Main Restaurant

Bistro

Observation Lounge & Bar

On the Diamond Deck is the magnificent panoramic observation lounge, the heart of the ship with wonderful views through floor to ceiling windows of the ever-changing landscape as you move along the river. This is where the ships superb design really is so evident. You’ll love the quality feel, the genteel ambience, the rich carpeting, the marble-tiled bar and the choice of sumptuous leather armchairs and soft modern settees. What could be better than to lose yourself in conversation with like-minded new friends, sip a coffee, perhaps play chess or bridge, or just relax whilst admiring the incredible scenery? And after a delicious dinner, appreciate our pianist, a gentle dance on the purpose-designed dance floor, or just enjoy a quiet read in the peaceful La Brasserie at the rear of the ship, ideal to while away an hour on a comfortable terrace absorbing the sights and sounds of Europe’s great rivers.

Sun Deck

The Sun Deck – and especially the forward viewing area – is perfect for watching the historic riverside villages, steep vine-clad valley sides and other scenic wonders glide serenely by. It’s well equipped with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers, deck games and a golf putting green, a small splash pool where you can cool off, and a full bar service. Sometimes we hold barbecues here too, weather dependent of course – a great way to meet new people over a glass of wine.

Reception and Boutique

The Reception and Boutique are located on the Emerald Deck 

Wellness Area

The Emerald Deck boasts a very special feature of the Lord Byron – its purpose-designed and extensive spa and wellness area You can reserve the spa for your private use to take a sauna or use the steam room, or perhaps visit the on-board hairdresser (small additional fee).

Please note: The Emerald Deck is only accessible by stairs.

Excursions and activities

We are a well-travelled collective – made up of our guests as well as our team. We’ll admit it – we’re obsessed with travel.

But that’s not our only interest. We also love architecture, history, the arts, and gastronomy – everything that makes a culture unique. And we plan our itineraries to ensure we’re catering to those interests. Perfecting every excursion to ensure you get the most out of your onshore adventures.

Most days are filled with full or half-day excursions. Whether that’s a city tour, an introduction to a brand-new town or a more in-depth visit to a specific landmark or attraction. You’ll see the very best of every destination. Not just the legendary locations, we’ll uncover the top-secret local spots too.

World-famous landmarks

You’ll get to experience some world-famous destinations in the company of our passionate local guides. Sites like the Benedictine Melk Abbey on the Danube, spectacular Pont du Gard on the Rhône, Keukenhof Gardens – the world’s largest flower gardens – on the Dutch Waterways and Cologne with its cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe.

A taste of your destination

Food has the uncanny ability to reveal the softer parts of the destination most tourists overlook. Recipes passed down through the generations slowly become ingrained within a culture, featuring fresh local produce and traditional cooking techniques. Our excursions often include delicious local produce perfected over centuries – sample cheese in Switzerland and chocolate in Germany (it’s not a cruise for those watching their weight), wine tasting in the world-famous wine region of Burgundy and port in the port wine cellars of Porto.

For even more, why not choose one of our Gastronomy themed departures?

Authentic cultural experiences

Our river cruise itineraries deliver authentic and engaging moments to fully immerse you in the culture. You’ll remember being seduced by the fiery passion of flamenco dancing after a cruise along the Douro. Hold on to that feeling of wonder you felt as you watch the glassblower creating the most beautiful vase out of a glowing mass. And tell the stories you heard during a Hungarian folklore show to your grandchildren at bedtime. The memory of these authentic cultural experiences will last a lifetime.

Sun Deck

Diamond Deck (Upper Deck)

Ruby Deck (Middle Deck)

Emerald Deck (Lower Deck)

Dress Code

There is no requirement to bring formal dress – smart/casual is acceptable for both day and evening as there is no dress code enforced.

However, men are requested not to wear shorts for dinner or vest tops at any time in the dining room. You may wish to wear a jacket and tie for dinner.

The Chef’s Dinner offers the opportunity, should you wish, for more special attire.

