Find a Cruise

About CruiseBid

Revolutionize the way you book cruises with our unique bidding platform, offering luxurious experiences at prices that suit you. Explore breathtaking destinations and enjoy world-class amenities aboard the finest cruise lines.

Whether it's the Caribbean, Mediterranean, or Alaskan coastline, embark on your dream voyage at a fraction of the cost. Start your journey today and sail away on the adventure of a lifetime.

MS William Shakespeare

image

Overview


Our long history with the MS William Shakespeare dates back to 2015.

Built to our exacting specifications - with the help of one of Europe's most experienced luxury ship builders - no expense was spared to ensure you travel in complete comfort. Sustainably sourced tropical hardwoods, highly polished brass and wrought iron fittings add to the elegant décor. And we've made sure our ship features everything you'd expect in a boutique hotel - plus a few extras.

Now operated by Starling Fleet, a member of the long-established River Advice alliance, one of the leading companies operating on all European rivers for both the UK and international markets, this much-loved ship is a stalwart of our fleet.

The cabins are very tastefully appointed, featuring a wealth of mahogany, leather, marble and Italian soft furnishings, which blend together to create an ambience of true quality and elegance. In keeping with this theme, spacious marble bathrooms have a washbasin with plenty of space for cosmetics and the provided bathrobes and slippers, a WC and a glazed shower with fittings by ‘Grohe’.


Our long history with the MS William Shakespeare dates back to 2015.

Built to our exacting specifications - with the help of one of Europe's most experienced luxury ship builders - no expense was spared to ensure you travel in complete comfort. Sustainably sourced tropical hardwoods, highly polished brass and wrought iron fittings add to the elegant décor. And we've made sure our ship features everything you'd expect in a boutique hotel - plus a few extras.

Now operated by Starling Fleet, a member of the long-established River Advice alliance, one of the leading companies operating on all European rivers for both the UK and international markets, this much-loved ship is a stalwart of our fleet.

The cabins are very tastefully appointed, featuring a wealth of mahogany, leather, marble and Italian soft furnishings, which blend together to create an ambience of true quality and elegance. In keeping with this theme, spacious marble bathrooms have a washbasin with plenty of space for cosmetics and the provided bathrobes and slippers, a WC and a glazed shower with fittings by ‘Grohe’.

Cabins on the Hamlet (upper) and Othello (middle) decks have “French Balconies” with full floor to ceiling glazed doors. These have another unique innovative feature – a first on any river cruise ship. The doors slide completely away against the ship's side, effectively disappearing from view (excepting the safety barrier of course!), thus creating a true panoramic extension to your already large cabin area. From here you can enjoy the delights of fresh air and magnificent views whilst retaining your own privacy. At 15 square metres (161 square feet) cabins are spacious and well appointed with hotel standard twin beds with individual bedding which can be moved together or separated accordingly, safe, telephone, hair dryer, tea and coffee making facilities plus individually controlled air-conditioning. They have flat screen TV with satellite channels and also receive images from a bow-mounted camera, so you can see exactly where you are cruising from the comfort of your own bed! Two chairs and a small table are provided for your convenience plus tasteful lighting, subtly changing in harmony with the time of day is again a unique feature.

Ship Statistics
Year Built 2014
Refurbished
Length 360 ft
Width 37 ft
Tonnage 0
Speed 10
Passenger Capacity 140
Crew Size 35
No. of Deck 4
No. of Cabin 76
No. of large Cabin 0
No. of wheelchair Cabin 0
Services & Amenities
Sun Deck YES
Facilities
Queen or Twin Configuration YES
Lounge Area YES
Shower YES
Toiletries Provided YES
Room Service Available YES
TV YES
Free Wi-Fi YES
Safe YES
Hair Dryer YES
Desk YES
Telephone YES
Suite Benefits YES
Air Conditioning YES
Coffee Machine YES

  • Seating Area & Terrace

WIDGETY Deck Plan Placeholder - coming soon deck plan not available.png

Click the image to enlarge it.

  • Lounge
  • Deluxe Suites
  • Upper Deck Cabins
  • Midsummer Bar

Riviera Travel MS William Shakespeare Deck Plans Upper Deck.jpg

Click the image to enlarge it.

  • Restaurant
  • Middle Deck Cabins

Riviera Travel MS William Shakespeare Deck Plans Middle Deck.jpg

Click the image to enlarge it.

  • Wellness Area
  • Lower Deck Cabins

Riviera Travel MS William Shakespeare Deck Plans Lower deck.jpg

Click the image to enlarge it.

Riviera Travel, MS William Shakespeare, Restaurant 4.jpg
Main Restaurant (complimentary)

varies

Riviera Travel, MS William Shakespeare, Back Bar 5.jpg
Midsummer Bar & Restaurant (complimentary)

fine

Cabins on the Hamlet (upper) and Othello (middle) decks have “French Balconies” with full floor to ceiling glazed doors. These have another unique innovative feature – a first on any river cruise ship. The doors slide completely away against the ship's side, effectively disappearing from view (excepting the safety barrier of course!), thus creating a true panoramic extension to your already large cabin area. From here you can enjoy the delights of fresh air and magnificent views whilst retaining your own privacy. At 15 square metres (161 square feet) cabins are spacious and well appointed with hotel standard twin beds with individual bedding which can be moved together or separated accordingly, safe, telephone, hair dryer, tea and coffee making facilities plus individually controlled air-conditioning. They have flat screen TV with satellite channels and also receive images from a bow-mounted camera, so you can see exactly where you are cruising from the comfort of your own bed! Two chairs and a small table are provided for your convenience plus tasteful lighting, subtly changing in harmony with the time of day is again a unique feature.

Riviera Travel, MS William Shakespeare, Deluxe Suite 1.jpg
Deluxe Suite
Riviera Travel, MS William Shakespeare, Standard Cabin 4.jpg
Standard Cabin (Hamlet & Othello Decks)

The Sun Deck is the hub for entertainment onboard. The forward viewing area is perfect for watching the historic riverside villages, steep vine-clad valley sides and other scenic wonders glide serenely by. It’s well equipped with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun-loungers, deck games including shuffleboard and giant chess, a small splash pool where you can cool off, and a full bar service. Sometimes barbecues are held here too, weather dependent of course – a great way to meet new people over a glass of wine.

Then, as the evening progresses into darkness, subtle lighting evolves down on the Hamlet Deck, through colour and intensity accompanied by gentle piano background music, creating a very special ambience. However should you prefer a good book to read you can always visit the library, which, with its leather-effect wall linings, offers a genteel environment reminiscent of the golden age of cruising.

Riviera Travel, MS William Shakespeare, Sun Deck 2.jpg
Sun Deck
Riviera Travel, MS William Shakespeare, Sauna.jpg
Wellness Area