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4. MS Thomas Hardy

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MS Thomas Hardy

It is extremely difficult to convey just how extraordinary this outstanding ship really is and exactly what distinguishes the MS Thomas Hardy 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.

The restaurant rivals 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. This superb vessel carries 44 in-house trained crew members serving just 167 guests (similar size vessels may carry well over 190 passengers) giving the ratio which our experience proves is concurrent with our first class service levels.

Furthermore your suite will easily exceed your expectations for not only will you enjoy the most discerning décor, so too the ship’s dimensions afford the ultimate in space and comfort - a minimum 17 square metres (183 square feet), with upgrades available to ‘Superior’ and ‘Deluxe’ accommodation.

A small number of bicycles are available on board for our guests. Please enquire at the reception desk for information.

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Accomodation Types

A gleaming wood door opens revealing your exceptionally appointed suite. At 17 square metres (183 square feet), 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 sparkling 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 quality cosmetics 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. Please note all suites have two twin beds with individual bedding which can be moved together or separated accordingly.

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, mini fridge, telephone and the convenience of tea (our meticulous planning even extends to familiar teabags!) and coffee making facilities ensure a home from home experience.

Suites on the Diamond and Ruby Decks have ‘French Balconies’ – panoramic floor to ceiling sliding glass doors bringing riverside life just that little closer! 

Deluxe Balcony Suites

Superior Suites

Suites

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Deck Plans

A gleaming wood door opens revealing your exceptionally appointed suite. At 17 square metres (183 square feet), 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 sparkling 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 quality cosmetics 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. Please note all suites have two twin beds with individual bedding which can be moved together or separated accordingly.

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, mini fridge, telephone and the convenience of tea (our meticulous planning even extends to familiar teabags!) and coffee making facilities ensure a home from home experience.

Suites on the Diamond and Ruby Decks have ‘French Balconies’ – panoramic floor to ceiling sliding glass doors bringing riverside life just that little closer! 

Diamond Deck (Upper Deck)

Ruby Deck (Middle)

Emerald Deck (Lower)

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Dining

Start your morning with a full English Breakfast or opt for a lighter bite like fresh fruit and cereal. For lunch, enjoy the selection of sandwiches, burgers and pasta dishes. And don't forget dessert - there are enough options to satisfy any sweet tooth. At the end of the day, sit down to a carefully crafted four-course à la carte dinner featuring familiar dishes as well as soon-to-be favourites inspired by the destinations you visit.

Main Restaurant

Riverview Kitchen

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Entertainment

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.

Panorama Bar

Boutique

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Enrichment

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.  

Excursions

World-renowned destinations

Our expertly crafted tours take you to some of the world's most famous cities, from European favourites - like Paris and Rome - to more exotic locales, like Tokyo and Cusco. Our Tour Managers and local guides will introduce you to the very best of each city. Marvel at the architectural wonder of the Taj Mahal, stroll through the ancient streets of Rome or stand in awe of the Great Wall of China.

But that’s not all. Away from the bright lights of bigger cities, our tours take you through the countryside to smaller towns and villages to witness rural life and meet the locals. From tucked-away medieval farms in France to serene temples in the Japanese wilderness, or vibrant markets in Morocco, each reveals a new facet of local life and provides you with the opportunity to speak to residents.

Authentic experiences

While exploring, our team have hand-picked fantastic experiences to help you delve deeper into the heart of your destination. This could be tucking into a recipe that's been handed down through generations, spotting native animals in their natural habitat or a local cultural performance. We've marvelled at Moroccan women as they make argan oil, been welcomed to New Zealand by the Māori with a performance of song and dance and stepped into the intoxicating world of flamenco in Seville. And there's so much more to discover.

These authentic cultural encounters aren't just memorable; they're transformative, offering a deeper understanding of the places and people you meet.

Explore our destinations

European Tours

From medieval villages of southern France, to Norway's natural wonders, iconic Swiss peaks to beautiful Istanbul, we have something for everyone in our European escorted tours.

Worldwide Tours

At Riviera Travel, we have a passion for giving you the best experience possible, and our Worldwide Escorted Tours are no exception.

