MS Excellence Baroness

The MS Excellence Baroness cruise ship (formerly AmaLegro) was previously operated under charter by AmaWaterways. The vessel’s original owner was Sanssouci Schiffsgesellschaft GmbH. Under AmaWaterways, AmaLegro was deployed in France for Seine River cruises, sailing roundtrip from homeport Paris City.

The vessel (ENI number 7001837) was built in the Netherlands by Scheepswerf Grave BV and launched in 2007 as “AmaLegro.” The riverboat is currently Germany-flagged (MMSI 211498150) and, since 2020, has been operated by Excellence River Cruises. Sisterships of the same design include AmaCello, AmaDagio, AmaDante, AmaDolce, and AmaLyra.

The current shipowner, Swiss Excellence River Cruise GmbH (Basel), is a subsidiary of the German travel company Twerenbold Reisen. The vessel is operated under the Excellence Flussreisen travel brand through Reisebüro Mittelthurgau AG (responsible for marketing and sales). Until 2019, the ship was owned by Sanssouci Schiffsgesellschaft GmbH.

Cabins

Excellence Baroness staterooms (75 in total) include 4 Suites, 58 French Balcony cabins, and 13 Window cabins (with non-opening twin windows). All staterooms are equipped with a wall-mounted HDTV (satellite reception, ship information channel, real-time bow camera views), telephone, wardrobe, electronic safe (inside the closet), minibar (refrigerator), double bed convertible to twins, bedside tables with reading lamps, writing desk (mirrored vanity) with padded stool, bottled water, and an en-suite bathroom with a single-sink vanity, under-sink storage, toilet, glass-enclosed shower, magnifying mirror, hairdryer, and towels. Each cabin also features individually controlled air conditioning.

The four Suites are located on Deck 3, each measuring 24 m² (250 ft²) and featuring a French Balcony. All cabins on the Middle (Deck 2) and Upper (Deck 3) decks measure 15 m² (160 ft²) and have French Balconies accessed through sliding glass doors or floor-to-ceiling windows. Main Deck cabins (15 m²) have two single beds convertible to a double and non-opening high windows positioned near the ceiling. French Balcony Suites additionally include a DVD player, premium bathrobes, welcome gifts (sparkling wine and fruit upon arrival), and a lounge area with a two-seater sofa, coffee table, armchair, and floor lamp.

Shipboard facilities

The Excellence Lounge (main bar lounge, forward on Deck 3) offers comfortable seating and a small bow terrace (teak-floored with limited seating). This venue also hosts the formal Captain’s Cocktail Reception (welcome event). The Bar Lounge is the hub for the onboard enrichment program, featuring live entertainment such as crew shows, cooking demonstrations, local performances, quiz games, themed and dance nights (often with live music), language courses, and lectures on folklore or regional history along the cruise route.

The Lobby Hall (midship on Deck 3) houses the Reception Desk (24-hour guest services), Tour Desk (Cruise Director, itinerary details, and excursion bookings), Gift Shop, Internet Corner, and both ship entrances (port and starboard). At the stern on Deck 3, the Aft Lounge serves as a daytime Library and Cocktail Bar and transforms into a Bistro (à la carte restaurant) in the evening. The Aft Lounge is serviced by its own bar (Bordbar).

The Sun Deck (Deck 4) features a Jacuzzi (outdoor whirlpool), sunbathing areas with loungers and deckchairs, shaded seating (under canopy), a walking track, and a deck games area with Mini-Golf/Putting Green. All Sun Deck structures (Wheelhouse, awnings, railings) are collapsible and lowered when passing under low bridges. The ship also has a small wellness area with a Fitness Room, Spa (Massage Room), and Beauty Salon.

Dining on board includes a breakfast buffet, afternoon tea service (complimentary pastries with coffee and tea), and a variety of European dishes for lunch and dinner, including vegan and vegetarian options. The forward-located Excellence Restaurant (Deck 2) features a show kitchen with live cooking stations and floor-to-ceiling windows. The restaurant serves a buffet breakfast (hot and cold items), buffet-style lunch (salads, starters, desserts) with waiter-served main courses, and a five-course dinner. A themed buffet with international cheeses and gourmet grilled specialties is offered daily, along with a selection of premium wines by the glass. The restaurant also hosts the formal Gala Dinner.

The onboard language is German. The Excellence Baroness is equipped with one passenger elevator connecting the Main, Middle, and Upper decks (1-2-3) and a stairlift linking the Upper Deck (3) with the Sun Deck (4).