MS Crucestar

MS Crucestar cruise ship was previously owned by Viking River Cruises AG (2000–2006 as “Viking Rhone,” 2006–2010 as “Viking Seine”). Since 2010, the vessel has been owned by Premicon AG and operated under several charters: “Spirit of Caledonia” (2010–2011, by Ella Maritiem BV Holland), “Regina Rheni” (2011–2018, by Rijfers River Cruises Holland), and “Crucestar” (2019–2025). The ship is currently chartered by Crucemundo.

Until 2019, the vessel (ENI number 2324591) was Holland-flagged (MMSI 244690432) and named “MS Regina Rheni II.” Between 2020 and 2025, the ship has been chartered by Crucemundo and renamed “Crucestar.”

In 2022, the flag state and registry changed from Moldova (MMSI 214182730) to Ukraine (MMSI 272985000).

The current charterer, Crucemundo SL (fleet), is a Barcelona, Spain-based river cruise company founded in 2008, with tour offices in Spain (Barcelona, Madrid), Italy (Genoa), Turkey (Istanbul), and Russia (Moscow, St Petersburg). Crucestar’s sister ships include the similarly designed VistaBelle (2000/Viking Burgundy), River Harmony (1999), River Rhapsody (1999), MS Vivienne (2001/River Concerto), and MS Aurora (1999-built, 2020-refitted, MMSI 244660956, ENI 02002173).

For Crucemundo, MS Crucestar cruises on the Danube River, with itineraries departing from homeports Vienna, Austria, and Fetesti, Romania.

Decks and cabins

MS Crucestar staterooms (77 total) are divided into two types and five categories: Standard (Main Deck, Middle Front Deck) and Deluxe (Middle Deck, Upper Deck).

Main Deck cabins have half-height windows (non-opening) located near the ceiling, while Middle Front Deck cabins feature large non-opening picture windows. All staterooms accommodate two passengers (double occupancy), except Deluxe Cabin #218 (midship on Middle Deck), which is designed for triple occupancy.

All Deluxe cabins include a small lounge area with a coffee table and armchair, and double beds convertible to twins. Cabin sizes range from 11 m² (120 ft²) for Standard cabins to 14 m² (150 ft²) for Deluxe cabins. The ship has no connecting cabins that can be combined into suites. Regardless of category, all Crucestar cabins offer standard complimentary amenities: hotel beds (200x160 cm, twin configuration, some convertible to doubles), convertible sofa bed (in Standard cabins), wall-mounted reading lamps, wardrobe with hangers, mirrored dressing table (writing desk with chair), en-suite bathroom (glass-door shower, toilet, hairdryer), electronic safe (in the closet), intercom phone, thermostat-controlled air conditioning, 220V power outlets, and HDTV with satellite reception, ship information channel, and real-time “View from the Bridge” webcam feed.

Note: During the ship’s next scheduled drydock refurbishment, all Deluxe cabins are planned to be converted into French Balcony staterooms with floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening to a railing.

The ship has four decks, three of which are with passenger cabins.

Shipboard facilities

The 160-seat Dining Room Restaurant, located aft on the Upper Deck, serves buffet-style breakfast and open-seating lunch and dinner. Meals are prepared by European chefs and feature a mix of regional specialties and international dishes, with occasional themed dinners. Lunches (three courses) and dinners (four courses) are waiter-served. Complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner, while tea and coffee are available free of charge in the bar.

The forward-located Bar Lounge on the Upper Deck features floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows (270° views), comfortable seating with sofas and armchairs, and hosts Crucemundo’s onboard entertainment and enrichment programs, including daily lectures, multimedia presentations, live music, themed dance nights, and a crew show (once per voyage). Also on the Upper Deck are the Lobby (with 24-hour reception desk), Library, Gift Shop, and the Promenade Deck—an open-air area for walking and observation. Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship for an additional charge.

The Sun Deck includes the Navigation Bridge (wheelhouse), a sunbathing area with spa pool and loungers, shaded seating with awnings and tables, and a deck games area featuring a giant chess set. All Sun Deck structures (wheelhouse, awnings, and railings) are collapsible and can be lowered to pass under low bridges.

The ship has no elevator, wellness facilities (spa, massage room, hair salon, sauna, gym), or swimming pool.

Note: For a full list of river cruise ships and riverboats, visit the “Itinerary” section of our River Cruises hub, where all companies and their fleets are listed.