally shapes the experience on board. Rather than scale or spectacle, the ship is built around space, privacy, and a calm, orderly atmosphere.
Public areas are understated and deliberately uncluttered. Lounges, bars, and observation spaces are designed for quiet conversation rather than entertainment-driven crowds. There is a theatre for lectures, talks, and occasional performances, but nightlife is low-key. Deck space is generous for the number of guests, making it easy to find quiet outdoor areas even on sea days. The overall feel is closer to a private club than a resort-style cruise ship.
Dining is a central part of the Europa experience, with multiple restaurants offering fine-dining–level cuisine rather than large-scale buffet service. Meals are unhurried, service is formal but restrained, and the focus is on consistency rather than variety for its own sake. There is no pressure to book speciality venues or upgrade experiences; the ship operates on an all-inclusive basis that keeps onboard routines simple and predictable.
All cabins are suites, many with balconies, and are designed more like hotel rooms than cruise ship cabins, with generous space and storage. The passenger mix typically skews older and well-travelled, and the atmosphere reflects that: quiet, international, and destination-focused. MS Europa is best suited to travellers who value space, service, and a measured pace at sea over entertainment, innovation, or a sense of buzz.
Cover Picture: © HL Cruises