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." Her 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 / Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt) and operated under charter by the Stuttgart-based cruise tour company Nicko Cruises, a fully-owned subsidiary of Mystic Cruises.

For Nicko Cruises, MS Bolero operates Danube River itineraries, including a 14-day voyage to the Danube Delta and the Black Sea, with roundtrip departures from her homeport in Passau, Germany. These cruises visit port cities across Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria.

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

MS Bolero’s Nicko Cruises fares include all onboard meals (breakfast buffet, waiter-served lunch and dinner, afternoon coffee with cake, midnight snacks), Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, Gala Dinner, onboard entertainment, ship tour, and port taxes. Not included are flights, transfers, excursions, insurance, gratuities, beverages, and personal expenses.

Decks and Cabins

MS Bolero staterooms (90 total, for 180 passengers) are located on three of her four decks. All cabins are outside, equal in size (16 m² / 170 ft²), and equipped with modern amenities, including two lower beds (twins convertible into a queen-size double), bedside tables, wardrobe, mirrored dressing table (writing desk with armchair), and an en-suite bathroom with shower, WC, and single-sink vanity. Additional amenities include a hairdryer, LCD TV (satellite reception), radio, mini-bar/refrigerator, electronic safe (in the closet), onboard telephone (intercom), and individually controlled air conditioning.

Main Deck cabins feature two lower beds (convertible into a double) and one large round porthole (non-opening).

All Middle and Upper Deck cabins (62 in total) are French Balcony staterooms with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors opening to a railing (Juliet balcony). Upper Deck cabins come with either two lower beds (one twin and one sofabed) or one double bed (1.5 x 2 m) with two mattresses.

Upon request, some cabins can accommodate a third guest with an added foldaway bed.

Shipboard Amenities

MS Bolero features a midship-located Dining Room Restaurant (Upper Deck) with floor-to-ceiling windows, single-seating capacity, and open seating. The menu combines traditional dishes inspired by visited countries with international cuisine specialties. Fine wines and gourmet delicacies are offered, and the highlight of each cruise is the Gala Dinner, featuring an exquisite menu and an ice parade.

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

Two outdoor promenades (Lido terraces) are located on the Upper Deck—forward portside and midship starboard—and are open to passengers.

On the Middle Deck, the Lobby area includes two ship entrances, a small seating area, Reception Desk (24-hour guest services), and a Boutique (Gift Shop). Three staircases connect all decks, including a sweeping staircase in the Atrium, which is topped with a glass-roof skylight. Forward on the Middle Deck is the Wellness Complex, featuring a small gym, sauna, and Relaxation Room with a large round window, Jacuzzi/whirlpool hot tub, and relaxation beds.

The Sun Deck includes retractable awnings (shaded seating areas with four-seat tables and chairs, full bar service), a glass-roof skylight over the Atrium/Lobby, and a central sunbathing area with padded loungers and deckchairs.

The riverboat has no Hair Salon (hairdresser or barber services), Spa (massage room), passenger elevator (lift), deck games area (such as Giant Chess, Shuffleboard, or Mini-Golf), or swimming pool. On the Sun Deck, the wheelhouse, railings, and awnings are retractable to allow safe passage under low bridges.

Nicko Cruises offers optional shore excursions (not included in the cruise fare) at each visited port. Land tours include sightseeing trips, city walks, cycling tours, and bus excursions to nearby attractions. Complimentary portable audio headsets are provided for all guided shore excursions.

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.