MS Maxima

The 2003-built MS Maxima cruise ship was constructed by HDW-Nobiskrug GmbH in Rendsburg, Germany. She was originally launched as "MS Maxima1" and previously operated under the name "TUI Maxima." Her sisterships are MS Bolero (2003) and MS Viktoria (2004).

Currently, the vessel is owned by the Munich-based company Premicon AG (owner of KD Cruises / Koln-Dusseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt) and operated under charter by the Stuttgart-based cruise tour company Nicko Cruises, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mystic Cruises.

For Nicko Cruises, MS Maxima operates Danube River itineraries, including a 16-day voyage to the Danube Delta and the Black Sea, with roundtrip departures from Passau, Germany. These itineraries visit port cities across Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria.

In 2019, the vessel (ENI number 09948005) changed its flag state from Malta to Switzerland (MMSI 269057622) and is now registered in Basel.

MS Maxima cruise fares with Nicko Cruises include all onboard meals (breakfast buffet, waiter-served lunch and dinner, afternoon coffee with cake, midnight snacks), a welcome cocktail party, welcome dinner, gala dinner, onboard entertainment, ship tour, and port taxes. Cruise tour fares exclude flights, transfers, excursions, insurance, gratuities, beverages, and personal expenses.

Decks and Cabins

MS Maxima staterooms (90 total, for 180 passengers) are distributed across three of the ship’s four decks. All cabins are outside-facing, equally sized (16 m² / 170 ft²), and equipped with modern amenities including two lower beds (twins convertible to a queen-size bed), bedside tables, wardrobe, mirrored dressing table (writing desk with armchair), and en-suite bathroom (shower, toilet, single-sink vanity with mirror). Additional amenities include a hairdryer, LCD TV (satellite reception), radio, mini-bar/refrigerator, electronic safe (in the closet), intercom phone (shipboard use only), and individually controlled air-conditioning.

Main Deck cabins feature two lower beds (twins convertible to a double) and one large, rounded non-opening porthole window.

All Middle and Upper Deck cabins (62 in total) are French Balcony staterooms with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors opening to a railing (false balcony). Upper Deck cabins come with either two lower beds (one twin, one sofa bed) or one double bed (1.5 x 2 m) with two mattresses.

Upon request, some cabins can accommodate a third guest with the addition of a foldaway bed.

Shipboard Amenities

MS Maxima features a midship-located dining room restaurant (Upper Deck) with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering single-seating dining and an open-seating arrangement. The menu includes both traditional regional dishes inspired by visited destinations and international cuisine. Fine wines and gourmet delicacies are available, with the culinary highlight being the Gala Dinner, featuring an exquisite menu and ice parade.

Also on the Upper Deck (forward) is the Bar Lounge, with floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable seating (three-seat round tables with chairs), a grand piano for live performances by the resident pianist, and a full-service bar. Onboard entertainment includes daily live music, cooking demonstrations, quizzes, bingo, crew shows, themed dance nights, enrichment lectures, and media presentations related to itinerary destinations. Adjacent to the Lounge are the Tour Office (Cruise Director, excursion information and booking) and Library (books, playing cards, board games).

Two outdoor promenades (Lido terraces) are located on the Upper Deck — one forward-portside and one midship-starboard — accessible to passengers.

On the Middle Deck, the Lobby area includes two ship entrances, a small seating area, Reception Desk (24-hour guest services and assistance), and a Boutique (gift shop). Three staircases connect all decks, including a grand sweeping staircase in the Atrium, illuminated by a glass SkyLight. Forward on the Middle Deck is the wellness complex, featuring a fitness room (gym), sauna, and relaxation room with a large round window, Jacuzzi/whirlpool hot tub, and loungers.

The Sun Deck offers retractable awnings shading lounge areas with tables and chairs, full bar service, a glass-roofed SkyLight over the atrium/lobby, and a midship sunbathing zone with padded loungers and deckchairs.

The riverboat does not feature a hair salon (hairdresser or barber services), spa (massage room), passenger elevator, deck games area (such as giant chess, shuffleboard, or mini-golf), or swimming pool. The Sun Deck’s wheelhouse, railings, and awnings are retractable to allow safe passage under low bridges.

Nicko Cruises offers optional shore excursions (not included in the cruise fare) in each visited port, including guided city tours, sightseeing excursions, walking and cycling tours, and coach trips to nearby attractions. All guided excursions include complimentary personal audio headsets.

Note: For a complete list of river cruise ships and itineraries, visit the River Cruises hub, where all companies and fleets are listed.