MS Bolero

The 2003-built MS Bolero cruise ship was constructed by HDW-Nobiskrug GmbH (shipbuilding company in Rendsburg Germany) and launched under the name "MS Gracioso". The boat's sisterships are MS Maxima (2003) and MS Viktoria (2004). Currently, the riverboat is owned by the Munich-based company Premicon AG (owner of KD Cruises / Koln-Dusseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt) and operated under charter by the Stuttgart-based cruisetour company Nicko Cruises (fully-owned subsidiary of Mystic Cruises).

For Nicko Cruises, MS Bolero operates itineraries on Danube River (14-day itinerary goes to Danube Delta and Black Sea), with roundtrip departures from homeport Passau Germany. These itineraries visit port cities in the following countries - Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria.

In 2019, the vessel (ENI number 09948004) had its flag-state changed from Malta (MMSI 256409000, registered in Valletta) to Switzerland (MMSI 269057624) and is now registered in Basel.

MS Bolero Nicko Cruises deals are inclusive of all onboard meals (breakfast buffet, waiter-served lunch and dinner, afternoon coffee with cake, midnight snacks), Welcome Cocktail party, Welcome Dinner, Gala Dinner, onboard entertainment, ship tour, port taxes. Cruisetour deals don't include flights, transfers, excursions, insurance, gratuities, beverages, personal expenses.

Decks and Cabins

MS Bolero staterooms (90 total, for 180 passengers) are on 3 decks (out of 4). All cabins are outside, equally-sized (16 m2 / 170 ft2) and equipped with modern amenities like 2 lower beds (twins convertible to a Queen-size double bed), bedside tables, wardrobe, mirrored dressing table (writing desk with armchair), en-suite bathroom (shower, WC-toilet, washbasin/mirrored single-sink vanity), hairdryer, LCDTV (satellite reception), radio, mini-bar/refrigerator, electronic safe box (in the closet), phone (intercom / onboard only), individually controlled air-conditioning.

Main Deck cabins are with 2 lower beds (twins convertible to double bed) and 1 large Porthole window (non-opening, rounded).

All Middle and Upper decks cabins (62 total) are French Balcony staterooms with floor-ceiling sliding glass doors opening to a railing (false balcony). Upper Deck cabins are with either 2 lower beds (1 twin, 1 sofabed) or 1 double bed (1,5 x 2 m) with 2 mattresses.

On request, some cabins can be booked as Triples (by adding a foldaway bed).

Shipboard amenities

MS Bolero ship has a midship-located Dining Room Restaurant (Upper Deck) with floor-ceiling windows, single-seating capacity and open-seating arrangement. Dining Room menu includes both traditional dishes (itinerary-based on visited countries) and international cuisine specialties. Fine wines and gourmet delicacies are also offered. The culinary highlight of each voyage is the Gala Dinner held here, with an exquisite menu and ice parade.

Also on Upper Deck (forward) is the Bar Lounge with floor-ceiling windows, comfortable seating (3-seat round tables with chairs), grand piano (live performances by resident pianist) and a full-service Bar. Onboard entertainment includes daily live music performances, cooking demonstrations, quiz games, bingo, crew show, themed dance nights, enrichment lectures and media presentations (related to the cruisetour itinerary's destinations, ports, excursions). Adjacent to the Lounge are Tour Office (Cruise Director, excursions information and booking) and Library (books, playing cards, board games),

On Upper Deck forward-portside and midship-starboard are located two Outdoor Promenades (Lido terraces) accessible to passengers.

On Middle Deck is the Lobby area with two ship entrances, small seating area, Reception Desk (24-hour guest services and assistance) and Boutique (Gift Shop). Three staircases connect all decks, including a sweeping staircase in the Atrium (covered with SkyLight/glass-roof). Forward on Middle Deck is the wellness complex, consisting of Fitness (small Gym Room), Sauna Room, Spa Relax Room (with a large round window, Jacuzzi/whirlpool hot tub, relaxation beds).

Sun Deck has retractable Awnings (shaded seating areas with 4-seat tables and chairs, full bar service), SkyLight (glass-roof cover over the Atrium / Lobby) and a midship sunbathing area furnished with padded loungers and deckchairs.

The riverboat has no Hair Salon (hairdresser and barber services), Spa (massage room), Lift (passenger elevator), deckgames area (Giant Chess, Shuffleboard, Putting Green/Mini-Golf), Swimming Pool. Sundeck's wheelhouse, all railings and awnings are retractable to allow passing under low bridges.

The company Nicko Cruises offers on MS Bolero optional shore excursions (not included in cruisetour fares) in each of the visited ports. Land tours include sightseeing tours, city walks, cycling tours, bus travel to nearby tourist destinations. On all guided shore excursions are provided complimentary portable audio headsets.

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