An Anniversary Voyage
Join us and just 100 fellow travellers this coming autumn on board the MS River Crown as we mark 35 years since Noble Caledonia was established. Since 1991, over one quarter of a million people have travelled with us on a myriad of trips to every corner of the world and by every means of transport known to man. River cruising has been an important and very popular contributor to our success, and we are therefore delighted to be able to celebrate our anniversary with this specially arranged departure aboard the MS River Crown.
From the comfort of the MS River Crown, you can expect good food, wonderful company, interesting guided tours, beautiful autumnal scenery, informative lectures, uplifting music and a celebratory atmosphere as we sail along the Rhine, Main and Danube. We have planned our itinerary to ensure there is ample time to relax on board in order to enjoy the programme of talks, celebratory receptions and musical performances as we make our way from Amsterdam to Vienna.
During our voyage we will visit historic cities, towns and villages which will contrast well with our calls into the great cities of Cologne, Nuremberg and Vienna. We will spend time in some delightful Medieval towns including Miltenberg and Rothenburg, taste some of the splendid local wines and, in addition to our performances by London Festival Opera, enjoy concerts ashore of the works of both Beethoven and Mozart in the cities they were born. We will also sail through some of the most enchanting scenery imaginable including the beautiful Rhine Valley in Germany and Austria’s delightfully scenic Wachau Valley.
There will be interesting talks by our eminent Guest Speakers, wonderful recitals by London Festival Opera and keeping good order will be our Cruise Director, Cesar Perez, ably assisted by our popular Tour Manager Elaine Weddick, alongside Chantal Cookson, who was on board our very first cruise thirty-five years ago. Finally, some members of the team from our London HQ will also take the opportunity to join the celebration, and we hope to see many familiar faces on board in order that we can express our thanks for such marvellous continued support that has allowed the company to progress to where we are today.
River Crown
We are delighted to have chartered the elegant 100-passenger MS River Crown, a spacious and well-designed vessel which was built in 2008 and is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade in 2025. The atmosphere on board is friendly and informal and within days you will have made new friends in the open-seating restaurant, on the shore excursions or whilst relaxing in the comfortable public areas. You will find yourself amongst like-minded people in an English-speaking environment and for those who seek peace and quiet, there will always be the opportunity to find a secluded spot on the Sun Deck, in one of the relaxing public areas or to simply rest in your well-appointed cabin. Guest Speakers will provide a series of interesting talks and our Cruise Director will host informative port briefings. After a day exploring ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable vessel.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival in Amsterdam transfer to the MS River Crown and embark. Sail this evening.
Day 2 Arnhem.
After breakfast on board join an excursion to visit the memorable Airborne Museum ‘Hartenstein’; this renovated building houses the world’s largest collection of militaria from Operation Market Garden. Alternatively, you may like to visit the private art collection at the Kroller Muller Museum with its late 19th and 20th century paintings. Return to the MS River Crown for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon sailing towards Germany.
Day 3 Cologne & Bonn, Germany.
This morning, arrive into Cologne, one of Germany’s most famous Medieval cities. Enjoy a walking tour through the city centre and take in the relaxed atmosphere and historic surroundings. Visit Cologne Cathedral, which was once the world’s tallest building, and still boasts the largest façade in the world. Return to the ship for lunch while we continue upstream to Bonn, the birthplace of Beethoven. On arrival we will enjoy an orientation walk in the town centre before continuing to the Beethoven House, which now houses a museum to the great composer. Our visit will conclude with a concert of Beethoven’s works in the adjacent hall.
Day 4 Koblenz & the Rhine Valley.
This morning, take a walking tour around charming Koblenz, a historic commercial centre on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. We will return to the MS River Crown for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon on board sailing through the magnificent Rhine Gorge. This famously scenic stretch of river is punctuated by striking hilltop castles, steep vineyard covered slopes, and the legendary Lorelei Rock. We will moor in Rüdesheim allowing for the opportunity to sample the famous wines of the region in one of the local wine estates.
Day 5 Mainz.