Water level impact on itineraries

Water levels on rivers can fluctuate on a daily basis. In serious cases it is possible that the itinerary can be affected with little or no warning. Should the ship be unable to follow the planned itinerary, we will do all we can to ensure all places are visited by alternative means, usually by coach. 

Passengers with reduced mobility

Do the coaches have wheelchair access?

The coaches we use have not been adapted for wheelchair access.

Please note: all of our tours involve coach travel.

Can I arrange airport assistance?

We are able to arrange airport assistance for anyone with reduced mobility.

This is a free service which must be arranged with the airline prior to travel.

If you would like us to arrange this assistance for you, it needs to be pre-booked more than 48 hours before your flight departs.

Eurostar accessibility

If you have reduced mobility and are travelling on one of our Eurostar tours please contact us.

Should you need to travel in your own wheelchair, Eurostar does have specially adapted wheelchair spaces which need to be pre-booked.

If you would like assistance at St. Pancras we can make Eurostar Assist aware of this requirement, you would then need to make your way to the Eurostar Assist desk at St. Pancras at least 60 minutes prior to your departure.

Are the hotels accessible?

The hotels we use have been chosen due to their location and standard, the facilities offered can differ, it is therefore important that we make the appropriate enquiries with our suppliers on your behalf to ensure any special needs or requests can be catered for.

How do I make a special request regarding my mobility?

We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us.

If you have any concerns or special requests you would like to make regarding your reduced mobility, we encourage you to contact us 01283 688 206 to discuss these concerns.

Will there be lots of walking required?

We include guided tours, however due to the natural terrain of the locations we visit these may be a challenge for anyone with reduced mobility.

Are there any accessibility challenges on the excursions?

We also sometimes use different modes of transport to complete our itinerary which includes, though not limited to: boats, trains and jeeps. These may also pose a challenge for anyone with reduced mobility.

Can I take my own wheelchair with me on board?

Our ships are not adapted for wheelchair access. If you are intending to take a wheelchair or mobility scooter with you, it is essential that you contact us to let us know.

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be used on excursions but they cannot be used on board the ships due to safety reasons and must not be left in corridors, the lounge or restaurant or any other public areas.

They must be stored in your cabin.

Will I be able to get on and off the ship with ease?

Due to popularity of river cruising when there is more than one ship in port, the ships could be moored alongside each other.

If our ship happens to be moored away from the landing pier disembarking could involve walking across gang planks and the sun deck of other ships.

Passengers must be able to walk on and off the ship themselves, without the use of crutches or other aids, as gangplanks can be positioned at a steep angle.

Will there be assistance available on board?

River cruises operate with a smaller crew than ocean cruises and do not have the crew available to personally attend to passengers with reduced mobility, therefore a travelling companion would need to be able to help with any physical needs.

Are there any accessibility challenges on the excursions?

The itinerary we include with our river cruises involves shore excursions visiting places with cobbled streets which can be on an incline making navigation of these streets difficult for anyone with reduced mobility.

If you can’t do many shore excursions, river cruising in Europe can still be very enjoyable and worthwhile. Cruising down the Rhine, Danube or any of the European rivers we offer gives you the opportunity to take in the spectacular scenery and there is a lot to enjoy from the comfort of the ship. Please contact us with any concerns you may have.

Are there lifts between decks?

Whilst most of our ships have a lift on board, it does not operate to all decks.

We include mobility information regarding lifts between decks on each ship under the deck plan section of the page. You may wish to view all of our ships before booking.

