Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is thrilled to announce their nomination for a 2009 World Travel Award (WTA), in the “Europe’s Leading Cruise Line” category. The World Travel Awards, a travel industry awards program, has been dubbed by the Wall Street Journal as the ”Oscars of the Travel Industry.” Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ fleet of four, offers ships with their own unique character, hundreds of destinations, on-board and on-land programs, attractive travel combinations, short trips to get a feel for what’s offered and long passages for travel enthusiasts.

MS EUROPA, the fleet’s flagship, sets international standards: it is the only cruise liner to have been awarded the coveted 5-star plus distinction by the Berlitz Cruise Guide from 2001 to 2009 and the only cruise ship worldwide to be honored with a “Six Star Diamond Award” by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences. MS HANSEATIC and MS BREMEN, their exploration ships are both designed for travel in polar-regions and for destinations “off the beaten track.” The MS HANSEATIC is the only 5-star exploration ship in the world, the MS BREMEN offers 4-star comfort, and the MS COLUMBUS is a 3-star-plus ship.

All four ships offer selected bilingual cruises (German/English) ensuring English-speaking passengers feel comfortable from the moment they step onboard. For more information on the fleets 09’-10’ bilingual itineraries visit www.hl-cruises.com.