Arrive this morning in atmospheric Mainz where our guided walking tour will include the Hoefchen (“Little Court”) which was the residence of the city’s archbishops until the 15th century, the Kirschgarten with its romantic half-timbered houses and Marian-Fountain. Our tour will end with a visit to the Johan Gutenberg Museum. Sail at lunchtime as we enter the River Main.
Day 6 Miltenberg.
Enjoy a relaxed morning sailing into the River Main before we arrive this afternoon in the pretty Franconian town of Miltenberg which has been occupied since antiquity and is today renowned for its half-timbered Medieval houses. During our guided walking tour we will see the picturesque triangular shaped Marktplatz and the restored castle.
Day 7 Wurzburg or Rothenburg.
Discover Wurzburg during a halfday tour and admire the architecture and history of the wine capital of Franconia. Explore the Baroque grandeur of the Residenz Palace before returning to the ship for a relaxing afternoon on board. Alternatively, join a full day excursion to charming Rothenburg, one of the most lovingly preserved Medieval towns in Bavaria. During the guided tour explore the cobbled streets and admire the half-timbered houses and impressive city walls that seem to spring from the pages of a fairy tale. After lunch ashore there will be time to explore independently before we meet with the MS River Crown as she sails toward Bamberg.
Day 8 Bamberg.
This morning we will enter the Main-Danube Canal at Bamberg, one of Germany’s most beautiful historic towns. Its geographical location, some 40 miles north of Nuremberg, was a key factor in preserving its magnificent architectural heritage from the ravages of war. Every European style from the Romanesque onwards has left its mark on Bamberg, each bequeathing at least one major building. After lunch on board, enjoy a walking tour of this beautiful Medieval city.
Day 9 Nuremberg.
The city of Nuremberg’s long and sometimes troubled history has left its mark on the city and there is plenty to discover during our morning tour. Three towering castles overlook Nuremberg, and its old city which is contained within vast walls is a joy to explore. Visit the World War II sites, including the Third Reich Party Rally Grounds and discover the city’s spectacular Medieval architecture. Sail at lunchtime and continue cruising through the highest point of any commercial waterway in Europe, 1331 feet above sea level.
Day 10 Regensburg.
Early this morning we enter the Danube River, arriving in Regensburg mid-morning. Join a guided stroll around the historic city and see the highlights such as the Old Town Hall and the World Heritage listed city centre. We will see the twin spired Cathedral Dom St Peter, as well as the Turn and Taxis Palace, a former Abbey and home of the Taxis family who played a major role in the history of the Holy Roman Empire and the German state. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore further at your own pace.
Day 11 Passau.
This morning, we arrive in Passau, where the Inn and Ilz rivers join the Danube. Our guided walking tour will include the old town of this Bavarian city and the breathtaking Cathedral of St Stephen which contains one of the world’s largest church pipe organs. After lunch on board the MS River Crown, you can choose to relax on board or explore Passau further under your own steam. This evening, enjoy a musical performance on board by the London Festival Opera.
Day 12 Linz for Salzburg, Austria.
We will moor in Linz and after breakfast there will be an opportunity to join a full day tour to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and famous for its architectural treasures and music festival. Our guided excursion will concentrate on Mozart’s family and his musical contemporaries. After lunch in a local restaurant, we will enjoy a special concert of music by Salzburg’s most famous son before returning to the MS River Crown in the late afternoon.
Day 13 Melk & the Wachau Valley.
This morning, we will reach the picturesque Wachau Valley, famous for its wine. We will moor in Melk under the shadow of the great Baroque Abbey, situated on a cliff high above the Danube. Enjoy a guided tour of the abbey followed by a performance by London Festival Opera featuring aria ensembles from The Marriage of Figaro, Così fan tutte, The Magic Flute, and Don Giovanni. Return to the ship for lunch as we sail through the beautiful vineyard covered scenery of the Wachau Valley. This afternoon, arrive in Weissenkirchen, where you can enjoy a stroll through the charming riverside village and a tasting of local Wachau wines before sailing this evening towards Vienna.
Day 14 Vienna.
