Rhine & Moselle River Cruise - MS George Eliot
Rhine & Moselle River Cruise - MS George Eliot
Rhine & Moselle River Cruise - MS George Eliot
8 Days Starting and ending in Cologne, Germany
Visiting: Cologne, Cochem, Trier, Bernkastel, Koblenz, Rhine Gorge
Tour operator:
Ship Name:
MS George EliotGuide Type:
Fully Guided
Ship Capacity:
132
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Germany with the Rhine & Moselle River Cruise aboard the MS George Eliot. This enchanting cruise offers guided tours of historic towns like Cochem, Bernkastel, and Trier, where you'll explore ancient Roman sites and charming market squares. Discover the picturesque streets of Koblenz and Boppard, and cruise through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Delight in the vibrant culture of Rudesheim and the architectural splendor of Cologne's iconic cathedral. Enjoy full board with a superior drinks package, complimentary Wi-Fi, and expert-guided excursions. With the services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge, this river cruise promises an unforgettable exploration of Germany's most scenic waterways and historic treasures.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Cologne
Accommodation Name: MS George Eliot
Meals Included: Dinner
Embark in Cologne
On arrival, transfer by coach to your five-star cruise ship moored in the heart of Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest cities. The friendly English-speaking crew will welcome you and help you to your cabin. After settling into your spacious and well-equipped accommodation, it’s time to familiarise yourself with the many first-class aspects of this floating boutique hotel.
Day 2
Location: Cochem
Accommodation Name: MS George Eliot
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise towards Cochem
The first morning on board a river cruise is always a thrill, awakening to the peaceful lapping of the water outside as the scenic valley sides slip past your cabin window – there’s no other holiday experience quite like it. Breakfast is a leisurely affair; life on board is unhurried, so you can linger over that extra cup of tea or coffee.
You’re cruising some of Europe’s most dramatic and romantic waterways – the mighty River Rhine and its tributary the Moselle. The Sun Deck is perfect for an invigorating mid-morning stroll, watching picture-postcard villages with slanting timber-framed houses pass by.
Cochem
After a delicious lunch we glide into our moorings at Cochem, the traditional centre of the Moselle wine trade, for an afternoon guided tour.
Dominating the scene is a multi-turreted castle crowning a vineyard covered hillside, but Cochem’s real charm is its jumble of narrow streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings and peppered with quirky shops and wine cellars.
There’s ample time to explore here, immersing yourself in the relaxed ambience of this quintessential riverside town, before stepping back on board to enjoy the chef’s choices for dinner, served in the splendid ship’s restaurant. Then delight in the upbeat sounds of Rhenish folk music with a live performance on traditional instruments.
Included experiences:
Guided tour of Cochem & live folk music performance.
Day 3
Location: Trier
Accommodation Name: MS George Eliot
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise along the Moselle
Leaving Cochem, we pass through an impressive series of four locks allowing passage further upstream, through meanders in the river against a backdrop of green valley sides. All around are steep, tree-crested slopes covered in a patchwork of vineyards, crisscrossed by narrow tracks and roads giving workers access to the vines – it’s a miracle that anything can be cultivated on such terrain. The Romans first planted vines in the Moselle during the second century AD and today white varieties such as Riesling thrive in the flinty soils. Before long we approach the delightful town of Zell.
Trier
After lunch we drive to Trier for an afternoon tour of one of Germany’s most fascinating cities – and its oldest. Founded by the Romans, it was the capital of much of their empire, encompassing present-day Spain, France, Britain and parts of Germany. The city had a population of 80,000 people – an enormous number in ancient times – and the Emperor Constantine lived here. Many of its Roman monuments, including the amphitheatre, baths and bridge, have survived surprisingly intact, but most impressive is the Porta Nigra, a fortified gate made of huge stone blocks that towers above the surrounding medieval buildings.
This is the largest and best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps and stands as testimony to their architectural genius. Such is the significance of Trier’s Roman heritage and its other buildings, including its Cathedral, the oldest bishop’s church in Germany, that together they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We return to our ship, moored in the charming town of Bernkastel, in time for another exquisite meal.
Included experience:
Guided tour of Trier.
Day 4
Location: Bernkastel
Accommodation Name: MS George Eliot
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bernkastel
After a delicious breakfast on board, join the expert guided tour of Bernkastel town, a romantic wonder from another age.
Wander its cobbled streets to the market square, where you’ll be surrounded by ornate half-timbered houses, many dating from the 15th-century. Most famous is the Pointed House, a jewel of the rustic middle-class building tradition from the Middle Ages and a classic example of a Moselle vintner’s dwelling. You might spot the famous Graacher Tor too, built in 1300, the last remaining gate and now home to a museum of local history.
