MS nickoSPIRIT

The 2020-built/2021-inaugurated MS nickoSPIRIT cruise ship is owned by Scylla AG (Baar, Switzerland) and operated under charter by the Stuttgart-based cruisetour company Nicko Tours (a fully owned subsidiary of Mystic Invest Portugal). The vessel is also chartered to Select Voyages (Switzerland-based travel agency).

MS nickoSPIRIT sails on the Rhine and Main rivers, with roundtrip departures from homeports Frankfurt am Main and Köln/Cologne. Itineraries vary between 3, 6, 7, 8 and 10 days (4–7–8–9–11 nights) and visit major port cities in Germany, Holland (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Nijmegen) and Luxembourg (Remich).

The vessel is Switzerland-flagged (MMSI number 269057749).

Decks and Cabins

MS nickoSPIRIT has 4 passenger decks and a total of 85 staterooms for 170 passengers. All cabins are outside, equally sized (14 m2 / 150 ft2) and equipped with a double bed (convertible to two twins/lower beds), deluxe bedding (linens, pillows, duvets), bedside tables, wall-mounted reading lamps, large mirror, wardrobe, writing desk with armchair, and an en-suite bathroom (glass-wall shower, WC toilet, mirrored washbasin/single-sink vanity). Additional amenities include a hairdryer, HDTV (satellite reception, infotainment system), intercom phone (onboard calls only) and individually controlled air-conditioning.

Main Deck cabins each feature a non-opening window (quarter-height, positioned near the ceiling). All Middle and Upper Deck cabins are French Balcony staterooms with floor-to-ceiling windows (the upper half lowerable) opening to a railing (false balcony).

One lift (passenger elevator) connects all cabin decks; staircases connect all decks. A stairlift links the Upper Deck (deck 3) to the Sun Deck (deck 4).

WiFi and laundry services are available for an additional fee.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

MS nickoSPIRIT has 4 passenger-accessible decks, all interconnected via indoor stairs, with cabin decks linked by an Atrium lift.

Main Deck (deck 1) accommodates most staff and crew cabins, the machinery room (propulsion, engines, diesel generators), the midship Wellness complex (Spa Treatment Room, Relax Room with loungers, Gym, Sauna Room, Jacuzzi/indoor whirlpool), and passenger cabins (all with non-opening windows).

Middle Deck (deck 2) houses the Restaurant (complimentary dining room with full-seating capacity and open-seating arrangements), the adjacent Galley (kitchen and storage), and the Lobby Hall (Reception Desk and Tours Desk/Cruise Director’s Office). The Reception provides 24-hour guest services and assistance. The Tours Desk offers excursion information and bookings. The midship Atrium (lower level) features a transparent glass ceiling and a grand staircase. Sliding doors (port and starboard) lead to smoking-allowed outdoor areas. This is also the boarding deck, with two entrance points for embarkation and debarkation.

The Restaurant offers waiter service and open-seating arrangements. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style, while dinner is a 3-course, waiter-served meal. The Dining Room is spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows and mostly 2- and 4-seat tables. Amenities include luxury linens, high-quality china, cutlery and glassware. Menus include hot and cold appetizers, entrees, soups, salads, fresh-baked goods and desserts. Guests may also tour the Galley to observe food preparation.

Upper Deck (deck 3) forward is home to the Panorama Salon (indoor observation lounge) with floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable seating, its own Bar, a Library corner and a Tea & Coffee Station (24-hour complimentary drinks and snacks). Entertainment includes movies, enrichment program presentations (lectures, multimedia sessions related to ports and excursions), port talks, themed activities (food and wine tastings, guest performers) and social events.

From the Panorama Lounge, guests access the glass-walled Terrace (Winter Garden) with sheltered outdoor seating. The glass-floored Atrium’s upper level features the Boutique Shop. Aft is the ship’s second Restaurant (Steakhouse/Bistro & Bar), offering à-la-carte dining. This venue has floor-to-ceiling windows and limited seating; dinner reservations are required.

Sun Deck (deck 4) features the Navigation Bridge (Wheelhouse), a forward Outdoor Lounge (with bar service from Panorama Salon), and a large outdoor relaxation area with deckchairs, sun loungers, 4-seat tables, shaded areas (4 retractable awnings) and a deck games area (Giant Chess Set).

The cruise company offers optional shore excursions (not included in fares). Options include sightseeing tours, guided city walks, cycling tours and bus trips to nearby attractions. All guided excursions include complimentary portable audio headsets.

MS nickoSPIRIT cruise fares include all onboard meals (breakfast buffet, waiter-served lunch and dinner, afternoon coffee with cake, midnight snacks), Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, Gala Dinner, onboard entertainment, ship tour and port taxes. Not included are flights, transfers, excursions, insurance, gratuities, beverages and personal expenses.

The vessel’s construction (hull and superstructure, ENI number 02338870) was completed at the Vahali Shipyard in Zasavica (Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia). The Dutch shipbuilding company Scheepswerf en Machinefabriek Vahali BV (founded in 1923) owns and operates shipyards in Serbia (Belgrade and Zasavica) and in Holland (Gendt). Vahali Shipyard Zasavica officially opened in 2013. After construction in Serbia, the vessel was towed to Holland for final outfitting at Scheepswerf Vahali (Gendt).

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.