DCS Amethyst

MS DCS Amethyst cruise ship was built in 2004 in Rendsburg, Germany. The riverboat is currently owned by Premicon AG (Cologne-based shipowner), operated under charter by DCS Touristik, and cruises year-round on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers. Departures are offered from the German homeports Passau and Nuremberg.

Cabins

All DCS Amethyst staterooms (89 total) are outside cabins with contemporary décor. Each cabin includes standard (complimentary) amenities: a double bed (convertible to two single beds upon request), bedside cabinets with wall-mounted reading lamps, a mirrored vanity table (writing desk) with armchair, wardrobe, electronic safe (in the closet), HDTV (satellite reception, ship information channel with daily scheduled events and live bow camera views), radio, telephone (intercom to Reception and other cabins), 220 V power outlets, en-suite bathroom (washbasin, WC, glass-enclosed shower, hairdryer, towels, shaver-only socket), and individually controlled air conditioning.

The larger suites additionally feature a sleeping area (double bed, extra storage), a lounge area (two-seat couch and armchair), and a larger bathroom (with bathrobes and slippers provided).

All Upper Deck (aft) staterooms have French balconies. The two suites measure 22 m² (235 ft²), while the remaining cabins are 15 m² (160 ft²). On river cruise ships, French balconies are floor-to-ceiling sliding windows that open to a railing.

Cabin categories include:

• Single Outside (category M2, Main Deck)
• Twin Outside (category M1, Main Deck - midship)
• Twin Outside (category M3, Main Deck)
• Twin Outside (category M4A, Main Deck - aft)
• Twin Outside (category M4V, Main Deck - forward)
• Twin Outside, French Balcony (category R1, Rhine/Middle Deck - midship)
• Twin Outside, French Balcony (categories R2, R3, Rhine/Middle Deck)
• Twin Outside, French Balcony (category R4A, Rhine/Middle Deck - aft)
• Twin Outside, French Balcony (category R4V, Rhine/Middle Deck - forward)
• Twin Outside, French Balcony (categories D1, D2, Danube/Upper Deck)
• Twin Suite, French Balcony (category S, Danube/Upper Deck - midship)

Main Deck (Deck 1) cabins have non-opening windows. The ship also features 12 family cabins with connecting doors. Some cabins accommodate triple occupancy, with a third bed provided.

Shipboard facilities

Popular for its friendly staff and informal atmosphere, MS Amethyst is ideal for first-time cruisers, offering an intimate and relaxed travel experience. The riverboat features a stylish Salon-Bar Lounge (forward on Deck 3) with 270-degree panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows, a dance floor, and comfortable seating (bar stools, four-seat tables with armchairs, and two-seat leather sofas). A 24-hour tea and coffee station provides complimentary beverages.

The Dining Room Restaurant (midship on Deck 3) also features floor-to-ceiling windows and dining tables for 4-6 guests, with an adjacent galley (kitchen). The Restaurant is complimentary and offers buffet-style breakfast, and waiter-served lunch (three-course menu) and dinner (four-course menu). Meals are prepared by the onboard chef using fresh, locally sourced products from markets in visited ports. On embarkation day, guests can reserve a dining table for the entire cruise. Menus include both international cuisine and regional specialties.

The Salon-Bar serves morning coffee and afternoon tea with light snacks. In line with DCS-Touristik tradition, all guests are welcomed aboard with mulled wine. The river cruise experience also includes formal events such as the Welcome Dinner (on embarkation day) and a complimentary Farewell Cocktail Reception (on the evening before disembarkation). Another themed event is the Gala Dinner with an “Ice Parade” (once per voyage). Onboard entertainment in the Bar Lounge includes a pirate-themed night, crew show, daily quizzes, cooking demonstrations, and live music performances by guest artists joining the ship in various ports.

The midship-forward Atrium spans two decks (2-3 / Middle-Upper) and is naturally lit by a round-shaped skylight on the Sun Deck. The lower level (Deck 2) houses the Lobby Hall with a Reception Desk (offering 24-hour guest services, information, and assistance), as well as the ship’s main entrances (port and starboard). The upper level (Deck 3) features the Wiener Cafe and a separate Library (a reading corner with books and popular board games).

Located forward on the Rhine/Middle Deck, the wellness complex is naturally lit by four large, round-shaped windows and includes a Spa (Sauna Room), Beauty Salon (hairdresser/barber), and Fitness Room (Gym). All decks are connected by two staircases.

The Sun Deck (Deck 4) features the Wheelhouse (Bridge), a shaded seating area (canopy-covered, with four-seat tables), and a sunbathing area equipped with loungers and deck chairs. The ship does not have an elevator (passenger lift), swimming pool, Jacuzzi (whirlpool hot tub), or deck games area. Unlike many new European riverboats, MS Amethyst is not equipped with outdoor group games like Shuffleboard, Giant Chess, or Mini-Golf. All structures on the Sun Deck (Wheelhouse, awnings, railings, funnel) are collapsible and can be lowered to pass under low bridges.

The onboard language is German, and the currency is EUR. Payments can be made using credit cards (Eurocard, Euro-Cheque card, MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Diner's Club). The ship has no infirmary (no resident physician or nurse); in emergencies, passengers are transferred to land-based hospitals. Shore excursions are optional and not included in the DCS-Touristik fares.