Cruise towards Koblenz
We have lunch on board as the ship slips its moorings and cruises back downstream. This afternoon, sit back on one of the comfortable deck chairs on the Sun Deck and soak up the atmosphere of this magical river, breathing in the clean air, listening to the rippling water and absorbing the scenery. Another gourmet experience awaits this evening in the ship’s restaurant, possibly followed by a nightcap in the company of newly made friends.
Included experience:
Guided tour of Bernkastel.
Day 5
Location: Koblenz
Accommodation Name: MS George Eliot
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Koblenz
Early this morning, we reach Koblenz. Strategically situated at the confluence of these two great rivers, this 2,000-year-old city, with its mighty fortress towering above, is full of appeal. A knowledgeable local guide accompanies us around its principal monuments and intriguing centre, taking in historic squares, highlighting painstakingly restored house frontages and revealing hidden aspects of the city that only locals know. Koblenz is a joy to wander through, pausing to window shop while trying to resist the aromas of fresh coffee and cakes drifting from the numerous traditional cafés.
Boppard
Returning to our ship for lunch, we proceed to Boppard, also known as the ‘Pearl of the Rhine’ for a guided tour, a famously picturesque town located on a long, looping bend of the river. The black and white spires of the Church of Saint Severus can be seen from a distance, but as we draw closer its bustling quayside comes into view.
Captivating, cobbled streets, lined by half-timbered houses, tucked-away shops selling traditional goods and characterful restaurants, lead into the town and its main square. Like many riverside settlements in the area, the Romans founded Boppard, and their legacy remains in the superbly preserved town walls, the finest in Germany. There’s time to explore or promenade along the river, gazing at views of the vineyard-covered hillsides. Or you can simply pass time on board in anticipation of more fine dining in the ship’s restaurant this evening.
Included experiences:
Guided tours of Koblenz & Boppard.
Day 6
Location: Rhine Gorge
Accommodation Name: MS George Eliot
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rhine Gorge
Leaving Boppard, as the sun crests the surrounding hilltops, expectation rises at what lies in store as we journey through the outstanding natural beauty of the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, at every dramatic turn of the river, towering valley slopes are crowned by the precarious ruins of castles built by princes to display their power and extort tolls from passing river traffic. The Gorge is home to medieval legends, tales of mysterious happenings and dark deeds, most famously the Lorelei – or ‘murmuring rock’ – said to have lured passing boats onto the rocks with its irresistible song.
The villages drifting by – Saint Goar, Bacharach and Kaub – are synonymous with wine production and one of the many thoughtful details of this cruise is the carefully compiled wine list, from which you can choose fine Rhine and Moselle wines to enjoy with the foods sourced from the region.
Rüdesheim
During lunch, we arrive in Rüdesheim, for a guided tour with our local expert. Perhaps the best known of all the wine towns, the picturesque, crooked houses slope down from wooded hillsides and terraced vineyards. Meander through the Market Place, Brömserburg Castle and the charming Klunkhardshof, a monumental half-timbered building dating back to the first half of the 16th-century. You’ll also see the Brömserhof, now the home of Siegfried‘s excellent mechanical music museum - a collection of around 350 intricate antique musical instruments and musical boxes from all over the world, many in working order, still playing the delicate sounds of yesteryear.
This evening there’s a truly memorable occasion – the ‘Chef’s Dinner’, when the chef prepares his superb ‘signature’ dishes for you to enjoy in the splendid surroundings of the ship’s restaurant.
Included experiences:
Cruise through Rhine Gorge & guided tour of Rüdesheim.
Day 7
Location: Cologne
Accommodation Name: MS George Eliot
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise towards Cologne
We slip our mooring early this morning and our ship resumes its voyage downstream as you enjoy another fine breakfast with views of pretty riverside towns, backed by the rolling volcanic hills for which the area is renowned. Passing the last vineyards and half-timbered houses around the pretty town of Linz, it’s not long before we reach the railway bridge at Remagen, captured intact towards the end of the Second World War, thereby arguably shortening the war in Germany.
Cologne
Not long after, we draw into the heart of Cologne, in the shadow of the magnificent dual-spired Gothic cathedral for which the city is so famous. It’s a truly monumental building, taking over 600 years to build and featuring myriad religious and art treasures and perhaps the most intricate stained-glass windows in Europe.
