How beautiful Hamburg is. Sometimes you forget this fact, especially if you have lived in the city for a long time. It then helps to change perspective to gain a new view. Like on this perfect summer evening, when the MS Europa drops anchor at the Überseebrücke and offers a sensational view over the city.
Of course, this was not a coincidence. Actually, the cruise ship was moored at the Grasbrook cruise terminal in Hafencity. There, a logistical masterstroke was already taking place throughout the day: The ship was converted into a show and event kitchen within 12 hours. Cranes hoisted stoves, refrigerators and equipment on board. But in the evening, for the great celebration of Europe’s best 2017, the ship was maneuvered into this beautiful position. And this detail alone shows how great perfectionism is written here, how naturally additional effort is accepted in order to offer the maximum result.
The scenery is impressive. Slowly the sun sinks behind the container ships over the Elbe and the lights of the city draw the attention of the guests. About 600 are on board, not only passengers but also numerous invited guests. There is much to celebrate this evening. A special highlight: International cruise expert Douglas Ward awarded the MS EUROPA the five-star-plus rating of the renowned cruise guide “Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2018” for the 18th time in a row.
I was particularly excited about the culinary line – up, which gathered numerous renowned and highly awarded colleagues on board. In contrast to other events, the queues at the numerous stations were short, so it was easy to actually try all the dishes and even have short conversations with the chefs here and there.
Chefs as guests at Europe’s Best 2017
Thorsten Gillert, MS EUROPA
Dieter Müller, Restaurant Dieter Müller, MS EUROPA
Karlheinz Hauser, Restaurant Seven Seas, two Michelin stars, three Gault Millau toques, Germany
Paul Ivić, Restaurant Tian, one Michelin star, three Gault Millau toques, Austria
Christoph Rüffer, Restaurant Haerlin, two Michelin stars, four Gault Millau toques, Germany
Julia Komp, Restaurant Schloss Loersfeld, one Michelin star, Germany
Marcus G. Lindner, Restaurant Sonnenberg, two Gault Millau toques, Switzerland
Nico Burkhardt, Restaurant Olivo, one Michelin star, three Gault Millau toques, Germany
Dieter Koschina, Restaurant Vila Joya, two Michelin stars, Portugal
Thomas Martin, Jacobs Restaurant, two Michelin stars, three Gault-Millau hoods, Germany
Marco Müller, Rutz Restaurant, two Michelin stars, three Gault-Millau hoods, Germany
Winemaker guest at Europe’s Best 2017
Puro Winery, Argentina
Winery Schwarzer Adler, Germany
Winery Robert Weil, Germany
Rebholz Winery, Germany
Winery Markus Schneider, Germany
Niepoort, Portugal
Bodega Chacra, Argentina
Tenuta San Guido, Italy
Bollinger Champagne, France
It was a fabulous evening aboard a truly exceptional and luxurious ship. In between, I was able to check out almost every area on board as well as the bars and restaurants – and in fact, even one of the Pentehouse cabins was free. Actually, I could have moved right in…
Next year EUROPAs Beste will take place again in Antwerp on 24/06/2018. As part of a 14-day trip, you can already secure your seats. The cruise departs Bilbao on June 12, ends in Hamburg on June 26, 2018, and costs from 7,130 euros per person, depending on the cabin.
