MS Excellence Queen

The MS Excellence Queen cruise ship was launched in 2010 together with her sistership, Excellence Royal. The riverboat 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). Her itineraries cover the European rivers Moselle, Rhine, and Rhone.

For two years (2020-2022), the vessel (ENI number 2333623) was renamed from EXCELLENCE QUEEN to YE 74 PIETER. In 2020, her flag state and registry changed from the Netherlands (MMSI 244710458) to Switzerland (MMSI 269057365). She is currently registered in Basel.

Cabins

Excellence Queen staterooms (a total of 71) are mostly French Balcony cabins, except for the 14 Main Deck staterooms. All cabins include 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). Each cabin has individually controlled air conditioning.

Most cabins on decks 2 (Middle) and 3 (Upper) are identical in size—16 m² (170 ft²)—and include a seating area (round table with two armchairs) and a French Balcony accessed via sliding glass doors (floor-to-ceiling windows opening to a railing). Mini-Suites are French Balcony cabins measuring 17 m² (180 ft²). The ship’s single Excellence Suite (30 m² / 320 ft²) features two French Balconies, a non-convertible double bed, and a spacious seating area with a corner sofa. Suite privileges include a DVD player, premium bathrobes, and welcome gifts of sparkling wine and fresh fruit upon arrival.

Main Deck cabins measure 13 m² (140 ft²) and offer two single beds (convertible to a double) and two non-opening windows located near the ceiling. The ship has two wheelchair-accessible Middle Deck Suites (cabins 201 and 202) designed for passengers with reduced mobility, conveniently located near the 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 (without seating). This is also where the formal Captain’s Cocktail Reception (welcome aboard event) takes place. The Bar Lounge hosts the company’s onboard enrichment program with live entertainment, including crew shows, cooking demonstrations, local guest performances, piano recitals, 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 entrances (port and starboard). At the stern of Deck 3, the Aft Lounge serves as a Library, Cocktail Bar, and Bistro (à la carte restaurant) with its own service bar (Bordbar).

The ship’s wellness complex is located midship on Deck 1 and includes a sauna, fitness room, and spa treatment room for massages.

Excellence Queen’s dining experience includes a rich breakfast buffet, afternoon tea service (complimentary pastries with coffee and tea), a Sundeck BBQ, and a 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 full-service five-course dinner. Each day features a themed buffet with international cheese specialties and gourmet grilled dishes. A premium wine list (by the glass) accompanies all main meals. The Restaurant also hosts the formal Gala Dinner.

The spacious Sun Deck (Deck 4) features a mini-golf course (putting green), a heated outdoor whirlpool (Jacuzzi), sunbathing areas with loungers and deckchairs, and shaded areas with canopies. Forward, the open-air Sky Lounge is furnished with premium garden furniture (sofas and tables) and offers beverage service provided by the Excellence Lounge staff. All Sun Deck structures (wheelhouse, awnings, railings) are collapsible and lowered when the vessel passes under low bridges.

The cruise ship has one passenger elevator interconnecting decks 1-2-3 (Main, Middle, Upper) and a stairlift connecting decks 3 (Upper) and 4 (Sun Deck).