MS Crucestar

MS Crucestar cruise ship was previously owned by Viking River Cruises AG (2000-2006 named "VIKING RHONE", 2006-2010 named "VIKING SEINE"). Since 2010, the riverboat is owned by Premicon AG and operated under charters under the names "SPIRIT OF CALEDONIA" (2010-2011, by Ella Maritiem BV Holland), "REGINA RHENI" (2011-2018, by Rijfers River Cruises Holland) and "CRUCESTAR" (2019-2025). Currently, the boat is chartered by Crucemundo.

Until 2019, the vessel (ENI number 2324591) was Holland-flagged (MMSI 244690432) and named "MS Regina Rheni II". In the period 2020-2025, the boat is chartered by Crucemundo and renamed "Crucestar".

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

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

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

Decks and cabins

Crucestar staterooms (77 total) are 2 types and in 5 categories - Standard (Main Deck, Middle Front Deck) and Deluxe (Middle Deck, Upper Deck).

Main Deck cabins are with a half-height window (non-opening) located near the ceiling.

Middle Front Deck cabins are with large Picture Window (non-opening).

All staterooms are double occupancy (max 2 passengers per cabin), except Deluxe Cabin (#218, midship on Middle Deck) which is with triple occupancy.

All Deluxe cabins have a small lounge area (with a coffee table and an armchair) and double beds (convertible to twins).

Cabin sizes vary between 11 m2 (120 ft2, Standard) and 14 m2 (150 ft2, Deluxe). The ship has no connecting cabins (that can be combined to a Suite). Regardless cabin category, all Crucestar cabins offer as standard (complimentary) amenities and services hotel beds (size 200x160 cm, twin-bed configuration, some convertible to double bed), convertible sofabed (Standard cabins), wall-mounted reading lamps, wardrobe with hangers, mirrored dressing table (writing desk with chair), en-suite bathroom (glass door shower, WC-toilet, hairdryer), electronic safe box (in the closet), phone (intercom), thermostat-controlled air-conditioning, 220V power outlets, HDTV (satellite reception, ship info channel, “View From the Bridge” / real-time webcam views).

Note: During the ship's next scheduled drydock refurbishment is planned all Deluxe cabins to be converted into French Balcony staterooms (with floor-ceiling window/glass door opening to a railing).

The boat has 4 decks, of which 3 are with cabins.

Shipboard facilities

The 160-seat Dining Room Restaurant is located aft on Upper Deck and hosts a buffet-style breakfast, single open-seating lunch and dinner. Meals are cooked by European chefs and provide a mix of local (itinerary-based) specialities and traditional international dishes. Occasionally, there are also theme dinners. Waiter-served are the 3-course lunches and 4-course dinners. Complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks are served with lunch and dinner. Tea and coffee are complimentary served in the Bar.

Bar Lounge (fore-located on Upper Deck) features floor-ceiling wraparound windows (for 270-degree views), comfortable seating (sofas and armchairs) and serves the cruise company's enrichment program with daily lectures and media presentations, crew show (once per voyage), live music performances (by local artists), themed dance nights. Also on Upper Deck are the Lobby area (with 24-hour Reception Desk), Library, Gift Shop and the Promenade Deck (open-air deck for walking and observation). Wi-Fi coverage is shipwide but costs extra.

On Sun Deck are located the Wheelhouse (Navigation Bridge), sunbathing area (spa pool, sun loungers), shaded seating area (awnings, 4-seat tables, deckchairs), deckgames area (Giant Chess Set). All structures on Sun Deck (Wheelhouse, awnings, railings) are collapsible and lowered when the boat passes under low bridges.

The ship has no Lift (passenger elevator), wellness facilities (spa, massage room, hairdresser, sauna, gym), swimming pool.

Note: You can see 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.