MS Excellence Countess

The MS Excellence Countess cruise ship is a newbuild riverboat launched in 2019. She is owned by the German travel company Swiss Excellence River Cruise GmbH, based in Basel (a subsidiary of Twerenbold Reisen), and operated by Excellence Flussreisen (travel brand) through Reiseburo Mittelthurgau AG (marketing and sales). Of the same design are her sisterships Excellence Princess (2014) and Excellence Empress (2020). These large riverboats (length 135 m) feature floor-to-ceiling windows throughout decks 2 and 3, a glass-roofed Bar Lounge, a spacious main restaurant, and an à la carte Steakhouse.

The Switzerland-flagged vessel (MMSI 269057688, ENI 2338172) was built in Serbia using the finest materials and modern shipbuilding technologies. Her itineraries include voyages along the Rhine River as well as the inland waterways of Holland (IJsselmeer) and Belgium.

Cabins

Excellence Countess staterooms (a total of 89) are all outside cabins located on three of the ship’s four decks and are tastefully furnished. Each stateroom features a wall-mounted HDTV (with satellite reception, ship information channel, and real-time bow camera views), telephone, wardrobe, electronic safe (in 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 single-sink vanity, under-sink storage, WC, glass shower, magnifying mirror, hairdryer, and towels. All cabins have individually controlled air conditioning.

All Comfort cabins on decks 2 (Middle) and 3 (Upper) measure 16 m² (170 ft²) and feature a French Balcony accessed via sliding glass doors (floor-to-ceiling opening windows). Main Deck cabins measure 13 m² (140 ft²) and include two single beds (non-convertible to a double) and non-opening windows located near the ceiling. The 24 Junior Suites are French Balcony cabins sized 20 m² (215 ft²). Suite privileges include a DVD player, premium bathrobes, and welcome gifts of sparkling wine and fresh fruit upon arrival.

The ship also offers two wheelchair-accessible cabins on the Upper Deck (cabins 301 and 302), designed for guests with reduced mobility. Both are conveniently located near the Lobby area and the ship’s elevator.

Shipboard facilities

The Excellence Lounge (the ship’s main bar lounge, located forward on Deck 3) offers comfortable seating and a small bow terrace (with limited seating). This is also the venue for the formal Captain’s Cocktail Reception (welcome aboard event). The Bar Lounge hosts the company’s onboard enrichment program, featuring live entertainment such as crew shows, cooking demonstrations, guest performances, daily quiz games, themed and dance nights (often with live music), language lessons, and lectures on folklore or regional history related to the cruise itinerary.

The Lobby Hall (midship on Deck 3) houses the Reception Desk (24-hour guest services and assistance), Tour Desk (Cruise Director, itinerary information, excursion bookings), Gift Shop, and the ship’s two entrances (Eingang) located port and starboard. At the stern, the Aft Lounge functions as a Library and Cocktail Bar during the day and transforms into an evening Steakhouse (à la carte restaurant) served by its own bar (Bordbar).

The spacious Sun Deck (Deck 4) includes a mini-golf course (putting green), a heated round swimming pool, sunbathing areas with loungers and deckchairs, and shaded seating zones (canopy-covered). Forward are the outdoor Sky Lounge (BBQ and Bar with four-seat tables) and a SkyLight (glass roof over the Bar Lounge on Deck 3). All Sun Deck structures (wheelhouse, awnings, railings) are collapsible and lowered when passing under low bridges. The ship also features a small wellness area with a sauna and gym room.

Dining aboard includes a rich breakfast buffet, afternoon tea service (complimentary pastries with coffee and tea), and a wide selection of European dishes for lunch and dinner, including vegan and vegetarian options. The fore-located Panorama Restaurant (Deck 2) features a show kitchen (open galley with live cooking stations). It offers a buffet breakfast (hot and cold items), buffet-style lunch (salads, starters, desserts) with waiter-served main courses, and a five-course dinner. Daily themed buffets present international cheese specialties and gourmet grilled dishes. Premium wines (by the glass) are available with all main meals. The restaurant also hosts the formal Gala Dinner.

The attentive crew and experienced tour guides are always available to assist guests. The onboard language is German. The ship is equipped with one passenger elevator interconnecting decks 1-2-3 (Main, Middle, Upper) and a stairlift connecting decks 3 (Upper) and 4 (Sun Deck).