Description
The luxurious Swiss Ruby is Swiss owned and managed and is one of Europe’s few top-class vessels specifically designed to operate on the continent’s smaller, more intimate rivers like the Elbe.
Maintained and managed to the most exacting standards as befits its flag, the highly trained crew do their utmost to ensure that your river cruise experience is as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. Originally launched in 2002 the interior has been completely rebuilt specifically for the luxury sector, featuring the very latest equipment and the Swiss Ruby is much loved by her regular passengers for the warm friendly atmosphere, excellent design and exquisite public areas, superbly appointed cabins, high-class fittings and outstanding cuisine. With less than 4 guests to every crew member – a very high ratio for a river cruise vessel – care and personal attention is assured. Plus with a passenger complement of just 88, you never feel crowded. Luxury, spaciousness and ambience are very much in evidence as you board through the beautifully panelled entrance lobby. The high quality brass and wrought-iron fittings sparkle and reflect in the warm-coloured, highly polished marble floors – this is classic cruising of a very high standard. You find yourself in the tasteful reception and a small boutique will happily attend to your everyday requirements. This is the hub of the vessel and a staircase leads down to the Emerald Deck which, like the entire ship, is air-conditioned. Forward is the elegant, carpeted lounge with extensive panoramic windows so you can fully appreciate the wonders of the magnificent passing scenery. The ship’s designers have managed to create a really lovely, genteel atmosphere of understated elegance and taste, using leather armchairs, different sized settees and deep pile carpets in superbly harmonious colours. With a real ‘professional’ behind the fully stocked bar, this is the perfect spot to while away the evenings with the gentle melodies of the resident pianist in the background, while you enjoy a glass of wine. The ship’s restaurant has a pleasantly intimate feel: with elegant wood panelling, tasteful lighting and top quality service, this is every inch the classy dining experience to match that of first-class establishments onshore. To promote a relaxed dining experience, as on all our river cruises, you can sit with whoever and wherever you wish, with tables ranging in size from four to six so you can be as private or sociable as you wish. The outer Sun Deck is a great place to read, relax and admire the ever changing kaleidoscope of stunning views as they pass serenely by, with drink in hand.
Cruise Line
Riviera Travel has been carefully researching and thoughtfully crafting an enticing range of European and worldwide guided tours, short breaks, river cruises and tall ship cruises for over 29 years, for the traveller looking for something just a little bit different. Riviera Travel offers a perfectly balanced combination of the 'must see' classic sights and delightful 'hidden gems' - uncovered through our extensive research of local areas.
Late last year, in the prestigious ‘Telegraph Travel Awards’, readers voted Riviera Travel the ‘UK’s favourite Tour Operator’ and second ‘Best River Cruise Operator’ Earlier this year, Which? — probably the country’s most respected consumer organization — voted Riviera Travel the UK’s ‘Best Escorted Tour Operator’ and awarded us their coveted ‘Recommended Provider’ status, the only company in this category to achieve this.
Most recently, in October 2012, at the ‘Guardian & Observer Travel Awards’, their readers voted us second ‘Best Short Break Operator’ No other travel company of any size can match the quantity and quality of this recognition, so if any other Tour Operator claims to be the best, it is just that — their claim; what we have received is the customers’ verdict.
Ships
MS Adriatic Sky, MS Adriatic Sun, MS Aquamarin, MS Charles Dickens, MS Douro Elegance, MS Douro Serenity, MS Douro Splendour, MS Emily Brontë, MS Equator, MS Geoffrey Chaucer, MS George Eliot, MS Il Mare, MS Jane Austen, MS Lord Byron, MS Lord Tennyson, MS Mendula, MS Movenpick Darakum, MS Movenpick Hamees, MS Oscar Wilde, MS Porto Mirante, MS Riviera Radiance, MS Riviera Reflection, MS Riviera Resplendence, MS Riviera Rose, MS Robert Burns, MS Rossia, MS Seaventure, MS Stella Maris, MS Swiss Corona, MS Swiss Ruby, MS Thomas Hardy, MS William Shakespeare, MS William Wordsworth, MV Bengal Ganga, MV Corona, MV Felicita, MV Mare Blu, MV Markan, MV Ocean Albatros, MV Ocean Atlantic, MV Riva, MV Yasawa Princess, Riviera Alba, Royal Clipper, RV Century Sun, RV La Marguerite, RV Mekong Prestige II, Steigenberger Regency, Victoria Mekong, World Voyager