A morning city tour of Austria’s elegant capital will take us around the famous Ringstrasse and the Old Quarter including St Stephen’s Cathedral. Alternatively, you may wish to join an excursion to the famous Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens. Explore this Baroque masterpiece and see rooms that were once occupied by Empress Maria Theresa, and Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth, affectionately known as Sisi. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon is at leisure to explore this majestic city further at your own pace before our farewell dinner and concert by London Festival Opera on board this evening.
Day 15 Vienna to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 30 October to 13 November 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck | £6995 | £6495 |
| Premium with French Balcony Upper Deck | £7295 | £6795 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Middle Deck | £7795 | £7295 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Upper Deck | £7995 | £7495 |
| Queen Suite with Balcony Upper Deck | £8495 | £7995 |
| Standard Single with porthole | £6995 | £6495 |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck for sole use | £7995 | £7495 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC301026
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 14 nights aboard the MS River Crown on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Shore excursions & special events • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speakers • Performances by London Festival Opera • Gratuities • Transfers • Port & airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
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Deck Plan
River Crown
We are delighted to have chartered the elegant 100-passenger MS River Crown, a spacious and well-designed vessel which was built in 2008 and is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade in 2025. The atmosphere on board is friendly and informal and within days you will have made new friends in the open-seating restaurant, on the shore excursions or whilst relaxing in the comfortable public areas. You will find yourself amongst like-minded people in an English-speaking environment and for those who seek peace and quiet, there will always be the opportunity to find a secluded spot on the Sun Deck, in one of the relaxing public areas or to simply rest in your well-appointed cabin. Guest Speakers will provide a series of interesting talks and our Cruise Director will host informative port briefings. After a day exploring ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable vessel.
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Ship Directory
Ship Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the ship or click on the adjacent Directory to download.
VESSEL TECHNICAL DETAILS
Passengers: 100
Length: 135 metres
Width: 11.40 metres
Draft: 1.60 metres
Year built:2008 / Refurbished: 2025
Cruise speed: 22 km/h maxAIR-CONDITIONING
Cabins/suites and public areas are heated and have air-conditioning.
ALARM
An alarm will be sounded in the event of an emergency. Please follow the instructions provided on board for what to do should an emergency occur.
CABIN SIZES & FACILITIES
All cabins/suites are spacious and welldesigned and feature an en-suite bathroom, individually controlled air-conditioning, ample storage space, writing/dressing table, television, telephone, safety deposit box, hairdryer and mini-bar.
The five Standard Single Cabins are located on the Main Deck and measure 12 square metres. These cabins feature a single bed and portholes that do not open.
Premium Cabins are located on the Middle and Upper decks and measure 15.5 square metres. They feature a double bed with two separate mattresses that be configured as twin or double. Premium cabins benefit from a French balcony providing wonderful views and access to fresh air. The bathroom has a shower and sliding doors of frosted glass.
Deluxe Cabins are located on the Middle and Upper decks and measure 22 square metres. The fixed double bed is located diagonally to the front of the window and there is a separate seating area. The spacious marble bathroom has a shower and a natural light window.
Queen Suites are located on the Upper Deck and measure 30 square metres. The suites feature both a French balcony and a separate balcony with chairs and a table, and a living room area with a separable sliding door. The fixed double bed is located diagonally to the front of the window. The spacious marble bathroom has a separate bath and shower as well as a double wash basin.
THE CLUB
The Club area on board comprises of two small lounges on the Upper Deck and is the perfect location if you are seeking somewhere quiet to relax with a good book and a tea or coffee whilst admiring the passing scenery.
DAILY PROGRAMME
A daily programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities, is produced on board and delivered to your cabin each evening.
DRESS CODE
During the day, comfortable and casual attire is appropriate. Evening attire is smart casual though you may like to bring something a little dressier for the welcome and farewell dinners.
DRINKS
Complimentary house wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner on board. Water is provided during breakfast, lunch and dinner and bottled water is available in your cabin and replenished daily. Tea and Coffee is available 24-hours day in the Atrium Lobby.
