MS Excellence Empress

The 2020-built / 2021-inaugurated MS Excellence Empress cruise ship is a newbuild riverboat 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). The vessel was built in Serbia using the latest shipbuilding technologies.

The Switzerland-flagged ship (MMSI 269057729, ENI 2338652) was constructed in Serbia and is registered in Basel. Built with the finest materials and modern technologies, she shares her design with her sisterships Excellence Princess (2014) and Excellence Countess (2019). 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 a specialty Steakhouse-Sushi Bar.

Cabins

Excellence Empress staterooms (a total of 89) are all outside cabins located on three of the ship’s four decks. Each cabin includes standard amenities such as 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 (single-sink vanity, under-sink storage, WC, glass shower, magnifying mirror, hairdryer, towels). All cabins feature 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 offer 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 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) features comfortable seating and a small bow terrace (with limited seating). This is also where the formal Captain’s Cocktail Reception (welcome aboard event) is held. The Bar Lounge hosts the company’s onboard enrichment program with live entertainment, including crew shows, cooking demonstrations, local guest performances, daily quiz games, themed and dance nights (often with live music), language lessons, and lectures on folklore or the history of the regions visited along the cruise itinerary.

The Lobby Hall (midship on Deck 3) includes 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 of Deck 3, the Aft Lounge serves as a Library and Cocktail Bar by day and transforms into an evening Sushi Bar-Steakhouse (à la carte restaurant), with beverage service provided by its own bar (Bordbar).

The spacious Sun Deck (Deck 4) offers a mini-golf course (putting green), a heated round swimming pool, sunbathing areas with loungers and deckchairs, and shaded seating areas (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 fitness room.

Dining aboard the Excellence Empress includes a rich 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 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 feature international cheese specialties and gourmet grilled dishes. Premium wines (by the glass) accompany all main meals. The restaurant also hosts the formal Gala Dinner event.

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