MS Excellence Royal

The MS Excellence Royal cruise ship was launched in 2010 together with her sistership, Excellence Queen. The riverboat is owned by Swiss Excellence River Cruise GmbH (Basel), a subsidiary of the German travel company Twerenbold Reisen, and operated by Excellence Flussreisen (travel brand) through Reisebüro Mittelthurgau AG (marketing and sales). The vessel operates exclusively in France on Seine River itineraries, with roundtrip departures from homeport Paris City.

Cabins

Excellence Royal staterooms (72 in total) are mostly French Balcony cabins, except for the 14 Main Deck cabins. All accommodations include a wall-mounted HDTV (with satellite reception, ship information channel, and 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 stateroom also has individually controlled air conditioning.

Most cabins on the Middle (Deck 2) and Upper (Deck 3) decks measure 16 m² (170 ft²) and feature a seating area (round table with two armchairs) and a French Balcony accessed through a sliding glass door or floor-to-ceiling window. Mini-Suites are French Balcony cabins measuring 17 m² (180 ft²). Suite amenities include a DVD player, premium bathrobes, and welcome gifts of sparkling wine and fruit upon arrival. The Excellence Royal also features one Grandlit Cabin (14 m² / 150 ft²) with a fixed double bed (non-convertible to twins) and a corner sofa.

Main Deck cabins measure 13 m² (140 ft²) and feature two single beds convertible to a double, along with two non-opening windows positioned near the ceiling. The ship also offers two wheelchair-accessible cabins (201 and 202) located on the Middle Deck, designed for passengers with reduced mobility and conveniently situated near the elevator.

Shipboard facilities

The Excellence Lounge (main bar lounge, forward on Deck 3) offers comfortable seating and a small bow terrace (without seating). This venue also hosts the formal Captain’s Cocktail Reception (welcome event). The Bar Lounge is the hub for onboard entertainment and enrichment, featuring live performances (crew shows, local musicians, and grand piano sessions), cooking demonstrations, daily quiz games, themed and dance nights (often with live music), language lessons, and lectures about folklore and regional history along the cruise route.

The Lobby Hall (midship on Deck 3) includes the Reception Desk (24-hour guest services), Tour Desk (Cruise Director, itinerary information, and excursion bookings), Gift Shop, and both ship entrances (port and starboard). At the stern on Deck 3, the Aft Lounge functions as a daytime Library, Cocktail Bar, and evening Bistro (à la carte restaurant), served by its own dedicated bar (Bordbar).

The wellness complex, located midship on Deck 1, includes a Sauna, Fitness Room (Gym), and Spa with a treatment room for massages.

Dining onboard includes a breakfast buffet, afternoon tea service (with complimentary pastries, coffee, and tea), Sundeck BBQs, and a wide variety of European dishes for lunch and dinner, including vegan and vegetarian options. The forward-located Panorama Restaurant (on Deck 2) features a show kitchen (open galley with live cooking stations) and large panoramic windows. The restaurant offers buffet breakfasts (hot and cold items), buffet-style lunches (salads, starters, desserts) with waiter-served main courses, and five-course dinners. Daily themed buffets feature international cheese selections and gourmet grilled dishes, complemented by a menu of premium wines by the glass. The restaurant also hosts the formal Gala Dinner.

The spacious Sun Deck (Deck 4) includes a Mini-Golf Course (Putting Green), heated Jacuzzi (outdoor whirlpool), sunbathing areas with loungers and deckchairs, and shaded seating (under canopy). Forward, the open-air Sky Lounge features premium outdoor furniture (two-seat sofas and four-seat tables) with beverage service provided by the Excellence Lounge staff. All Sun Deck structures (Wheelhouse, awnings, railings) are collapsible and lowered when passing under low bridges.

The onboard language is German. The Excellence Royal 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).