ELECTRICITY
Voltage is 220V and sockets accept European-style two round pin plugs. In the bathroom there is a 110V socket which may be used for electric razors only. We recommend that you bring an international adaptor. For safety reasons, the use of electrical irons or other devices such as kettles, are not permitted on board.
EMERGENCY & SAFETY PROCEDURES
In the unlikely event of an emergency during your cruise, please remain calm and follow the instructions of the crew. We request that all guests carefully review the safety instructions on the inside of their cabin door.
FIRE SAFETY
On your cabin door is a deck plan displaying your closest (and all other) emergency exits. Emergency exits are marked in green and fire extinguishers are fitted in all corridors. Should you detect fire or smoke please alert the reception desk immediately and await instructions from the crew.
FIRST AID
A number of the crew members are fully trained and certified to provide First Aid.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price.
HOUSEKEEPING
Your cabin will be cleaned once a day and you will be provided with an evening ‘turn down’ service.
LAUNDRY
Laundry service is available on board. Laundry bags and a price list can be found in the closet of your cabin. Once you have filled out the laundry form, please include it in the bag and place it on your bed in the morning before you go to breakfast. Laundered items will be returned the next day. Dry cleaning services are not available on board.
LIBRARY
A selection of fiction and travel literature is available in the book cases located in the Atrium Lobby. A selection of fiction and travel literature is available on a self-serve basis.
LIFT
There is a lift on board that services the Upper and Middle decks.
LOUNGE & BAR
The Lounge & Bar is located on the Upper Deck and is open from 10.00 am until at least midnight offering a fine selection of drinks and bar snacks. Floor-to-ceiling panorama windows, beautiful rosewood panelling and warm and inviting decor provide a convivial atmosphere for conversation among fellow travellers. Relax in the comfortable sofas and chairs and listen to the onboard lectures or the musician playing background music on the piano.
LOST PROPERTY
Lost property can be handed into the ship’s reception. Please ensure you have all your belongings with you before you return home. Should you leave any items on board the ship, please contact Noble Caledonia. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection and to advise of any associated costs.
MEALS
The restaurant is located on the Upper Deck and features floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows so that you can enjoy the passing scenery as you dine. All meals on board are prepared by the highly skilled Executive Chef and his team and consist of European-style food. The restaurant has open seating, allowing you to sit where and with whom you like at each meal.
In the morning for early risers, tea, coffee and pastries are available from 06.30 am. Breakfast is served buffet style, lunch is a combination of a delightful buffet and hot dishes served to order and dinner is a served four course meal. In addition, house wine, beer and soft drinks are included at both lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is also provided with a choice of cakes and, to finish the day, snacks are available in the lounge in the late evening. If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free and low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department.
We regret that not all dietary requirements can be guaranteed. If you have any specific or special foods that you require, we recommend that you take some with you although we will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once on board please speak to the Chef or Maitre D’ at dinner on your first night on board to reconfirm your needs.
MOORING
Docking space is allocated by the local river authorities. Views from cabins may occasionally be restricted. On occasion other river cruise vessels may dock alongside the ship. This may restrict cabin views, and you may find that embarking and disembarking necessitates walking through another ship’s reception area, and/or for their passengers to do the same.
PAYMENTS ON BOARD
The ship offers a cash-free system during your cruise and purchases are charged to your onboard account. The day before your cruise ends you will receive an itemised invoice for any onboard charges incurred. Please review the invoice carefully before settling your bill. All onboard charges will be in Euros, payable with Visa, Mastercard, debit cards or cash at the end of the cruise. Personal cheques are not accepted. Regrettably, the ship is not able to offer a money-changing service on board as this would be contravening official regulations.
QUESTIONNAIRES
We are always looking for ways to improve our holidays and the services provided and in order to do this we welcome feedback from our guests. Your comments are important to us therefore we request that you complete the questionnaire that will be provided to you on board.
QUIETVOX/AUDIO SYSTEM
Noble Caledonia has arranged for all passengers to have access to a ‘Quietvox’ audio system for use during the shore excursions. Further details shall be provided to you following your embarkation.