After lunch, we join a local guide for an informative tour of the city, with time to explore its tree-lined squares and perhaps visit one of its traditional bars, many of which still brew their own beer.
After our final dinner tonight, indulge in a delicious on-board tasting, with a presentation and Q&A session from Cologne's Lindt Chocolate Museum and the chance to sample its world-famous produce.
Included experiences:
Guided tour of Cologne & on-board Lindt chocolate tasting.
Day 8
Location: Cologne
Meals Included: Breakfast
Disembark in Cologne
This morning, the crew bids you farewell before you disembark.
Ship Details
MS George Eliot
Ship Overview
The five-star MS George Eliot – named after one of the leading English novelists of the 19th century – is 110 metres of fine Swiss engineering and craftsmanship. As with all Riviera Travel cruise ships, MS George Eliot was built to the highest specifications and strict safety regulations by Scylla AG, world-renowned builders of the most modern cruisers in Europe.
Guests are welcomed in the elegant lobby with its gleaming marble floor, well-lit by sophisticated lighting. Thoughtful design is on tasteful display throughout the ship – sustainable hardwood furniture, intricate wrought-iron work, and polished copper and brass are beautifully complemented by soft leather and sumptuous Italian fabrics.
MS George Eliot offers the convivial ambience and personal service of a luxury boutique hotel. With 36 staff serving just 132 guests, the experience is far more intimate and enjoyable.
There are 70 luxuriously appointed suites and cabins, which all feature an en-suite bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and facilities for making tea and coffee. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship.
Ship Details
Ship Name:
MS George Eliot
Adults Only Areas:
kids allowed
Ship Children Facilities:
none
Ship Nursery:
none
Smoking Areas:
some
Ship Size:
boutique
Ship Style:
luxury
Ship Type:
river
Ship Currency:
EUR
Ship Language:
en-GB
Ship Capacity:
132
Ship Crew Count:
36
Number of Decks:
4
Number of Cabins:
70
Ship Launch Year:
2018
Ship Length (Meters):
110 M
Ship Width (Meters):
12 M
Ship Speed (Knots):
13 Kn
Deck Plans
Diamond Deck
BistroTravel DeskReceptionShopPanorama LoungeBarLibraryDiamond Deck CabinDeluxe Balcony SuiteSuperior Suite
Emerald Deck
Wellness CentreEmerald Deck CabinSuperior Suite
Ruby Deck
RestaurantRuby Deck CabinSuperior Suite
Sun Deck
Sun Loungers & ChairsSplash PoolPutting Green
Cabins
There are 70 luxuriously appointed suites and cabins, which all feature an en-suite bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and facilities for making tea and coffee. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship.
Deluxe Balcony Cabin (Grade DBS )
For the ultimate in space and river cruise luxury, the spacious Deluxe Balcony Suite offers a generous living area with chairs and table, plus soft cotton bathrobes and slippers. There are floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors that open out on to a small balcony with a table for two.There are four Deluxe Balcony Suites on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).Size: 23.5 sq.m / 253 sq.ft.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 smart handset* with maps, translator and currency converter, unlimited internet use, L’Occitane en Provence toiletries, a bottle of chilled Prosecco on arrival, a platter of fresh seasonal fruits during the cruise and an aperitif each evening, with our compliments. *Smart handsets will be available on 2022 holiday departures.
Superior Suite (Grade RDS EDS DDS )
Superior Suites on the Diamond and Ruby Decks benefit from a generous living area, plus floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open up to create a French balcony for guests to enjoy panoramic river views.There are two Superior Suites on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).There are two Superior Suites the Ruby Deck (middle deck).Superior Suites on the Emerald Deck benefit from a generous living area and smaller fixed windows.There are two Superior Suites the Emerald Deck (lower deck).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 smart handset* with maps, translator and currency converter, unlimited internet use, L’Occitane en Provence toiletries, a bottle of chilled Prosecco on arrival, a platter of fresh seasonal fruits during the cruise and an aperitif each evening, with our compliments. *Smart handsets will be available on 2022 holiday departures.
Standard Cabin (Diamond and Ruby) (Grade DD RD )
Standard Cabins on the Diamond and Ruby Deck feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors that slide away to create a French balcony to enjoy panoramic river views.There are 22 Standard Cabins on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).There are 28 Standard Cabins on the Ruby Deck (middle deck).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 (Emerald) (Grade SED )
Standard Cabins on the Emerald Deck have smaller fixed windows – some are available for sole occupancy with no supplement.There are 10 Standard Cabins on the Emerald Deck (lower deck).
