MS Bellejour

The 2004-built (originally named Johann Strauss) MS Bellejour cruise ship operates on the Moselle, Main, Rhine, and Danube rivers. Between 2004 and 2013, the vessel served both Austrian River Cruises and Noble Caledonia under the name “MS Johann Strauss.” Bellejour is the third of six nearly identical riverboats owned by Premicon AG and constructed at Nobiskrug Shipyard (Rendsburg, Germany). The limited partnership investment totaled approximately EUR 8 million, with investor contributions around EUR 7 million.

Under her current name, the vessel was also chartered by the UK-based CMV - Cruise & Maritime Voyages. Since 2019, she has been chartered to Select Voyages, a Switzerland-based travel company.

In 2024, Bellejour’s charter was expanded to include the Mystic Cruises-owned brand Nicko Cruises, where she joined her sisterships Bolero (2003), Maxima (2003), and Viktoria (2004). Nicko Cruises’ new “Charms of the Danube” itinerary (six voyages scheduled for 2024) included a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Passau, Germany.

In 2024, the vessel (ENI number 09948006) was reflagged from Malta (MMSI 256422000) to Switzerland (MMSI 269057740), with her registry port changed from Valletta to Basel.

Decks and Cabins

MS Bellejour offers a total of 89 staterooms, all of which are outside-facing.

Cabins on the Rhine and Danube decks feature two panoramic windows with French balconies, while those on the Moselle Deck have non-opening, extra-large portholes. The ship can accommodate up to 180 passengers, though capacity is limited to 160 for added comfort. More than 60 cabins have French balconies with sliding floor-to-ceiling glass doors, all located on the upper decks.

All cabins are equally sized (170 ft² / 16 m²), comfortable, and tastefully designed in soothing colors with light wood accents. Standard amenities include twin beds (convertible to double), wardrobe, flat-screen TV, radio, telephone, electronic safe (in the closet), minibar, en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, single vanity with under-sink storage, hairdryer, bath products), and individually controlled air conditioning.

The vessel has four decks, three of which are dedicated to cabins.

Shipboard Facilities

MS Bellejour offers a range of amenities to enhance guests’ cruising experience, including gourmet dining in the onboard restaurant and a spacious Sun Deck. Wireless internet is available throughout the ship, allowing guests to stay connected and share their travel experiences. The cozy spa area features a sauna, jacuzzi, and loungers for total relaxation, while the fitness room provides state-of-the-art cardio equipment for maintaining stamina and wellness.

A notable design feature is the layout of the Restaurant, Bar-Lounge, and the upper deck Café, all equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic river views. Other popular onboard spaces include the wellness complex (Spa & Fitness with whirlpool, sauna, and modern gym equipment) and the Library (reading lounge). Onboard languages are German and English. The Cruise Director, Tour Escort, guides, and key staff are fluent in English.

Bellejour was one of three riverboats chartered by CMV (alongside Belvedere). Passengers are typically aged 45 and above. At full capacity, the crew-to-guest ratio is approximately 1 to 4.2.

The onboard experience includes single-sitting dining with open seating. Breakfast is served buffet-style, offering a selection of breads, cereals, pastries, yogurt, and a Full English option. Lunch combines buffet and served dishes, while afternoon tea includes a variety of cakes. Dinner is a four-course meal with multiple starters, main courses, a cheese board, and desserts, accompanied by complimentary beer, house wine, and soft drinks. Tea and coffee are served after lunch and dinner, and late-night snacks are available in the bar.

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