Discover more about Riviera Travel's escorted tours

Dining on an Escorted Tour

Discover the perfect blend of food and travel. Savor local flavors, cultural traditions, and unique dining experiences on expertly planned holidays.

Hotels on an Escorted Tour

Enjoy restful nights on your travels with handpicked hotels offering comfort, style, and stunning locations. Relax, recharge, and feel at home anywhere.

Meet our Tour Managers

Throughout every Riviera Travel holiday, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced tour manager, whose sole mission is to ensure you have a superb time.

Offers on Touring Holidays

Explore iconic destinations worldwide with expertly crafted itineraries, for less with our tours offers. Our unbeatable value just got even better! Book now.

Bikes

A small number of bicycles are available on board for our guests. Please enquire at the reception desk for information.

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Health & Fitness

Fitness Centre & Spa

Sun Deck

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Kids & Teens

Please note: there are no dedicated kids or teens facilities onboard.

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Useful Information

Disabled Facilities

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

Please take a look at our Passengers with Reduced Mobility FAQs page for more information.

Alternatively, you can contact us online or call us on 01283 688 164 to discuss these concerns.

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.

Special Dietary Requirements

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

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.

Medical Facilities

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. 

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.

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.

Drinks Packages

Celebrate your trip with a free drinks package, automatically included for all 2026 and 2027 bookings.

There's no better way to explore Europe than on a luxury river cruise. Fall in love with some of the world's most scenic rivers, passing charming landscapes and cityscapes. Add to that a well-timed, well-chosen glass of wine or classic cocktail (best enjoyed at sunset, up on deck) – and the temptation becomes too great to resist.

Enjoy your all-inclusive drinks package from 4pm on embarkation day and from 10am to midnight on all other days. Alongside wines, beers and soft drinks, you can enjoy Riviera’s signature cocktail, mocktails and an expanded drinks selection. Drink as much – or as little as you like!

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

View more about our drinks packages.

Are the drinks unlimited?

Yes, there are no restrictions on how many drinks you can have, within the options available and times listed. For example, there will be one cocktail of the day each day, but there is no limit to how many you can have.

What soft drinks and mixers are included?

A wide selection of soft drinks and juices are available, including Coca-Cola, Sprite, Bitter Lemon, Ginger Ale and tonic water. Juices include orange, apple, grapefruit, pineapple and tomato. The exact selection of soft drinks and juices may vary by itinerary and ship.

What cruises is this package on?

The All-inclusive drinks package is available on all European river cruises departing in 2026 and 2027.

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi available for your convenience

Facilities and Services

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

Hairdressing services

• Most ships, with the exception of the MS Douro Elegance and MS Douro Splendour, offer a hairdressing service.

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.

Health & Safety

A safety briefing will take place at the beginning of your cruise.

All guests must attend this compulsory and important demonstration.

River Cruise Assurance

What is River Cruise Assurance?

While the majority of trips pass without incident, our River Cruise Assurance explains what we do to keep your holiday going and the compensation we pay if we are unable to do so when river conditions, industrial actions, mechanical faults, or other factors impact your cruise.

It’s all included in the price of your holiday, with nothing extra to pay, giving you another reason to book with Riviera Travel with confidence.

Please note this assurance applies to European river cruises. For cruises outside Europe and for our land-based tours please refer to our booking conditions.

Unnavigable rivers

Water levels can fluctuate on Europe’s rivers which may result in low or high water conditions in specific destinations. We monitor this very closely and we will contact you immediately if there is likely to be any impact to your upcoming cruise, there is no need for you to call us.

Whilst we will endeavour to provide you with as much notice as possible, the situation can evolve rapidly, and it is impossible for us to predict if a cruise will be affected more than a few days in advance.

Disruption - Delays to your cruise

If progress along the river is disrupted, we will endeavour to keep your holiday going by doing one or more of the following:

• Remaining moored another night, postponing departure to the next day.
• Arranging excursions to the itinerary destinations or equivalent alternatives by coach, with no more than 2 hours journey each way.
• Swapping ships – transferring you past the affected part of the river to join another ship. The maximum length of coach journey we will undertake to do this is 4 hours.