Drinks Packages

We have a drinks package included for all European river cruises in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Superior Drinks Package

For all 2024 and 2025 European river cruises:

Over lunch in our restaurants enjoy unlimited drinks from a choice of:

• Red, white, rosé and sparkling house wine, including non-alcoholic
• Draught beer, including non-alcoholic
• A selection of soft drinks and juices

Then from 6 pm until midnight in our bar and restaurants, enjoy all of the above, plus unlimited drinks from a choice of:

• Our cocktail and mocktail of the day
• House spirits and mixers (including gin, vodka, rum and whisky)
• A recommended regional wine during dinner
• Martini & Sherry pre-dinner
• Port & Brandy after dinner

All-inclusive drinks package

Available on 2026 European river cruise departures

Available from 10am to midnight each day:

• Red, white, rosé and sparkling house wine, including non-alcoholic​
• A choice of draught beer, including non-alcoholic​
• A selection of soft drinks and juices​​
• Our cocktail and mocktail of the day​
• House spirits and mixers including vodka, gin, rum, whisky, martini, sherry, brandy, port and Baileys (excluding liqueurs)
• Daily recommended wines ​
• Tea and coffee from the bar

Dietary Requirements

We cater for most dietary requirements, please ensure you advise our sales team when making the booking.

Children

• The minimum age limit is 12 years old at the date of departure.
• We reserve the right to limit the number of children on any particular cruise.
• Any minor must be accompanied by and share a cabin with an adult aged 21 or over.
• If the adult is not the minor’s parent, a ‘Parental Consent Guardianship Form’ must be signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to sailing.

On-Board Facilities

Details on the facilities on each ship can be found in the individual river cruise ship pages.

Medical services

There are no on-board medical personnel, although specific crew members will have basic first aid training. However, the ship can stop at any time to transfer any passenger requiring emergency medical attention to local medical facilities.

If you have any concerns about your health whilst on tour, please see your Cruise Director or Concierge. They will be able to advise you about chemists and availability of doctors, etc.

In an emergency you could always phone our emergency number as issued on your itinerary.

Laundry service

A limited laundry service is available on board, except on the day of disembarkation.

A dry cleaning service is not available.

Library

There is a small library on board with a selection of books, games and puzzles.

Gift shop

There is a gift shop on board.

Lifts

There is a lift between all three internal decks but not the sun deck on most ships.

Currency

While you’re able to pay via card or cash onboard the ship, you’ll find that many places in Europe are still cash only, and that facilities such as public toilets require coins to enter, so it’s always a good idea to have cash with you for excursions and free time onshore.

Currency

The currency on the ship is the Euro.

There are no exchange facilities on the ship, however you will be able to change money on shore during your free time.

At the start of your cruise, an account will be opened for your cabin number, and all extras such as bar bills, drinks with dinner, laundry costs, etc. will be added to this.

Your account can be settled at the end of the cruise. Should you wish to check your account at any time, just speak with the staff at the front desk.

Credit and debit cards

Visa, MasterCard and Maestro credit cards are accepted on all ships.

American Express is accepted on the MS Douro Elegance and MS Douro Splendour.

Debit cards are accepted on most ships.

What is not accepted onboard

Personal cheques, travellers cheques, pre-paid credit cards and currency cards are not accepted on board.

Excursions

What excursions are offered, and do I need to take part in all to them?

Most itineraries include a selection of excursions, with additional optional experiences available to enhance your holiday at an extra cost.

Included excursions form part of your holiday package, with many destinations offering a choice of experiences—from active options to full day scenic journeys. Guests may enjoy a full day of exploration or combine guided activities with independent discovery.day scenic journeys. Guests may enjoy a full day of exploration or combine guided activities with independent discovery

Participation on excursions is entirely optional; guests are welcome to explore independently at their own pace or stay on board the ship.

Details of your included excursions are available on our website and within My Account, where you can select your preferred options.

We ask that you choose your preferred included excursions at least 4 weeks prior to departure.

Where can I find information on additional excursions available?

Alongside the included excursions, we offer a range of optional ‘Personalise Your Holiday’ (PYH) experiences to further tailor your cruise to your interests.

Optional ‘Personalise Your Holiday’ experiences vary by itinerary. Full details, including availability and pricing, can be found on our website or within your My Account.

We ask that you book your optional excursions at least 4 weeks prior to departure. 

Smoking and E-Cigarettes

Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted anywhere on board except for designated areas on the sun deck.

More and more countries in Europe are adopting a stricter legislation on smoking in public places.

Smoking is not allowed on any public transport and there may be other restrictions in hotels, bars and restaurants.