MS Lady Cristina

The 2006-built MS Lady Cristina cruise ship (formerly Johann Strauss) operates year-round on Rhine, Main, and Danube River itineraries, with departures from Holland (Amsterdam), Germany (Cologne, Nuremberg, and Mainz), and Hungary (Budapest).

The riverboat was built in Kinderdijk, Holland, and was extensively refurbished and renamed from "MS Sound of Music" to "MS Johann Strauss" in 2018. The shipowner is the Florida-based company Teeming River Cruises.

Since 2022, the vessel—renamed LADY CRISTINA—has been operated under charter by the German company Plantours Kreuzfahrten.

The ship (ENI number 2327687) is currently Switzerland-flagged (MMSI 269057275) and registered in Basel.

Cabins

All staterooms are outside cabins and are contemporary in design. Standard cabin amenities include two beds (separated or convertible to double on request), wardrobe, safe deposit box (in closet), direct-dial phone, TV (satellite reception, ship information channel with daily program, bow camera real-time views), en-suite bathroom (toilet, shower, hairdryer, built-in cabinets, bath products), 220V power sockets, and individually controlled air conditioning.

The ship offers 72 passenger cabins across several categories:

• Danube Suite (midship Deck 3, 20 m² / 210 ft²) – French Balcony with sliding glass doors; 2 suites (A and B).
• Danube Premium (midship–aft Deck 3, 15 m² / 165 ft²) – floor-to-ceiling French Balcony with sliding doors; 23 cabins (301–323, 325).
• Rhine Junior Suite (forward–midship Deck 2, 18 m² / 195 ft²) – non-opening panoramic window; 10 cabins (205–210, 401–404).
• Rhine Deluxe (midship–aft Deck 2, 15 m² / 165 ft²) – semi-French Balconies (opening windows); 23 cabins (211–212, 214–233, 235).
• Rhine Standard (forward Deck 2, 15 m² / 165 ft²) – non-opening panoramic window; 4 cabins (201–204).
• Moselle Standard (midship Deck 1, 12 m² / 130 ft²) – non-opening window; 10 cabins (101–110).

Single occupancy cabins are available in categories Danube Deluxe, Rhine Deluxe, and Moselle Standard.

Shipboard Facilities

Known for its friendly crew and informal atmosphere, the ship offers a relaxed, intimate cruise experience—ideal for first-time river cruisers.

The stylish and spacious Salon/Bar Lounge (forward on the Danube Deck) has large panoramic windows and a full-service bar offering specialty drinks.

The single-seating Dining Room Restaurant (aft on the Danube Deck) features large windows and 4- to 6-seat tables. It serves à la carte/American-style breakfasts, 3-course lunches, and 4-course dinners with complimentary wine by the glass. Meals are freshly prepared by the onboard chef using locally sourced ingredients from markets and suppliers at the ports visited.

A highlight of each voyage is the Captain’s Gala Dinner. A 24-hour tea and coffee station offers complimentary beverages, while the Lounge Bar serves morning coffee and afternoon tea.

The Sun Deck features a covered seating area (midship–forward) with tables and chairs, and a sunbathing area (midship–aft) with a jacuzzi/whirlpool, loungers, and deckchairs.

Additional onboard amenities include concierge services, laundry, and a small business center. The daily entertainment program features live music, folklore performances, themed lectures, and dancing.

The Lobby area (Deck 3 midship, at the entrance to the Lounge) includes the Reception Desk (24-hour guest services, information, purser assistance) and a Library (reading lounge with books and popular board games).

Note: For a complete list of river cruise ships and riverboats, visit the “Itinerary” section of our River Cruises hub, where all companies and fleets are listed.