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June 11, 2025

The MS Europa, a Hapag-lloyd cruises ship, continues to amaze its guests not only with exclusive itineraries and impeccable service but also with top-tier culinary experiences. At the heart of this exceptional gastronomic offering is The Globe, the onboard restaurant curated by three-star Michelin chef Kevin Fehling—one of the most creative and revolutionary minds in contemporary German gastronomy—who has been delighting guests for years with refined menus inspired by global flavors and cultures.

Kevin Fehling’s career is a remarkable journey through the world of gastronomy. Born with an innate passion for cooking, he reached significant milestones in astonishingly short time. He was one of the youngest chefs in Germany to be awarded a Michelin star and, in 2012, became the youngest chef to earn three Michelin stars. This accolade placed him among the leading figures for those who appreciate creative, modern cuisine, able to fuse techniques and flavors with great mastery.

His land-based restaurant, The Table in Hamburg, is renowned not only for its culinary excellence but also for its informal and welcoming atmosphere, a turning point that revolutionized the way haute cuisine is perceived in Germany. There, Kevin Fehling masterfully combines high-level cuisine with a convivial dining experience, turning every meal into a unique moment of discovery and pleasure.

Kevin Fehling’s passion is not limited to cooking: he has often shared how various elements of his life and interests came together to give birth to The Globe, a restaurant that reflects his vision and roots. Specifically, Fehling explains that The Globe is shaped by multiple inspirations: his enthusiasm for astronomy, for the stars, and for planet Earth; his passion for seafaring, which is intrinsically tied to the stars through navigation; and finally, his deep love for the Europa itself.

This synthesis results in a truly unique culinary experience, one that is not merely a journey through flavors, but also a poetic tribute to both seafaring and the culinary arts. The Globe is designed to host a maximum of 24 guests, preserving an intimate and refined atmosphere where every detail is thoughtfully crafted to elevate the pleasure of dining.

In 2025, the MS Europa, along with its sister ship, the Europa 2, received the highest five-star rating from the prestigious Insight Guides Cruising & Cruise Ships (formerly Berlitz Cruise Guide), a mark of excellence that reaffirms its undisputed leadership in the luxury cruise sector. With a maximum capacity of 400 guests, the ship combines elegant spaces, cutting-edge technology, and personalized service that ensures each traveler feels truly unique.

Within this elite context, The Globe stands out as the flagship of the onboard culinary offering. Access to The Globe is included in the cruise fare, a tangible expression of MS Europa’s commitment to delivering a no-compromise experience across every facet of the journey. One of the most appreciated features of The Globe is the regular presence of chef Kevin Fehling on board. Over the coming months of 2025, he will be present for approximately 20 days, devoting valuable time to team training, the creation of new dishes, and—most importantly—personally engaging with guests.

Kevin Fehling shares that his time aboard the ship and his travels around the world have shaped both his personality and his cuisine. His creations are influenced by diverse encounters and many different latitudes. For him, interacting with guests and pampering them is more than a task—it is pure joy. Every time he boards the Europa, and especially when he steps into The Globe, he feels as if he’s come home—a mix of arrival and nostalgia, a sense of unity and perfection. To Kevin Fehling, the Europa is more than just a ship—it is an integral part of who he is. This philosophy is embodied in a cuisine that is alive and constantly evolving, maintaining the highest standards while staying ahead of culinary trends. Kevin Fehling oversees every aspect: from personally selecting ingredients for their excellence and freshness, to ensuring a service marked by discreet and professional refinement.

Isolde Susset, Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, also highlights the importance of this collaboration, stating that Kevin Fehling’s The Table has been recognized by Gault&Millau as one of the two best restaurants in Hamburg. Recently, the prestigious guide awarded the trendy venue five black toques—a remarkable distinction to which Susset extends her heartfelt congratulations to Kevin Fehling. Just like Fehling, the MS Europa combines excellence, passion, and unmatched hospitality. This collaboration is more than perfect: it shows how the right partners grow together and achieve great things, a source of immense pride for the company.

Guests of The Globe can expect exclusive, carefully curated menus inspired by the world’s most vibrant markets and authentic global flavors. Each dish tells a story and includes a personal welcome message from the chef, who shares the inspiration and ingredient choices behind each creation. The intimate setting—just 24 seats—ensures that every guest enjoys a refined yet relaxed dining experience, enhanced by attentive, professional service without sacrificing spontaneity and conviviality.

In 2025, Kevin Fehling took center stage aboard MS Europa for five exclusive itineraries, during which he had the opportunity to meet guests personally, share his culinary artistry, and enrich the overall travel experience. Among these memorable journeys was “The Temperament of the South,” a 13-day voyage from Funchal, Madeira to Monte Carlo, offering a perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes, Mediterranean culture, and bold flavors. Immediately following was “The Sunny Sides of Southern Europe,” a 10-day itinerary from Naples to Piraeus (Athens), seamlessly merging ancient history with the joy of fine cuisine. In May, “Worldly Charm and Iberian Style” carried guests from Palma de Mallorca to Leixões (Porto), delivering nine days of sophisticated ambiance and local traditions. The “Cultural Treasures to Savor” route provided a 14-day journey from Leixões to Hamburg, immersing guests in culture, art, and one-of-a-kind scenery. Finally, “In the Footsteps of the Hanseatic League and Kings” traversed the Baltic from Travemünde to Hamburg over 11 days, evoking tales of ancient trade and legendary kingdoms.

The chef will once again be present on board during a selection of cruises, among which two highly anticipated journeys stand out. The first, from August 17 to 29, 2025, offers a voyage from Travemünde to Hamburg that blends culture, striking seascapes, and refined flavors—perfectly aligned with the exclusive style of The Globe. The second, longer and equally captivating, will take place from October 24 to November 9, 2025, sailing from Hamburg to Tenerife: an itinerary that crosses Western Europe and culminates in Mediterranean and Atlantic atmospheres, offering guests an unforgettable experience in every respect.

These cruises represent a unique opportunity to experience the perfect fusion of exclusive itineraries and the gastronomic excellence of Kevin Fehling and his The Globe, adding exceptional value to every journey. Beyond his direct presence, Kevin Fehling has left a lasting mark on the training of his onboard team, who maintain the highest standards even in his absence. Dennis Ilies, for example—Fehling’s former sous-chef for over a decade—now leads the Michelin two-starred gourmet restaurant Tannenhof in Austria. This reflects how the culinary program aboard MS Europa is not just a luxury experience but a true incubator of talent and creativity.

MS Europa and Kevin Fehling’s The Globe thus stand as pinnacles of excellence in the worlds of luxury cruising and fine dining. Hosting only 24 guests in the ship’s most exclusive restaurant ensures a uniquely personal experience, while the regular presence of a world-class chef guarantees high standards, constant innovation, and direct connection with the passion behind every dish.

Stay tuned to Cruising Journal for the latest news, updates, and reviews on Hapag-Lloyd with photos, videos, and cruise deals.

Giorgia Lombardo

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