Superior Suite (Grade RDS EDS DDS SEDS )
Superior Suites on the Diamond and Ruby Deck benefit from a generous living area, plus floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open up to create a French balcony for guests to enjoy panoramic river views.Superior Suites on the Emerald Deck benefit from a generous living area and smaller fixed windows.There are two Superior Suites on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).There are two Superior Suites the Ruby Deck (middle deck).There are two Superior Suites the Emerald Deck (lower deck).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 (Emerald) (Grade SED ED )
Standard Cabins on the Emerald Deck have smaller fixed windows – some are available for sole occupancy with no supplement.There are 10 Standard Cabins on the Emerald Deck (lower deck).
Deluxe Balcony Suite (Grade DBS )
For the ultimate in space and river cruise luxury, the spacious Deluxe Balcony Suite offers a generous living area with chairs and table, plus soft cotton bathrobes and slippers. There are floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors that open out on to a small balcony with a table for two.There are four Deluxe Balcony Suites on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).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 (Grade DD ED RD )
Standard Cabins on the Diamond and Ruby Decks feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors that slide away to create a French balcony to enjoy panoramic river views.There are 22 Standard Cabins on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).There are 28 Standard Cabins on the Ruby Deck (middle deck).Standard Cabins on the Emerald Deck have smaller fixed windows – some are available for sole occupancy with no supplement.There are 10 Standard Cabins on the Emerald Deck (lower deck).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 smart handset* with maps, translator and currency converter, unlimited internet use, L’Occitane en Provence toiletries, a bottle of chilled Prosecco on arrival, a platter of fresh seasonal fruits during the cruise and an aperitif each evening, with our compliments. *Smart handsets will be available on 2022 holiday departures.
Dining
The main restaurant is on the Ruby Deck, with tables laid for up to six guests, serving buffet breakfast, buffet lunch and dinner
Bistro
The Bistro is on the Diamond Deck, with panoramic windows and al fresco seating, serving early-bird breakfast, light lunch and dinner (complimentary)
Main Restaurant
The spacious main restaurant offers an intimate yet relaxed fine dining experience with informal free seating. Guests are spoilt for choice with a hearty range of buffets at breakfast and lunch, and sumptuous four-course dinners executed with silver service. (complimentary)
Entertainment
Observation lounge and bar on the Diamond Deck with panoramic windows for breathtaking views.
Sun Deck with shaded sitting area plus comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers.
Bistro
Perhaps escape to the bistro at the rear of the ship and enjoy a quiet read on the terrace. Should you have any queries, stop by the reception desk in the lobby, or let a crew member at the travel desk help you with your travel arrangements.
Panoramic Observation Lounge & Bar
The lobby, observation lounge and bar, bistro and boutique are located on the Diamond Deck.At the heart of the ship is the elegant panoramic observation lounge, where guests can enjoy marvellous views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Take a seat on a leather armchair or modern settee, while the charming bar staff prepares your drink. During the evenings, the ship pianist entertains with a relaxing repertoire.
Sun Deck
Crowning MS George Eliot is the Sun Deck, the ideal spot for taking in unhindered river views. There is a shaded seating area with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers, as well as a putting green and splash pool.
The Sun Deck
Crowning MS George Eliot is the sun deck, the ideal spot for taking in unhindered river views. There is a shaded seating area with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers, as well as deck games such as giant chess. Cool off in the splash pool and enjoy a full bar service.
Enrichment
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.
Kids and Teens
Please Note: There are no children's facilities on board.
Health & Fitness
There is a Wellness Centre on board MS George Eliot, located on the Emerald Deck.
Hairdressers
Book an appointment at the hairdresser’s, which offers manicures and pedicures for a small additional fee.
Sun Deck & Splash Pool
Crowning MS George Eliot is the Sun Deck, the ideal spot for taking in unhindered river views. There is a shaded seating area with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers, as well as a putting green and splash pool.
Wellness Centre
The wellness centre and hair salon are located on the Emerald Deck. The wellness centre features a spa, which guests can reserve for private use to take a sauna or unwind in the steam room. Book an appointment at the hairdresser’s, which offers manicures and pedicures for a small additional fee.
Gratuities
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.
Useful Information
Age Restrictions
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.
Air Conditioning
Our ships are fully air-conditioned throughout. Each cabin has individual air-conditioning and heating controls.
Dietary Requirements
If you have made a special request, they will do their utmost to see that your wishes are carried out. However, they cannot guarantee that your requests will be met.
