MS River Art

The 2005-built MS River Art cruise ship (Bellissima) was constructed in Dessau-Rosslau (Germany) by RSW Rosslauer Schiffswerft. The riverboat is currently owned by the Portuguese company Mystic Invest (a family-owned financial holding) and operated under charter by its subsidiary Nicko Tours (Stuttgart-based cruisetour company).

MS River Art cruises on the Danube River between the homeports of Regensburg and Sulina.

In 2023, the vessel (ENI number 7001812) was renamed from RIVER ART to BELLISSIMA. While her flag state and port of registry remained the same (Switzerland, Basel), the boat’s identification/MMSI number changed from 269057215 to 269057385. Curiously, the sistership Bellissima was renamed Barbarella.

Cabins

MS River Art has a total of 65 cabins accommodating 130 passengers. All standard cabins are outside, equally sized (13 m2 / 140 ft2), and equipped with two twin (separate) lower beds, cabinets, wardrobe, large mirrors, a small table with two chairs, and an en-suite bathroom (shower, WC, washbasin). Additional amenities include a hairdryer, flat TV (satellite reception), phone (intercom/onboard use only), and individually controlled air-conditioning. One lower bed is folding, allowing it to be stowed against the wall during the day to create more space.

Suites are larger, located on the Upper Deck (24 m2 / 258 ft2), and additionally offer a double bed (convertible to two twins) and a larger seating area with a mini-bar.

Upper Deck cabins feature opening (tiltable) windows, while Main Deck cabins have two small non-opening windows.

Some cabins are Triples (two lower beds plus one upper bunk bed) but are sized the same as standard Doubles.

Shipboard amenities

MS River Art has a Dining Room Restaurant (Panorama) with large windows, single-seating capacity, and open seating. On embarkation day, a specific table can be reserved for the duration of the cruise. The Dining Room menu includes both traditional dishes (influenced by the itinerary’s countries) and international specialties. Each voyage’s culinary highlight is the Gala Dinner, featuring an exquisite menu and an ice parade.

The ship also features a Reception Desk (24-hour guest services and assistance), a Tours Office (excursion information and booking), and a Library (Lobby corner with a small Gift Shop) offering souvenirs, books, popular board games, and a 4-seat table with armchairs. 

The Sun Deck is equipped with retractable awnings (roofed/shaded seating lounge with tables and chairs, full bar service) and an aft deck games area (with a giant chess set and shuffleboard). The sunbathing area includes sun loungers and deckchairs.

The Upper Deck’s forward Bar Lounge Panorama offers large windows, comfortable seating (two-seat sofas, armchairs, round tables), and a grand piano for live performances by the resident pianist. The lounge is served by its own bar. Onboard entertainment includes daily live music, cooking demonstrations, quiz games, bingo, crew shows, themed dance nights, enrichment lectures, and media presentations related to the cruisetour itinerary, destinations, ports, and excursions.

A stair lift is available for disabled passengers (wheelchair accessible).

The cruise company offers optional shore excursions (not included in cruisetour fares) in each visited port. Land tours include sightseeing, city walks, and bus travel to nearby tourist attractions. The onboard language is German. On many excursions, guests receive an audio system to follow the tour guide’s explanations comfortably without missing any highlights. In addition to classic excursions, the company also offers cycling trips.

MS River Art cruise deals include all onboard meals (breakfast buffet, waiter-served lunch and dinner, afternoon coffee and cake, midnight snacks), a Welcome Cocktail Party, Welcome Dinner, Gala Dinner, onboard entertainment, ship tour, and port taxes. Cruisetour fares do not include flights, transfers, excursions, insurance, gratuities, beverages, or personal expenses.

Note: You can see CruiseMapper’s list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the “itinerary” section of our River Cruises hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there.