Our long history with the MS William Shakespeare dates back to 2015.
Built to our exacting specifications - with the help of one of Europe's most experienced luxury ship builders - no expense was spared to ensure you travel in complete comfort. Sustainably sourced tropical hardwoods, highly polished brass and wrought iron fittings add to the elegant décor. And we've made sure our ship features everything you'd expect in a boutique hotel - plus a few extras.
Now operated by Starling Fleet, a member of the long-established River Advice alliance, one of the leading companies operating on all European rivers for both the UK and international markets, this much-loved ship is a stalwart of our fleet.
The cabins are very tastefully appointed, featuring a wealth of mahogany, leather, marble and Italian soft furnishings, which blend together to create an ambience of true quality and elegance. In keeping with this theme, spacious marble bathrooms have a washbasin with plenty of space for cosmetics and the provided bathrobes and slippers, a WC and a glazed shower with fittings by ‘Grohe’.
Cabins on the Hamlet (upper) and Othello (middle) decks have “French Balconies” with full floor to ceiling glazed doors. These have another unique innovative feature – a first on any river cruise ship. The doors slide completely away against the ship's side, effectively disappearing from view (excepting the safety barrier of course!), thus creating a true panoramic extension to your already large cabin area. From here you can enjoy the delights of fresh air and magnificent views whilst retaining your own privacy. At 15 square metres (161 square feet) cabins are spacious and well appointed with hotel standard twin beds with individual bedding which can be moved together or separated accordingly, safe, telephone, hair dryer, tea and coffee making facilities plus individually controlled air-conditioning. They have flat screen TV with satellite channels and also receive images from a bow-mounted camera, so you can see exactly where you are cruising from the comfort of your own bed! Two chairs and a small table are provided for your convenience plus tasteful lighting, subtly changing in harmony with the time of day is again a unique feature.
- Size boutique
- Style Luxury
- Type river
- Year of launch 2014
- Length 110.0m
- Width 11.45m
- Speed 10kts
- Decks 4
- Language English
- Currency Euro (€)
- No. of passengers 140
- No. of crew 35
- No. of cabins 76
Tips are not charged at a set percentage and are not included in the holiday cost, as we understand that giving a gratuity should be entirely at your discretion.
As a guideline we would recommend giving €8-12 per person per day should you feel that is appropriate. Usually, an envelope is left in your cabin on the final evening, for you to drop off at reception, if you choose to, the following morning. The tips are divided equally between the crew.
Should you also wish to give a gratuity directly to your Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge, this is also at your discretion.
Cabins on the Hamlet (upper) and Othello (middle) decks have “French Balconies” with full floor to ceiling glazed doors. These have another unique innovative feature – a first on any river cruise ship. The doors slide completely away against the ship's side, effectively disappearing from view (excepting the safety barrier of course!), thus creating a true panoramic extension to your already large cabin area. From here you can enjoy the delights of fresh air and magnificent views whilst retaining your own privacy. At 15 square metres (161 square feet) cabins are spacious and well appointed with hotel standard twin beds with individual bedding which can be moved together or separated accordingly, safe, telephone, hair dryer, tea and coffee making facilities plus individually controlled air-conditioning. They have flat screen TV with satellite channels and also receive images from a bow-mounted camera, so you can see exactly where you are cruising from the comfort of your own bed! Two chairs and a small table are provided for your convenience plus tasteful lighting, subtly changing in harmony with the time of day is again a unique feature.
Deluxe Suite
Why not treat yourself to an upgrade? On the Hamlet(upper) deck there are four unique deluxe suites of 22.8 square meters (245 square feet), featuring sliding glass doors leading to an outside balcony with table and chairs. With almost all the extra space being devoted to the living area, these suites represent exceptional comfort and luxury - taking your cruise to another level.
Features
- Individual climate control
- Floor to ceiling windows with outside balcony
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- Spacious ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- EU plug sockets
- Table and chairs
- Telephone and flat-screen TV
- Safe
- Turn down service
Riviera Plus (2024 and 2025 only)
- 10% off spa treatment or massage
- 10% off hairdresser services
- Luxury toiletries
- Locally inspired gifts
- Bottle of champagne
- 10% off onboard laundry services
Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.
Standard Cabin (Hamlet & Othello Decks)
At 15 square metres (161 square feet) cabins are spacious (amongst the largest on European rivers) and well appointed with hotel standard twin beds and feature floor to ceiling glazed doors which fully open to a French balcony.
Cabins on the Romeo (lower) deck are slightly smaller at 14 square metres (151 square feet), but feature the same amenities apart from one armchair and table and have smaller, fixed windows.
Some are available for sole occupancy (supplements may apply) and are subject to availability.