Disabled Facilities
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us or call us on 01283 688 518 to discuss these concerns.MooringDue to the popularity of river cruising at some mooring places, or where our ship is moored alongside another vessel, access to the ship may be via the sun deck and require the navigation of steps so 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.On boardOur 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 please contact us to let us know. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be used on excursions however 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, but must be stored at reception.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.Whilst most of our ships have a lift on board, it does not operate to all decks.River cruising on European rivers offers the opportunity to take in the scenery from the comfort of the ship. If you are unable to do some of the shore excursions, your river cruise can still be enjoyable and worthwhile, so please contact us with any concerns or questions you may have.Shore ExcursionsFor our river cruises which include an extension and feature a hotel stay, 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.AccommodationFor our river cruises which include an extension and feature a hotel stay, 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.Overseas Transport ArrangementsAll of our tours involve coach travel. The coaches we use have not been adapted for wheelchair access.Air TravelWe are able to arrange airport assistance, from the check-in desk to the plane, 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.EurostarIf you have reduced mobility and are travelling by Eurostar to your cruise, 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 provide you with information and contact details for Eurostar Assist, although we cannot reserve this service for you directly.
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. Men may wish to wear a jacket and tie for dinner. The Captain’s Dinner offers the opportunity, should you wish, for more special attire.
Drinks Packages
We offer a selection of drinks packages available to purchase and the price is dependent on the length of the cruise, so please check each tour page for more details. This includes the following with lunch and dinner: draught beer; non-alcoholic beer; soft drinks; juices; red, white and rose house wines; and wine recommendations from the menu. The drinks package must be added to your booking for all passengers in a cabin prior to departure and you can do this by calling the reservations team.If you choose not to purchase a drinks package, there is a vast selection of drinks on board each ship available for individual purchase.
Laundry Service
A limited laundry service is available on board, except on the day of disembarkation. A dry cleaning service is not available.
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. 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.
Onboard Lifts
On the MS Emily Brontë, MS Oscar Wilde, MS Thomas Hardy, MS Robert Burns, MS William Wordsworth, MS George Eliot, MS Douro Elegance and MS Douro Splendour there is a lift between all three internal decks but not the sun deck. All other ships have lifts, but these do not operate to the lower deck or the sun deck; with the exception of the MS Swiss Ruby which has no lift.
Smoking and E-Cigarette Policy
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.
Special Dietary Requirements
In the morning a full breakfast is served which includes healthy options and your choice of eggs made to order. For lunch enjoy salads from the buffet, soup and a choice of main courses, including local dishes, plus dessert. The four course a la carte dinners include a selection of international and regional specialities. We cater for most dietary requirements, please ensure you advise our sales team when making the booking.
What's Included
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Full board during your cruise
Full board is provided during your cruise from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day.
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Free Superior drinks package
A free Superior drinks package is included.
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Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
Complimentary on-board tea and coffee are available.
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Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi
Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi is provided, though connection speeds may vary.
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All visits and excursions
All visits and excursions as mentioned in the itinerary are included.
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Coach travel
Coach travel as mentioned in the itinerary is included.
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English-speaking expert guides
English-speaking expert guides are provided for tours.
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Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
The services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge are included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style aboard the MS George Eliot, a five-star cruise ship navigating the scenic Rhine and Moselle rivers. Enjoy leisurely coach transfers and guided tours, with the convenience of onboard amenities like Wi-Fi and a superior drinks package.
Accommodation
Experience the luxury of a five-star cruise ship, the MS George Eliot, offering spacious and well-equipped cabins. Enjoy the first-class amenities of this floating boutique hotel, including a splendid restaurant and a sun deck for relaxation.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided on the cruise?
The cruise offers spacious and well-equipped cabins on a five-star cruise ship, which is described as a floating boutique hotel.
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Are there any special dining experiences on the cruise?
Yes, there is a 'Chef's Dinner' where the chef prepares signature dishes for guests to enjoy in the ship's restaurant.
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What kind of entertainment is available on board?
Guests can enjoy live performances of Rhenish folk music with traditional instruments during the cruise.
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Is there any opportunity to taste local wines during the cruise?
Yes, the cruise offers a carefully compiled wine list featuring fine Rhine and Moselle wines to enjoy with meals.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour of Cologne?
The tour of Cologne includes a guided city tour and an on-board Lindt chocolate tasting with a presentation and Q&A session.
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What historical sites can be visited during the cruise?
The cruise includes visits to historical sites such as the Porta Nigra in Trier, the Roman city gate, and the medieval town walls in Boppard.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For almost 40 years
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I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns
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Do I require travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.
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What is my luggage allowance?
You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.