Launched in 2017, state of the art ships Emily Bronte, Thomas Hardy and Oscar Wilde heralded a new era in river cruising. Robert Burns joined the fleet in 2018, with Lord Tennyson arriving in 2021.
With a unique yet exquisite blend of understated taste, style and elegance at the highest level, enter a gleaming, richly coloured marble-floored lobby flooded with natural light from a stunning atrium above. Exceptional creativity from Europe’s finest design studio has produced a superbly balanced masterpiece of onboard style, utilising sustainable rich hardwoods, gleaming brass and polished copper, sparkling glass and intricate wrought iron. The ships are beautifully illuminated throughout and imaginatively furnished with harmonious colour schemes, all designed to create the serene atmosphere reflective of the golden age of cruising. The superb vessels carry 44 in-house trained crew members serving just 167 guests, giving first class service levels.
The three spacious, fully air-conditioned accommodation decks are all accessed by an attractive glass lift or the wide elegant wrought-iron staircase. Head on up to the truly spectacular sun Deck and watch life ashore drift by from the comfort of a sun lounger, There’s a refreshing splash pool too or why not try the putting green. The lovely terrace area is located right in front of the wheelhouse where you can watch the Captain and his team skilfully navigating the twisting river and enjoy truly ‘driving seat’ views.
The Upper Deck is the very heart of the ship - the superb panoramic observation lounge and bar; complete with plenty of comfortable leather armchairs and sumptuous sofas. The welcoming and refined ambience is further complemented by the discreet and intuitive service resplendent of the finest five-star hotels. After a superb dinner in the restaurant perhaps it’s time for a digestif accompanied by the soothing tones of the ship’s pianist or unwind with a book from the smartly wood panelled library.
On the Lower Deck is the fitness centre, or for something less strenuous enjoy a relaxing massage or visit the hairdresser’s which also offers manicure and pedicure treatments.
Dining:
The restaurant rivals the finest on shore establishments taking fine dining to another level complemented by delicate European porcelain, gleaming glassware and the intuitive service in which the Swiss excel. The peaceful Bistro with its open kitchen and terrace is another perfect spot to appreciate the ever-changing scenery gliding by. Here in the evenings the chef presents his personal signature dishes to a small number of diners with menus varying according to the seasons; this intimate dining experience can be reserved on board at no extra charge. When the weather allows the panoramic windows may be fully opened on to the terrace to allow a delightful al fresco dining experience.
The ship’s restaurant is located on the Middle Deck and here guests will experience not only exceptional first class cuisine, but also attentive yet discreet service from the ship’s highly professional crew. So just sit back with a well-deserved glass of wine from the carefully selected wine list and delight in the wonderful elegance of the surroundings; beautifully laid tables of just 4 or 6 guests, crisp linen, deep wool carpets and warm wood panelling abound to offer a delectable dining experience of the highest order.
Suites:
All the suites enjoy the most discerning décor, and the ultimate in space and comfort (a minimum 183 sq. ft.). They are imaginatively designed and appointed to the highest specification, with all the luxury you would expect to find in a smart ‘boutique style’ hotel. The gleaming marble bathroom features contemporary lighting, complimentary cosmetics by ‘Crabtree and Evelyn’ and fluffy towels. The chic styling extends to the entire suite with generous use of hand-crafted tropical hardwoods blended with premium fittings, discreet thoughtful lighting and a colour scheme of calming neutral tones. A full size bed assures a good night’s rest in crisp cotton linen of the finest quality - a turndown service each evening adds the finishing touch.
A particularly generous seating area with two chairs and a table enables guests to unwind in comfort whilst a bow camera conveys live images of the ship’s progress to the flat screen TV. Individually controlled air-conditioning, a hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and tea and coffee making facilities ensure a familiar home from home experience. Suites on the Upper and Middle Decks have ‘French Balconies’ – panoramic floor to ceiling sliding glass doors bringing riverside life just that little bit closer.
Why not upgrade to a Superior Suite on the Middle and Upper decks which are substantially larger at 210 sq. ft. with the additional space devoted to the living area.
At a staggering 274 sq. ft., the world-class Upper Deck Deluxe Balcony Suites allow for an even more generous living area for the ultimate in space and comfort. In addition there is a private exterior balcony complete with table and chairs - perfect for an ‘al fresco’ breakfast, a quiet morning coffee or a pre-dinner ‘sundowner’ whilst watching the world drift by. With the same fittings as standard suites, exquisitely and lavishly appointed to the very highest standard, plus complimentary soft cotton bathrobes and slippers adding the final little touch, this really is the epitome of river cruise luxury!