Hapag-Lloyd Cruises once again has the highest rating in the Insight Guides Cruising & Cruise Ships 2025 maintains and defends its reputation as the “best fleet in the world.” But despite this prestigious award and continued praise for the fleet, the question remains as to how such ratings square with recently uncovered hygiene issues. The US authority CDC recently criticized the hygiene standards on a ship in the fleet, which raises questions about the actual quality of service.
Not only expensive but also dirty? A German crusader has the worst hygiene results?
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises – Exclusive with five stars for all ships
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is the only provider in the luxury and expedition segment to be at the top with all five ships. Both those MS EUROPA 2 as well as that MS EUROPA received the highest award in the “Small Ships” category (251–750 passengers). According to Insight Guides, these ships have been setting the standard for luxury travel at sea for years. The three expedition ships lead in the boutique category (50-250 passengers). HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC spirit and HANSEATIC inspiration the ranking, also with the top grade.
The new edition of the Insight Guides – formerly known as Berlitz Cruise Guide – based on reviews from over 340 cruise ships. For the second time, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has received five stars for every ship in its fleet. The globally recognized cruise expert Douglas Ward, who has accompanied over 1,130 cruises and numerous ship christenings and maiden voyages, praises the German shipping company for its incomparable travel experience and attention to detail.
Advent magic: Festive short vacations with the MS Amadea and MS Artania
High standards and current criticism: Can Hapag-Lloyd live up to its expectations?
The rating of the five ships with five stars each by the Insight Guides emphasizes the exceptional travel experience and service quality. But just recently, a report from the CDC caused a stir that showed significant deficiencies in hygiene standards on a Hapag-Lloyd ship. This raises questions about whether the glamorous ratings actually reflect reality.
Isolde Susset, Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, recognizes the award as a motivation for the crew and the team on land: “This recognition reflects the commitment of our crew, who strive every day to create an excellent travel experience.” The question remains However, how such statements about crew performance fit with the actual hygiene conditions on board.
Challenges and expectations for the future
The luxury segment is known for high standards – and customer expectations are accordingly. The recent hygiene criticism could be a wake-up call to ensure these standards not only in terms of service, but also safety and health standards. Guests who book a cruise in the five-star segment not only expect perfect service, but also the highest hygiene standards, especially in this day and age.
It remains to be seen to what extent Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will be able to meet the expectations of its guests in all aspects in the future. Because a fifth star may be prestigious – but in reality what counts is that the promises are kept.
Hapag LLoyd Cruises is currently not recommended by the cruise tester – “Recommended by the cruise tester” – What does that actually mean?
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