In the atrium of Hapag-Lloyd’s Europa is a star-studded wall lined with plaques such as this one, recognizing the much-celebrated vessel as the world’s highest-rated cruise ship.

The Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships thrusts upon Europa Five Stars — Plus. Lest anyone doubt that Europa claims high stakes in the guide books, other plaques nearby recognize the ship as being tops in the game, and one guide even goes so far as to run Six Plus Stars up the flagpole.

No doubt that Europa ranks among the world’s best passenger ships. In actuality, of course, it is the software component (e.g., the staff, cuisine and programming) that has reviewers seeing stars — and generously distributing them.

But does Europa rank as the best passenger ship for me? Would it for you? For the moment, I withhold judgment. After all, I’ve only been on board for three days.

I will say this: Europa delivers an extremely fine – and refined — product. There is much to appreciate here: a well-trained, professional and polite staff, the oh-so-delicious dishes in the attractive specialty restaurants and all of the expected trappings of a luxury vessel, with some exceptions that I’ll address in a future post.

Where Europa departs from the luxury vessels I’ve cruised is that it is a German-speaking ship. That may be off-putting to some, but for me, the experience of an “Innocent Aboard” is proving to be thoroughly delightful.

I am enjoying the German lifestyle — Wienerschnitzel and potatoes for lunch, home-cooked waffles for mid-afternoon snack, Currywurst and sparking Sekt in the late evening. Unfortunately, I’ll miss the Bavarian brunch, with beer, sausages and pretzels, at the end of the voyage (I disembark early, regrettably).

What strikes me most of all is that Europa offers something different for tried-and-true North American cruisers, such as me and a couple of others from North America on board. Not only do we get to cruise the Baltic Sea, but we get to return to a German hotel after each shore excursion. How much better could it get for culture-lovers?

There’s even a small piece of Germany implanted on Europa. The Sansibar shares the same name as the popular restaurant/bar on the island of Sylt, an exclusive enclave situated in the North Sea. “You really must try to go there,” Europa Hotel Director Josef Gruber tells me. “But of course, you need to know someone.” On Europa, you simply need to trundle up to deck nine and enjoy the evening with everyone else. Sansibar is popular for sail-aways and late night. Hours are from 5 until “Open End,” as the program of events describes it.

The 10-year-old Europa is, as you might expect, immaculate and with attractive public spaces. Restaurants boasts fine tableware, such as the specially designed Meissen porcelain in The Oriental, an Asian restaurant. Dining certainly is an affair to remember in any of the four restaurants on board.

One of four ships in the Hapag-LLoyd fleet, Europa has established itself as a brand of its own. Emblazon a bag or a bathrobe with the Europa branding, and Germans will hand over an envelope full of Euros for the pleasure of owning a piece of Europa memorabilia. Of course, there are many repeaters on board, many of them happy to share their stories about how much they love this ship and the six eponymous vessels that preceded it.

World’s best cruise ship? Certainly, in the minds of a few guide book writers and many devoted Germans. For me? I’ll let you know in a couple of days. For the time being, however, it’s time to get back and enjoy the cruise. Did someone say Wienerschnitzel? Auf Wiedersehen!

The 1,040-foot long ship is 121 feet wide so it had no room to turn around, which forced the captain to navigate the entire route in reverse. There was no room for error as, at its tightest point, there were as few as 13 feet between both sides of the ship and the riverbanks.

The spanking new ship, which Meyer Werft was conveying to Celebrity for final delivery on July 16, has to navigate a railway bridge in Weener, a highway bridge in Leer, and a narrow passage in Gandersum. The harrowing journey takes a bit more than 12 hours, and according to Celebrity, it is likely the most complicated technical trip the Equinox will ever encounter.

Due to the size and scale of the ship, the transit can take place only during absolutely ideal weather conditions: when the river is at high tide, when winds are extremely calm, and when tidal barriers are closed, in order to ensure there is enough water to accommodate the draft of the ship.

After provisioning and loading activities in Eemshaven, followed by sea trials, Celebrity Equinox will be officially delivered from Meyer Werft to Celebrity Cruises July 16. The ship then will sail to Southampton, England and complete a series of inspections, followed by eight days of launch celebrations, including the maritime tradition of a naming ceremony over which the ship’s Godmother will preside.

