One of world's most luxurious ships gets a makeover

One of the world's most luxurious cruise ships, Hapag-Lloyd's Europa, has just emerged from a major makeover.

The overhaul of the 408-passenger vessel at a dry dock in Germany brought a complete transformation of 156 of its 204 suites as well as significant changes to its atrium and pool area.

As can be seen in the photo at the top of this page, renovated Verandah Suites on decks 5, 6, 7 and 9 have a new modern look with crisp white-on-white bedding with colored accents. Four new Spa Suites on deck 7 feature new modern furniture and berry-colored accents, as can be seen in the photo below.

Changes to the ship's atrium include the installation of new carpet islands and contemporary lounge furniture as well as a new color scheme. The ship's pool area on decks 8 and 9 received new tiles, maritime colors and floating lights.

Also new on the ship starting this fall is a late breakfast service at its acclaimed Restaurant Dieter Müller.

Unveiled in 1999, the Europa was the flagship of Germany-based Hapag-Lloyd for more than a decade. Earlier this year the line debuted a new flagship, the 516-passenger Europa 2. See photos of cabins, public areas on the ship.

Hapag-Lloyd caters primarily to the German-speaking market but also draws some English-speaking passengers from North America, the UK and Australia. Cruises on the Europa 2 and some Europa sailings are bilingual.

What's it like aboard the Europa? Scroll through out deck-by-deck photo tour below: