After years of painstaking research to create the most perfect vessels afloat, a new era in river cruising dawns as Riviera Travel introduce their brand new, state of the art, ‘all suite’ ships. Swiss operated and truly world-class, they are absolutely delighted to present the five-star MS Thomas Hardy.
It is extremely difficult to convey just how extraordinary this outstanding ship really is and exactly what distinguishes it from similar vessels. It would be very easy to just say ‘luxurious’ but it’s much more than that; we have deliberately avoided the current trend for a minimalist style where you could be anywhere in the world, creating instead a unique yet exquisite blend of understated taste, style and elegance at the highest level. Immediately striking is just how exceptionally spacious this new vessel is as you enter a gleaming, richly coloured marble-floored lobby flooded with natural light from a stunning atrium above. Moving inside, exceptional creativity from Europe’s finest design studio has produced a superbly balanced masterpiece of onboard style, utilising sustainable rich hardwoods, gleaming brass and polished copper, sparkling glass and intricate wrought iron. The ship is beautifully illuminated throughout – including the exterior and imaginatively furnished with harmonious colour schemes, all designed to create the serene atmosphere reflective of the golden age of cruising which time after time you tell us you adore.
- Size boutique
- Style Ultra Luxury
- Type river
- Year of launch 2017
- Length 135.0m
- Width 12.0m
- Speed 13kts
- Decks 4
- Language English (British)
- Currency Euro (€)
- No. of passengers 169
- No. of crew 44
- No. of cabins 88
- -wheelchair access 0
It is customary aboard all cruise ships worldwide to give a gratuity at the end of a cruise, providing, of course, you have received good service. Riviera Travel emphasise that the amount you give is entirely discretionary, and is then divided equally among the crew on board. Riviera Travel are often asked for guidance on the amount, and suggest between €5 and €10 per person per day.
Again at your discretion they recommend tipping your local guides and drivers at the end of each tour, for which you can use the following guidelines:
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Local guides €2 per person, per day
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Drivers €1 per person, per day
Should you also wish to give a gratuity to your Riviera Cruise Director and Tour Manager, this is also at your discretion.
As you are welcomed aboard the five-star pedigree is striking, with a remarkable feeling of spaciousness and harmonious design at every glance.
Suites
A gleaming wood door opens revealing your exceptionally appointed suite. Its generous dimensions are amongst the largest you will find on a cruiser gracing any European river. Imaginatively designed and appointed to the highest specification, with all the luxury you would expect to find in a smart ‘boutique style’ hotel, your comfort definitely won’t be compromised on any level!
The gleaming marble bathroom features a powerful fully glazed shower with a large ‘rainshower’ head, superbly refreshing after a hard day’s sightseeing. Clever design allows for ample space, and contemporary lighting, complimentary cosmetics by ‘Crabtree and Evelyn’ and fluffy towels, makes preparing for the day ahead an absolute pleasure.
The chic styling of a talented designer’s eye extends to the entire suite with generous use of hand-crafted tropical hardwoods blended with premium fittings, discreet thoughtful lighting and a colour scheme of calming neutral tones, creating an ambience to put you in the most relaxed frame of mind from the very first minute! A full size bed assures a good night’s rest in crisp cotton linen of the finest quality - a turndown service each evening adds the finishing touch.
You will enjoy a particularly generous seating area with two chairs and a table, enabling you to unwind in comfort in the privacy of your own suite whilst a bow camera conveys live images of the ship’s progress to your flat screen TV, ensuring you won’t miss a thing. Careful consideration has been given to the tiniest details with individually controlled air-conditioning so you set the temperature that you desire, a hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and the convenience of tea (our meticulous planning even extends to familiar teabags!) and coffee making facilities ensure a familiar home from home experience. Suites on the Diamond (upper) and Ruby (middle) Decks have ‘French Balconies’ – panoramic floor to ceiling sliding glass doors bringing riverside life just that little closer!
Suites on the Emerald Deck are as above except they have smaller fixed windows and are available for sole occupancy with no supplement.