RECEPTION
Reception can be contacted 24 hours a day, except when the crew member on night watch duty is doing their intermittent security round during which a sign will be replaced at Reception.
SAFE
Your cabin is equipped with a small safe for your personal use. We recommend placing valuables in the safe whenever you are away from your room.
SUN DECK
There are loungers and armchairs available on the Sun Deck as well as a putting green and a giant chess board. To ensure your safety, the Sun Deck area may be closed in the evenings and when sailing through sections of the river where bridges are low. Please also note that the Sun Deck and its steps may become slippery if the weather is cool or dew forms.
SMOKING
Smoking in your cabin or in any of the vessel’s public areas is strictly prohibited. Smoking is only permitted on the Sun Deck in designated areas.
TELEPHONE
To make an internal call please dial the corresponding cabin number. To make an external call, please contact Reception who will advise of the rates.
TOILETRIES
A selection of toiletries are provided including shampoo, shower gel, soap and tissues.
WELLNESS CENTRE
This is located on the Middle Deck. There is a spa area with a hairdresser as well as a sauna, Jacuzzi and shower area. The small gym has a variety of exercise equipment available for use.
WI-FI
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the cabins and public areas. There may be times when the internet connection is slow or not available such as when the ship sails through rural areas or locks.
Please note: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
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Deck Plan
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Deck Plan
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Deck Plan
Travelling with You
Exclusive performances by London Festival Opera
We are delighted to announce that our long time associates, London Festival Opera, will present an Opera Celebration during your cruise. In addition to their onboard performances, whilst in the wonderful surrounds of Melk Abbey they will perform aria ensembles from The Marriage of Figaro, Così fan tutte, The Magic Flute, and Don Giovanni in period costume. Bringing together artists from the major British opera companies including the Royal Opera, English National Opera and Glyndebourne Festival Opera, the company has a considerable reputation and has appeared in some of the world’s leading venues including as a guest company in one of Italy’s greatest opera houses, La Fenice.
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Ernest Rea
Ernest Rea is a celebrated British broadcaster who specialises in the history of religions and the way that faith impacts on the contemporary world. His regular national radio programme, Beyond Belief, was awarded the prestigious Sony Gold Award for the Best Speech Programme on British Radio.
He worked for the BBC for 22 years in a variety of production and editorial roles. From 1989 to 2001 he was Head of Religious Broadcasting for the BBC responsible for all religious television and radio programmes nationally and locally. During this period, he spent much time in the United States, brokering co-production television deals with leading American broadcasters. He was closely involved in a variety of key national events, including the Funeral Service for Diana, Princess of Wales.
He is in wide demand as a speaker at international inter faith conferences, literary festivals and academic symposia. In 1997 he was personally awarded the Gold Medal of the International Council of Christians and Jews for his contribution to Inter Faith Understanding. He has First Class Honours Degrees in Theology and in History and Politics which helped to fuel his passion for the study of world religions and the way in which they impact on the ancient and modern worlds.
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Martin Sixsmith
Martin Sixsmith is a writer, presenter and former television correspondent. He was the BBC’s Central and Eastern Europe Correspondent in the 1980s, reporting on the political upheavals that changed the shape of the continent and the world. In the 1990s, Martin was the BBC’s correspondent Moscow and Washington. Between 1997 and 2002 he worked for the British Government as Director of Communications and Press Secretary to several cabinet ministers.
He worked as a consultant on the BBC2 political sitcom The Thick of It and the 2010 movie In the Loop. In 2013, his book The Lost Child of Philomena Lee was made into the film Philomena, starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan. It was nominated for four Oscars. His non-fiction books include Putin’s Oil; Moscow Coup; The Litvinenko File; Russia, A Thousand Year Chronicle of the Wild East; and The War of Nerves – Inside the Cold War Mind. His latest book My Sins Go With Me is a story of bravery and treachery in the Resistance to Nazi occupation in World War Two. In 2011, he presented the BBC’s 50-episode history of Russia on Radio Four. In 2014 he presented Radio Four’s 25-part history of psychology and psychiatry.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000