Hapag-Lloyd Cruises serves up EUROPAs Beste

Go back to the e-newsletter

A tantalising display of gourmet excellence unfolded aboard the MS EUROPA this week, as Hapag-Lloyd Cruises hosted the 19th edition of its celebrated culinary event, EUROPAs Beste.Anchored in Hamburg Harbor, the luxury ship welcomed an elite lineup of chefs, vintners, and artisanal producers, boasting a combined 17 Michelin stars and three Green Stars for sustainable gastronomy.At the helm of this culinary showcase was Ben Schütz, newly appointed head chef of the EUROPA, who invited some of the finest names in haute cuisine to present their signature dishes. His featured creation, Ravioli “Rossini” with beef fillet, truffle, Sauce Riche, and brioche, exemplified the elevated standard of dining that EUROPA is known for.“Culinary excellence is in the DNA of our EUROPA. With Ben Schütz and his crew, we create experiences that go far beyond the plate. At EUROPAs Beste, guests can explore a diverse menu tailored to their individual tastes and experience star-level cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere,” said Isolde Susset, Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

---

Subscribe to LATTE Cruise’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury cruise space.

---

Notable chefs included Kevin Fehling (The Table, Hamburg), who holds three Michelin stars and oversees the ship’s restaurant THE GLOBE, as well as two-star chefs Matteo Ferrantino, Daniel Gottschlich, Alexander Herrmann, and Austrian standout Dennis Ilies. Plant-based innovations and sustainability were represented by Lisa Angermann, Simon Tress, and Lukas Nagl, each awarded both a Michelin and a Green Star.Guests enjoyed tasting stations spread across the ship’s pool deck, with live music and starlit festivities adding to the atmosphere. First-time host Angelina Kirsch, known from TV’s The Taste, introduced the culinary lineup to guests.The gourmet journey didn’t stop at food. Wineries from Germany, Austria, and France—including Moët & Chandon, Weingut Hirtzberger, and Markus Schneider—offered premium wines and sparkling selections. Artisan producers such as Fromagerie Antony, Giovanni L., and Altonaer Kaviar Import Haus showcased fine cheeses, ice cream, and caviar, rounding out the luxurious experience.The event kicked off a sold-out short cruise from Hamburg to Heligoland and back.

Go back to the e-newsletter