Adding to its fleet of luxurious river cruise ships, big-brand travel company Riviera is set to welcome even more adventurous holidaymakers to the fold with not one but two new river cruise ships for next year – having previously announced MS Jane Austen and now adding the new 5-star MS Charles Dickens to its fleet.
Sharing the same specifications as its sister ship MS William Shakespeare (pictured above), which launched earlier this year, the state-of-the-art MS Charles Dickens is destined to become one of the world’s most luxurious river cruise vessels when it begins its first 8-day sailings next year. Itineraries will include Blue Danube voyages, cruises to the heart of Europe and Rhine cruises to Switzerland.
Design and appearance
The design of the 110-metre MS Charles Dickens combines modern, high-safety construction with a classic sense of style and elegance. The ship’s roomy interior design includes thick carpets, sustainably sourced hardwoods and stylish décor, while plenty of glass and polished steel characterise the outer design and complement the ship’s modern passenger facilities.
It seems like nothing has been overlooked in the design of MS Charles Dickens. There’s even sound-absorbent paint on the dining room ceiling to create a more peaceful dining experience and a new forward-facing panoramic bay window which promises to offer more uninterrupted views than any other river cruise ship.
On-board spaces
Carrying just 140 passengers, a full 40 fewer than some other river cruise ships of a similar size, MS Charles Dickens is all about extra space. With a 4:1 ratio of passengers to crew, you’re guaranteed exceptional personal service for the length of your voyage – and with a modern four-deck design there’s plenty on-board to enjoy during your adventure.
The ship boasts a classic lounge bar at its front, serving premium wines and spirits from all over the world – along with an aft bar which features outdoor seating and hosts exclusive 24-guest chef’s dinners which can be reserved at no extra cost.
Relax with a good read in the library, wake up to another day’s adventures with a session in the lower-deck fitness centre, and even step ashore with a new ‘do courtesy of the on-board salon – and you could always relax in the ship’s sauna or up on the Sun Deck once you come back aboard.
Accommodations
MS Charles Dickens’ cabins are all about giving guests extra space and high-quality surroundings. The cabins on her upper and middle decks offer incredible views courtesy of floor-to-ceiling glass doors, sliding away completely into the side of the ship to create stylish French balconies where you can watch the countryside roll by.
At 151 sq ft the ship’s lower-deck cabins are slightly smaller than their 161 sq ft counterparts on the upper decks, but all room categories offer passengers the same luxurious features and fittings – like Grohe glazed showers in spacious bathrooms, air conditioning, extra-comfy hotel-standard beds and even satellite TV, complete with live footage of the ship’s voyage from a camera mounted on the bow.
Hotel-style extras include an in-room telephone, a hair dryer, a safe and plush bathrobes and slippers, plus a table and chairs to relax after your adventures ashore. MS Charles Dickens even features four deluxe suites on her upper deck, complete with an extra-large living area and table and chairs on outdoor balconies, which are accessed by sliding glass doors.
Sound like your kind of river cruise? We’ve got a great choice of sailings with Riviera Travel available right now. Call our dedicated Cruise Concierge team on 0800 197 0854 to find out more about this river cruise line, or to make a booking.
(Image courtesy of Riviera Travel.)
