MS Ariana

MS Ariana cruise ship operates Danube River itineraries with roundtrip departures from Germany, homeport Passau. The German cruise tour company Phoenix Reisen was founded in 1973 and began passenger shipping operations in 1988 with the charter of MV Maxim Gorky (a 1969-built Russian ocean liner, scrapped in 2009). In 1993, Phoenix Reisen launched its European river cruise program.

The 2012-built riverboat is chartered by Phoenix Reisen Flusskreuzfahrten from Union Group (shipowner) through its subsidiary Dunav Tours (Bulgaria). MS Ariana’s other Bulgaria-flagged fleetmate is MS Sofia (built in 1983).

Cabins

MS Ariana has a total of 81 cabins, all of which are outside-facing, tastefully decorated, and comfortably furnished. Approximately 80% feature French balconies. Each cabin includes two separate beds that can be arranged together. The bright and spacious staterooms feature individually controlled air conditioning, a bathroom (with shower and WC), color TV with onboard programming, telephone, radio, safe, daily newspaper, and hairdryer. Cabins on the Orion and Saturn decks have private French balconies, while those on the Neptune deck feature small, non-opening windows. Twin cabins range in size from 12–14 m² (129–151 ft²).

Cabin categories include:

• Triple Outside (Category A, Neptune Deck)
• Twin Outside (Category B, Neptune Deck – aft)
• Twin Outside (Category C, Neptune Deck)
• Twin Outside with French Balcony (Category D, Saturn Deck)
• Twin Outside with French Balcony (Category EA, Orion Deck – aft)
• Twin Outside with French Balcony (Category E, Orion Deck)
• Twin Outside for Single Use (Category F, Neptune Deck)
• Single Outside with French Balcony (Category G, Saturn Deck, 10 m² / 108 ft²)

Shipboard Facilities

MS Ariana features four passenger decks, a Panorama Restaurant, Lido Bar, and an elegant Panorama Lounge with Bar. Other onboard facilities include a foyer with excursion office and reception, a small boutique, library, and Internet corner. An elevator provides access to the upper (Orion) deck, the Panorama Lounge and Reception (Saturn Deck), and the restaurant and cabins (Saturn Deck). The Sun Deck and cabins on the Neptune Deck are not accessible by lift. The vessel also offers a spa with a massage area and hair salon, small whirlpool, shower, sauna, and a compact gym with fitness equipment. The large Sun Deck is furnished with sun loungers, seating, and shaded areas.

Guests can enjoy board and card games, live music, and dancing in the evenings. Additional entertainment includes themed and quiz nights, regional performances, language lessons, and lectures. Laundry service and wireless LAN (WLAN) are available for a fee. The onboard language is German, and the currency is the Euro (EUR). Girocard, VISA, and MasterCard are accepted. Smoking is permitted only in designated areas on the Sun Deck.

MS Ariana cruise fares include all onboard meals. Breakfast is served buffet-style, while lunch and dinner are multi-course and waiter-served, featuring European and vegetarian specialties. Afternoon tea, coffee, and midnight snacks are complimentary. Beer, house wine, soft drinks (mineral water, juices, cola, lemonade), tea, and coffee are available daily from 08:00 to 24:00. The traditional Captain’s Reception and Captain’s Dinner feature festive menus, rounding off the culinary experience. Special dietary dishes (gluten-free, lactose-free, diabetic, etc.) are available upon request.

Note: You can find CruiseMapper’s full list of river cruise ships and riverboats in the “Itinerary” section of our River Cruises hub, where all companies and their fleets are listed.