MS Barbarella

The 2004-built (as "MS Bellissima" cruise ship MS Barbarella was constructed in Dessau-Rosslau (Germany) by RSW Rosslauer Schiffswerft. The riverboat is currently owned by the Portuguese company Mystic Invest (a family-owned financial holding) and operated under charter by its subsidiary Nicko Tours (Stuttgart-based cruise tour company).

MS Barbarella cruises on the Danube River, offering roundtrip itineraries from homeport Passau.

In 2023, the vessel (ENI number 2324885) was renamed from BELLISSIMA to BARBARELLA, but her flag state remained Switzerland, along with her identification/MMSI number (269057265) and port of registry (Basel).

Interestingly, the name BELLISSIMA was transferred to her sistership River Art.

Decks and Cabins

MS Barbarella has a total of 67 staterooms accommodating 132 passengers.

All cabins are outside, standard-sized (13 m² / 140 ft²), and equipped with two sofabeds (foldaway beds converted into sofas during the day for extra space), a wardrobe, mirror, dressing table with chair, en-suite bathroom (shower, WC, washbasin), hairdryer, TV (satellite reception), electronic safe (in the closet), phone (intercom/onboard use only), and individually controlled air conditioning.

All Upper Deck cabins feature wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors opening onto a railing (French Balcony).

The Suite (on the Upper Deck) is larger—24 m² (260 ft²)—and includes a double bed (non-convertible to twins), a spacious seating area with sofabed and mini-bar, plus an additional floor-to-ceiling window alongside the French Balcony.

Only Main Deck cabin windows are non-opening.

Cabin categories include:

• (Main Deck) Categories HD, HDP – 2-bed Outside cabins (two lower berths, two non-opening windows)
• (Upper Deck) Categories OD, ODP – 2-bed Outside cabins (two lower berths, French Balcony)
• (Upper Deck) Category OL – Suites (Deluxe Outside cabins) with one double bed, sofabed, seating area, and French Balcony

The boat has three decks, of which two are with cabins.

Shipboard amenities

MS Barbarella features an aft-located Dining Room Restaurant (Panorama) with floor-to-ceiling windows, single-seating capacity, and an open-seating arrangement. On embarkation day, a specific table may be reserved for the entire voyage. The Dining Room menu offers both traditional dishes inspired by the visited regions and international specialties. The culinary highlight of each cruise is the Gala Dinner, featuring an exquisite menu and ice parade.

The ship also offers a Reception Desk (24-hour guest services and assistance), Tour Office (excursion information and bookings), and a Library (lobby corner with small Gift Shop) stocked with souvenirs, books, and popular board games, as well as a four-seat table with armchairs.

A stairlift serves passengers with reduced mobility (including wheelchair users).

The Sun Deck includes a large heated whirlpool, retractable awning (roofed outdoor lounge) with shaded seating (tables and chairs) served by its own bar, and a deck games area (Giant Chess Set). The sunbathing area near the whirlpool is furnished with loungers and deckchairs.

The fore-located Bar Lounge Panorama (Upper Deck) has floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable seating (sofas, armchairs, round tables), and a grand piano for live performances by a resident pianist. Onboard entertainment includes daily live music, cooking demonstrations, quiz games, bingo, crew shows, themed dance nights, enrichment lectures, and media presentations related to the cruise itinerary’s destinations, ports, and excursions.

The cruise line offers optional shore excursions (not included in the fares) at each visited port. Land tours include sightseeing, city walks, cycling trips, and bus excursions to nearby attractions. All guided tours provide complimentary portable audio headsets.

MS Barbarella river cruise fares include all onboard meals (breakfast buffet, waiter-served lunch and dinner, afternoon coffee and cake, midnight snacks), a Welcome Cocktail Party, Welcome Dinner, Gala Dinner, onboard entertainment, ship tour, and port taxes. Cruise tour packages exclude flights, transfers, excursions, insurance, gratuities, beverages, and personal expenses.

Note: You can view CruiseMapper’s complete list of river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there.