MS Dutch Opera

The 1998-built (originally as Amadeus Rhapsody) river cruise ship MS Dutch Opera (also known as Compass Opera) accommodates up to 140 passengers. The vessel is owned by the Austrian company Lüftner Cruises and operated through its travel brand Amadeus River Cruises.

Since 2023, the ship has been chartered by the Dutch Cruise Line (Netherlands/fleet) under the name “Dutch Opera,” and by the Bonn, Germany-based company Compass Kreuzfahrten GmbH as “Compass Opera.”

Her sisterships include Amadeus (1997), Amadeus Classic (2001), Amadeus Symphony (2003), and Amadeus Royal (2005).

The vessel (ENI 8848002) is currently Holland-flagged (MMSI 244187340) and registered in Amsterdam.

Following an extensive 2022–2023 winter refurbishment, the ship was renamed from Amadeus Rhapsody to Dutch Opera, and her flag state changed from Germany (MMSI 211449060, registry in Cologne) to the Netherlands (MMSI 244187340).

Decks and Cabins

MS Amadeus Rhapsody/Dutch Opera has 71 staterooms spread across four decks—Sun Deck and three passenger decks named after famous Austrian composers: Haydn, Mozart, and Strauss.

Most cabins feature French balconies with drop-down panoramic windows.

The two suites, both located on the 3rd (Mozart) Deck, measure 30 m2 (325 ft2) and have French balconies.

All accommodations are furnished with twin beds convertible into queen beds, seating areas, closets, TVs, and phones. Bathrooms include showers. The suites also offer minibars and larger TVs.

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

Shipboard Facilities and Amenities

On Deck 1 (Haydn Deck, midship) are passenger cabins 101–125 (Category C-1), while forward are crew-only areas (cabins, storage, and machinery rooms).

On Deck 2 (Strauss Deck) are passenger cabins 205–230 (French Balcony staterooms, Category B-1, and Amadeus Suites). Forward are the Hair Salon (offering hairdressing and barber services), Massage Room (for spa treatments), and Fitness Room (gym).

On Deck 3 (Mozart Deck) are the Panorama Restaurant (main dining room), Panorama Lounge & Bar, Lobby Hall, and passenger cabins 301–323 (Category A-1, French Balcony).

• The aft Panorama Restaurant offers early breakfast (light bites and beverages) and buffet breakfast. Lunch is served buffet-style or à la carte, while dinners feature five-course gourmet menus with complimentary regional wines. Ingredients are locally sourced and seasonal. Guests also enjoy Afternoon Tea & Cake, midnight snacks, and a 24-hour coffee/tea station.
• The fore Panorama Lounge & Bar serves as the ship’s show lounge, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable seating, and a full-service bar. The Lounge hosts enrichment programs with port talks, destination-themed lectures, media presentations, themed parties, crew shows, and live performances by local artists.
• Within the Lounge, the Amadeus Club serves as a stylish wine bar and library, equipped with Internet stations.
• The Lobby Hall includes the 24-hour Reception Desk (information, assistance, cashier, luggage, and tour bookings) and a Gift Shop.

Deck 4 (Sun Deck) is the ship’s prime leisure area, offering panoramic river views, ample seating (tables, deckchairs, and loungers), shaded zones with retractable awnings, a Giant Chessboard, Shuffleboard, and a Walking Track.

The fore-located Navigation Bridge/Wheelhouse is passenger-accessible and telescopic (lowerable for passing under low bridges). Adjacent to it are the heated swimming pool and Lido Bar, which offers light snacks and beverages. The ship’s bicycles, available free of charge for onshore excursions, are also stored here.

One passenger elevator connects all cabin decks.

During shore excursions, guests may use complimentary bicycles and wireless audio systems.

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