We were excited to learn that Riviera's two new sister ships were available for agents to explore, so we sent Paul from our Marketing Team to Amsterdam to check them out. Onboard before any passengers, Paul describes his impressions as he explores the luxury, all-suite MS Thomas Hardy and MS Emily Bronte.
First impressions
From the moment you step on board MS Thomas Hardy or Emily Bronte you’re greeted by an exquisite blend of understated taste, style and elegance at the highest level. Exceptionally spacious with richly coloured gleaming marble floors and naturally lit airy spaces, the ships exude style and elegance throughout
Atrium
The style and elegance begins as you enter the 3 tier atrium with its wrought-iron staircase and stunning glass elevator, which links the three fully air-conditioned accommodation decks. It’s from here of course that you have access to the Fitness and Wellbeing Centres and that all-important onboard hairdresser to get that perfect look for the gala dinner.
Dining
The main dining room exudes elegance. Combine this with the attentive yet discreet service from the ship’s highly trained professional crew and the exceptional first class cuisine and you can expect a delectable dining experience. So just sit back and enjoy a glass of well-deserved wine and delight in your surroundings.
If you would like a change of scenery though, then how about the Bistro? Located in the aft of the Diamond Deck, the evenings see the Bistro present the chefs personal dishes to a limited number of diners. So while you enjoy a menu that changes with the seasons, you can watch the scenery change as you glide by.
Also on the Diamond Deck you’ll find the Panorama Lounge which is the perfect place to unwind after a long day. With its comfortable leather armchairs and sumptuous sofas piled high with beautifully covered cushions, you can slowly relax as a pianist plays in the background and one of the highly trained staff brings you your favourite cocktail or aperitif.
Entertainment
Of course the highlight of any river cruise is the destinations and Riviera’s expert tour guides will make your sightseeing as easy and hassle-free as possible. But if you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing day on the ship then worry not as the Sun Deck offers you the chance to just relax and take in the scenery, or maybe if the sun gets a little too warm then a dip in the splash pool is called for. Of course, there’s always the chance to work on your putting on the green.
Cabins
The boutique style suites are all truly exceptional and are fully air-conditioned with individual heating control and all the touches you would expect from a hotel room on land. Of course, being tailored towards the British market, all cabins come equipped with a kettle, which makes Riviera the only river cruise line to provide this. With fluffy towels, Crabtree and Evelyn toiletries plus fully glazed showers with large rainshower heads, the marble bathrooms are that little bit of luxury you need to help invigorate you after a long day of sightseeing. Each suite has full sized beds with crisp linens and that all important turn down service adds those finishing touches.
For a real treat though, why not try a Deluxe Balcony Suite that are 50 percent larger than the standard suites and offer you that chance to sit out and watch the scenery glide by from the comfort of your own balcony. They’re also the perfect spot to enjoy an al fresco breakfast or a quiet coffee as you watch the sun go down.
Itineraries
Visit interesting ports of calls such as Antwerp (Belgium), Melk (Austria) and Rudesheim (Germany) onboard Emily Bronte and Thomas Hardy.
