MS Viktoria

The 2004-built MS Viktoria was constructed by HDW-Nobiskrug GmbH (shipyard in Rendsburg, Germany) and launched under the name “MS Gracioso.” Her sisterships are MS Maxima (2003) and MS Bolero (2003).

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

For Nicko Cruises, MS Viktoria sails Danube River itineraries, including a 15-day voyage to the Danube Delta and the Black Sea, with roundtrip departures from homeport Passau, Germany. These itineraries visit port cities in Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria.

In 2019, the vessel (ENI number 09948008) changed her flag state from Malta (registered in Valletta) to Switzerland (MMSI 269057626). She is now registered in Basel.

MS Viktoria’s Nicko Cruises fares include all onboard meals (breakfast buffet, waiter-served lunch and dinner, afternoon coffee with cake, midnight snacks), Welcome Cocktail Party, Welcome Dinner, Gala Dinner, onboard entertainment, ship tour, and port taxes. Fares do not include flights, transfers, excursions, insurance, gratuities, beverages, or personal expenses.

Decks and Cabins

MS Viktoria staterooms (90 total, for 180 passengers) are located on three of the four decks. All cabins are outside, equally sized (16 m² / 170 ft²), and feature modern amenities such as two lower beds (twins convertible to a queen-size double bed), bedside tables, wardrobe, mirrored dressing table (writing desk with armchair), en-suite bathroom (shower, WC, washbasin with mirrored single-sink vanity), hairdryer, LCD TV (satellite reception), radio, mini-bar/refrigerator, electronic safe (in the closet), phone (intercom/onboard only), and individually controlled air conditioning.

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

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 have either two lower beds (one twin and one sofabed) or one double bed (1.5 x 2 m) with two mattresses.

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

Shipboard Amenities

MS Viktoria features a midship Dining Room Restaurant (Upper Deck) with floor-to-ceiling windows, single-seating capacity, and open-seating arrangements. The menu includes traditional regional dishes (inspired by the visited countries) as well as international cuisine. Fine wines and gourmet specialties are offered, and the highlight of each voyage is the Gala Dinner, featuring an exquisite menu and ice parade.

Forward on the Upper Deck is the Bar Lounge, offering panoramic windows, comfortable seating (three-seat round tables), a grand piano with live performances by a 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 the cruise itinerary, destinations, and excursions). Adjacent to the Lounge are the Tour Office (Cruise Director, excursions information and booking) and the Library (books, playing cards, board games).

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

The Middle Deck houses the Lobby area with two ship entrances, a small seating lounge, Reception Desk (24-hour guest services), and Boutique (Gift Shop). Three staircases connect all decks, including a sweeping staircase in the Atrium (covered with a Skylight/glass roof). Forward on the Middle Deck is the wellness complex, featuring a Fitness Room (small gym), Sauna Room, and a Spa Relaxation Room with a large round window, Jacuzzi/whirlpool hot tub, and relaxation beds.

The Sun Deck includes retractable awnings (shaded seating with 4-seat tables and chairs, full bar service), a Skylight (glass roof over the Atrium/Lobby), and a midship sunbathing area furnished with padded loungers and deckchairs.

The riverboat does not have a Hair Salon (hairdresser or barber services), Spa (massage room), Lift (passenger elevator), deck games area (Giant Chess, Shuffleboard, Putting Green/Mini-Golf), or Swimming Pool. The wheelhouse, railings, and awnings on the Sun Deck are fully retractable to allow passage under low bridges.

Nicko Cruises offers optional shore excursions (not included in cruise fares) in each visited port. These include sightseeing tours, city walks, cycling tours, and bus excursions to nearby destinations. Complimentary audio headsets are provided on all guided tours.

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