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183 Square Feet
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Sleeps 2
Superior Suites
Bringing your cruise to another level, why not upgrade to a Superior Suite available on the Ruby and Diamond decks. Substantially larger and with the additional space devoted to the living area, you will immediately notice the benefit as you relax in your stylish surroundings. Of course the identical high quality furnishings and fittings as the standard suite are evident throughout, again with stunning views from the panoramic floor to ceiling sliding glass doors.
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210 Square Feet
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Sleeps 2
Deluxe Balcony Suites
If you’re looking to really spoil yourself, the world-class Diamond Deck Deluxe Balcony Suites are for you. Fifty percent larger than standard suites, they allow for an even more generous living area for the ultimate in space and comfort.
In addition you will enjoy a private exterior balcony complete with table and chairs - perfect for an ‘al fresco’ breakfast should you wish or just a quiet morning coffee or a pre-dinner ‘sundowner’ whilst watching the world drift by. With the same fittings as standard suites, exquisitely and lavishly appointed to the very highest standard, plus complimentary soft cotton bathrobes and slippers adding the final little touch, this really is the epitome of river cruise luxury!
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274 Square Feet
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Sleeps 2
Diamond Deck (Upper Deck)
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Observation Lounge & Bar
- Bistro Restaurant
- Reception
- Souvenir Shop
- Guest Suites
- Guest Superior Suites
- Guest Deluxe Balcony Suites
Ruby Deck (Middle)
- Restaurant
- Guest Suites
- Guest Superior Suites
Emerald deck (Lower)
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Fitness Centre
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Hair & Beauty Salon
- Guest Suites
The restaurants rival the finest on shore establishments, taking fine dining to another level complemented by delicate European porcelain, gleaming glassware and the intuitive service in which the Swiss excel.
Main Restaurant
The ship’s restaurant is located on the Ruby Deck and here you will experience not only exceptional first class cuisine, but also the most attentive yet discreet service from the ship’s highly professional crew. So just sit back with a well-deserved glass of wine from the carefully selected wine list and delight in the wonderful elegance of your surroundings; beautifully laid tables of just 4 or 6 guests, crisp linen, deep wool carpets and warm wood panelling abound to offer a delectable dining experience of the highest order.
Bistro Restaurant
To the aft is the peaceful Bistro with its open kitchen and terrace – another perfect spot to appreciate the ever-changing scenery gliding by whilst chatting with new found friends. Here in the evenings the chef presents his personal signature dishes to a small number of diners with menus varying according to the seasons; this intimate dining experience can be reserved on board at no extra charge. When the weather allows the panoramic windows may be fully opened on to the terrace to allow a delightful al fresco dining experience.
The Diamond Deck is where you will find the very heart of the ship - the superb panoramic observation lounge and bar; a lounge in every sense of the word, complete with plenty of comfortable leather armchairs and sumptuous sofas where you can sink into warmly colourful cushions in beautiful quality fabrics with a freshly made cup of tea. A thick wool carpet feels lovely underfoot and the tasteful contemporary lighting above creates a welcoming and refined ambience, further complemented by the discreet and intuitive service resplendent of the finest five-star hotels. So just sit back with your favourite cocktail and take in the truly mesmerising view.
After a superb dinner in the restaurant perhaps it’s time for a digestif accompanied by the soothing tones of the ship’s pianist or unwind with a book from the smartly wood panelled library.
Panorama Bar
After a superb dinner in the restaurant perhaps it’s time for a digestif accompanied by the soothing tones of the ship’s pianist or unwind with a book from the smartly wood panelled library.
Head on up to the truly spectacular deck and watch life ashore slip by from the comfort of a sun lounger, perhaps under shade if the weather gets too hot! There’s always the refreshing splash pool too or why not try your hand on the putting green.
Simply put, these world-class ships, elegant and refined in the truest sense, take the idea of river cruising to another level – it really doesn’t get better than this!
Fitness Centre & Spa
On the Emerald Deck is the fitness centre, perfect for working off all those delicious meals or for something less strenuous treat yourself to a relaxing massage. So you will always look your best there is a hairdressers too which also offers manicure and pedicure treatments.
Please note: there are no dedicated kids or teens facilities onboard.
More information coming soon.