Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has confirmed its collaboration with Kevin Fehling, who will personally be on board Europa on seven selected itineraries in 2027. At the heart of the experience is THE GLOBE restaurant, with a culinary concept inspired by travel and the chef’s own personal story.
In 2027, Kevin Fehling will return on board Europa for seven selected cruises, during which he will personally welcome guests at THE GLOBE. The collaboration between the German three-Michelin-starred chef and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will therefore continue with a programme that further highlights the role of fine dining within the onboard experience. For Fehling, however, the relationship with Europa goes far beyond a professional partnership: around 25 years ago, the chef worked on board the ship, beginning an important chapter of his career there.
“Europa is more than just a ship to me, it is part of my life,” says Fehling. “Around 25 years ago I joined the ship as a cook. At the time, I could never have imagined that one day I would run my own restaurant here. THE GLOBE is something very special to me: my cuisine is about combining gourmet dining with memorable moments that make a cruise truly special.” Fehling has been behind THE GLOBE on board Europa for seven years, while on land his culinary base is The Table in Hamburg’s HafenCity. In June 2026, the restaurant retained its three Michelin stars for the eleventh consecutive year.
On board, THE GLOBE’s concept is closely linked to travel and to Fehling’s personal experiences. The dishes draw inspiration from destinations, memories and impressions gathered during his previous voyages, reinterpreted through a contemporary cuisine defined by technique, elegance and depth of flavour. The restaurant’s design also reflects this personal dimension. During his first period on Europa, Fehling often spent his free time on Deck 11 observing the night sky, pursuing his interest in astrology. That influence can still be seen today in THE GLOBE, with suspended lights inspired by planets and images recalling episodes and stories from his journeys. Each guest also receives a welcome letter introducing the chef’s culinary philosophy and the connection between food and travel. Kevin Fehling’s personal appearances in 2027 will be spread across seven itineraries throughout the year. The first cruise will depart from Valparaíso on 16 February and arrive in San Francisco on 19 March after 31 days along the western coast of the Americas. From 7 to 17 May, Europa will sail from Funchal, Madeira, to Palma de Mallorca, followed by a 16-day itinerary from Nice to Hamburg from 31 May to 16 June. During the summer, Fehling will return on board for a Baltic cruise from Hamburg to Kiel, running from 18 to 30 July, followed by a second voyage in the same region, again between Hamburg and Kiel, from 30 August to 10 September.
The programme will continue in autumn with a cruise from Hamburg to Mallorca, scheduled from 9 to 25 October along the coasts of Western Europe. The final appointment of the year will take Europa to Southern Africa: from 17 November to 4 December, the ship will operate a 17-day round-trip itinerary from Cape Town. “On board our small luxury ship Europa, gastronomy and gourmet dining have always been part of the DNA of the travel experience,” says Lisa Wilken, Head of Luxury Cruises at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. “Kevin Fehling has been part of this story for seven years, both through his cuisine and his very personal way of hosting guests. Having a three-Michelin-starred chef with his own restaurant on board is a particularly distinctive feature.”
With seven scheduled appearances in 2027, THE GLOBE once again confirms its role as one of the key elements of Europa’s culinary offering, particularly on the departures where guests will have the opportunity to meet Kevin Fehling in person and discover more about the creative journey behind his cuisine.
Gabriele Bassi