Features
- Individual climate control
- Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- EU plug sockets
- Table and chairs
- Telephone and flat-screen TV
- Safe
- Turn down service
Riviera Plus (2024 and 2025 only)
- 10% off spa treatment or massage
- 10% off hairdresser services
- Luxury toiletries
- Locally inspired gifts
- Bottle of champagne
- 10% off onboard laundry services
Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.
Sun Deck
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Seating Area & Terrace
Upper (Hamlet) Deck
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Lounge
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Deluxe Suites
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Upper Deck Cabins
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Midsummer Bar
Middle (Othello) Deck
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Restaurant
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Middle Deck Cabins
Lower (Romeo) Deck
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Wellness Area
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Lower Deck Cabins
Main restaurant on middle deck serving buffet breakfast, buffet lunch and dinner
Main Restaurant
Stairs and a lift lead down to the Othello (middle) deck, where the culinary delights of a superbly elegant restaurant are enhanced by sparkling crystal and crisp, high-quality table linen. Here the ship’s outstanding chefs will amaze you with superb fine dining of the highest order, using freshly prepared seasonal produce to create very best of European cuisine. The sumptuous breakfast buffet, with omelettes and fresh eggs prepared to order, ensures a great start to the day and at lunchtime the salad and dessert buffet allows you to opt for something lighter, or choose a hearty lunch from the pasta station or the à la carte soup and main courses – just as you desire.
Wonderfully illustrating the extraordinary attention to detail focussed on the William Shakespeare’s design is the use of special ‘sound absorbent’ paint on the restaurant ceiling to reduce noise levels whilst dining – remarkable! Another outstanding restaurant feature are the large tinted panoramic windows, so as you enjoy your epicurean adventure you will also be able to enjoy the scenery as it glides past – you miss nothing!
Midsummer Bar & Restaurant
Moving towards the front of the ship you will find the classically appointed Globe lounge and bar, with a wide selection of comfortable and elegant seating. Here you can relax and enjoy the delights of the passing scenery through the superb observation windows on both sides of the vessel, whilst the forward facing panoramic bay window ensures the most extensive and uninterrupted viewing of any river cruise ship! The welcoming bar offers a full range of drinks sourced from all over the world, including the finest wines and spirits. As the evening progresses into darkness, subtle lighting evolves through colour and intensity accompanied by gentle piano background music, creating a very special ambience. However should you prefer a good book to read you can always visit the library, which, with its leather-effect wall linings, offers a gentile environment reminiscent of the golden age of cruising.
To the rear of the ship is the intimate La Brasserie, with large panoramic windows and outside seating, where again you can enjoy and relax, watching the passing scenery. Here, in the evenings the chef presents his personal signature dishes for just 24 diners.
The Sun Deck is the hub for entertainment onboard. 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 including shuffleboard and giant chess, a small splash pool where you can cool off, and a full bar service. Sometimes barbecues are held here too, weather dependent of course – a great way to meet new people over a glass of wine.
Then, as the evening progresses into darkness, subtle lighting evolves down on the Hamlet Deck, through colour and intensity accompanied by gentle piano background music, creating a very special ambience. However should you prefer a good book to read you can always visit the library, which, with its leather-effect wall linings, offers a genteel environment reminiscent of the golden age of cruising.
Sun Deck
Crowning the ship is the magnificent Sun deck, where you are very welcome to visit the Bridge whenever you wish except when berthing or navigating locks. You can discuss life on the river and view the fascinating technologically advanced array of ‘state of the art’ navigation and control equipment, whilst highly skilled officers guide all 110 metres of the William Shakespeare carefully along the river. Of course the view from the sun deck is just wonderful, whilst the informal café style seating is an ideal place to relax with like-minded travellers.
Just absorb the magical sights, sounds and unique river atmosphere whilst perhaps availing yourself of the attentive bar service. Or just relax on a sun bed and read a book, solve the crossword from a deck chair, take a dip in the whirlpool, play chess, try your hand on the putting green or just relax and admire the ever-changing kaleidoscope of stunning views passing by.
Please note: The Sun Deck is only accessible by stairs.
Wellness area with sauna and fitness equipment for you to use at your leisure.
Wellness Area
A small but well equipped fitness suite is available for the energetic, whilst others may choose to plump for an invigorating sauna! There is also a hairdressing salon so you can always look your best (small additional fee).
Please note: The Romeo Deck is only accessible by stairs.
Please note: MS William Shakespeare does not provide facilities to accommodate Kids/Teens.
Thanks to the ship’s small size, your shore excursions are far more personal and rewarding.
Excursions
On our river cruises we love to take you right into the heart of each town or city you visit along the way, and during your cruise local guides will offer a variety of guided walking tours, panoramic coach tours and/or visits to museums and local cultural favourites such as a wine tasting in Burgundy and a train journey through the Swiss mountains. You will have a good mix of touring and free time to learn about the history and the little quirks of each place, with plenty of time to explore at your own leisure. Please check the itinerary of the cruise for more specific details.