If we are unable to do the above, or despite doing them your holiday itinerary is delayed or significantly disrupted, we will automatically compensate you for every complete 24 hours affected.

Cabin Grade & Maximum compensation per complete 24hrs per person

• Lower Deck £80
• Middle Deck £100
• Upper Deck £120
• Superior and Deluxe Suites £140

Please note we will not pay compensation if the delay is due to civil or military hostilities, or for any other losses incurred beyond the cost of your holiday.

Curtailment – having to come home early

• If the disruption is such that we are unable to continue your holiday, we may decide to terminate the cruise.
• In this instance we will, at our cost, transport you back to the UK if you originally travelled with us. If you made your own way to the ship embarkation point, we would return you at our cost to the original disembarkation point, or the nearest major European city if you prefer. Please note if you join our outbound UK flight or make your own way to the ship embarkation point, having first flown in from another country, we strongly advise that you take out travel insurance to cover your originating flight into the UK or Europe.
• If your holiday is cut short, we will also automatically refund you on a pro rata basis for each full 24-hour period of your holiday that has been lost. For example, if you have lost 3 complete days on an 8-day holiday, we will refund you 3/8ths of your original purchase price.

Cancellation prior to departure

• Our shipping company partners constantly monitor river conditions. Whilst we will try to give as much notice as possible, please note that forecasts tend to be short, as river conditions can improve quickly, and hence the shipping company may make a final decision close to departure.
• If it is looking likely that your cruise would be significantly disrupted across multiple days, we will attempt to provide an amended or alternative cruise of equivalent quality. If we are able to do so we will endeavour to contact you at least 48 hours before departure to ask if you want to go on the alternative.
• If no alternative cruise of equivalent quality is available, your holiday will be cancelled. In this instance, you will be refunded the full cost of your holiday.

Holiday Information

Running order of itineraries

Occasionally we may have to change the running order of the holiday itinerary.

This may happen on short notice, and could be due to several reasons such as; public holidays, festivals, weather, traffic conditions or other operational reasons.

On the rare occasions this may happen we will advise you as soon as possible and act in your best interest to ensure your holiday enjoyment is not compromised.

What is the likely age range of the group?

We believe age is just a number, and so do the people who travel with us!

Age composition on our holidays varies, and your holiday may be shared with travellers in their 30s right up to those in their 80s, or even beyond.

What unites all our guests is their adventurous spirit, insatiable curiosity and desire to not just see, but explore the world with like-minded travellers.

Holiday extras

Our Travel Concierge service can organise door-to-door transfers, additional nights at an airport or destination, departures from regional airports and more.

Riviera Travel have teamed up with Holiday Extras to offer you great prices on fast track, airport lounges, airport hotels and parking. Visit www.rivieraextras.co.uk or call 0333 038 9879 for more information.

Weather

Our sales advisors are happy to provide advice on weather in our destinations.

However, weather patterns are becoming less predictable, and we cannot be held responsible for any disruption to your holiday itinerary due to bad or unseasonal weather conditions or pay compensation/refunds for any alternative arrangements or property damage.

Contact us for more details.

Do I need travel insurance?

It is important that you have adequate travel insurance, to ensure you are protected before you travel and whilst you are away on holiday.

Should you require a quote for your Travel Insurance, we can refer you to Holiday Extras. For more information on Holiday Extras or to obtain a quote, you can: Go to their website www.rivieraextras.co.uk, or Call them on 0333 038 9879 and quote code V4744 to speak to a friendly advisor

Excursions

Will a daily schedule of excursions and onboard activities be provided?

A daily programme outlining the day’s activities will be available on board and updated each day.

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.

Can I go ashore whenever I like?

• You are free to go ashore at your leisure when the ship is moored.
• The Cruise Director or Concierge will inform the group when the ship is due to leave each mooring point.

Do all departure dates operate the same itinerary?

• Some of our itineraries operate in a reverse order, and the sailing schedule is designed to offer you the same tours and visits as detailed in the brochure itinerary.
• Water levels on rivers can fluctuate on a daily basis and 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.

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.

See our River Cruise Assurance FAQs for more info on what happens if your trip is significantly impacted.