The 2,850-guest Celebrity Equinox is scheduled to enter service July 31 from Southampton, England, on an eight-night cruise through the majestic Norwegian Fjords, followed by a series of romantic Mediterranean sailings from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, beginning August 8. Like Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox will present guests with brand-defining, industry-first features, including a half-acre Lawn Club with real, growing grass; a glassblowing show and studio developed with The Corning Museum of Glass; 10 dining venues, and widely varied entertainment, including shows with breathtaking aerial acts.

Celebrity’s Solstice Class also boasts warm and inviting, spacious staterooms with a host of contemporary amenities inspired by a panel of five women – dubbed “Celebrity’s Leading Ladies” – each with unique travel and hospitality insights. The ships also offer Celebrity’s new AquaClass category of accommodations designed for spa enthusiasts, with a host of spa-inspired amenities, and including exclusive access to “Blu,” the ships’ intimate, Mediterranean-themed specialty restaurant.

On tap for European river cruises: more choices of pre- and post-cruise tours, more special interest programs and more bicycles. Yes, more bicycles.

River cruise companies continue to add bicycles and bicycling excursions to their programs. Amadeus Waterways, for example, carries about 50 bicycles for passengers to use on its ships. Uniworld River Cruises offers cycling excursions (see Pedaling Along The Danube) as does Peter Deilmann River Cruises.

River cruises have all the advantages of a bus tour — in that you get to visit the European capitals and major cities — but without the hassle of having to change hotels or deal with your luggage, or let’s face it, endure the bus ride.

River cruises also are a bit like ocean cruises ­— you sail from one destination to the next — but unlike ocean cruises, which disgorge passengers by tender and tour bus, river cruisers disembark passengers within walking distance of city centers and major attractions. Put a bike on a boat, and you have a match made in heaven.

You’ve heard stories of the high cost of travel in Europe, thanks to the decline of the dollar against the Euro. The stories certainly should concern anyone setting out to see Europe on their own. Yes, you may pay $8 for a cappuccino in Europe, and the cost of a hotel room can be stratospheric. But a cruise isolates travelers from Europe’s rising prices. Your hotel room, paid for in U.S. dollars, floats along with you from port to port. Your meals are paid for. And you can always get a cappuccino onboard, even on cruise lines that charge for specialty coffees, for just a few bucks.

So the question is not whether to cruise in Europe, but where to cruise in Europe. The answer? Either the Mediterranean or Northern Europe.

But even within these broad regions, there are choices to be made. Mediterranean itineraries, for example, come in two flavors: Eastern Mediterranean and Western Mediterranean, with the toe of the Italian ‘boot’ serving as the dividing line. Northern European cruises sail either the Baltic Sea or the Norwegian fjords.

In the Mediterranean, explore the beginnings of the Greek and Roman empires, visit the vestiges of the Crusades and the Ottoman rulers, marvel at the power and the glory of the pharaohs, and tour many of the religious sites cherished by Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Western Mediterranean itineraries cover Spain, France, the west coast of Italy (including Sicily) and occasionally Tunisia. Eastern Mediterranean itineraries visit Italy’s Adriatic Coast, the Greek Isles, Turkey, Egypt, the Holy Lands and Cyprus.

You’ll spend your days exploring playgrounds along the French and Italian Rivieras, on the Costa del Sol, or throughout the Greek Isles. There are cities resplendent with wondrous works of art and architecture, as well as captivating coastal villages that are home to streets made for wandering and cafés made for sitting.

For first-time cruisers in Europe, the Western Mediterranean is an excellent choice. Eastern Mediterranean itineraries are generally better suited to travelers looking to take ‘the next step.’

Traditionally, cruisers who have explored the Mediterranean will follow-up with a voyage to Northern Europe, even though many people are now choosing to make the Baltic their first European destination.

Northern Europe is rich in cultural diversity, historical attractions, and staggeringly magnificent scenery. Most itineraries will combine visits to Copenhagen and other Scandinavian capitals with at least a day or two in St. Petersburg. Other Northern European cruises set sail along the Norwegian coastline, home to breathtaking views of fjords and quaint coastal towns.

A couple of things to keep in mind: consider combining itineraries and taking ‘back-to-back’ cruises. You’ll pay for airfare just once, and you’ll often receive a reduced rate on the second cruise. Plus you’ll see more, and after spending two or more incredible weeks in Europe you’ll truly feel as if you’ve gotten away from it all. And don’t discount cruising Europe during the off-season months (April/May and September through November). The weather can be surprisingly good, and you’ll enjoy thinner crowds at key ports and attractions.