River Cruises
Riviera Travel SHIP
MS Thomas Hardy
It is extremely difficult to convey just how extraordinary this outstanding ship really is and exactly what distinguishes the MS Thomas Hardy from similar vessels.
Riviera Travel MS Thomas Hardy
Overview
It is extremely difficult to convey just how extraordinary this outstanding ship really is and exactly what distinguishes the MS Thomas Hardy from similar vessels.
It would be very easy to just say ‘luxurious’ but it’s much more than that; we have deliberately avoided the current trend for a minimalist style where you could be anywhere in the world, creating instead a unique yet exquisite blend of understated taste, style and elegance at the highest level. Immediately striking is just how exceptionally spacious this new vessel is as you enter a gleaming, richly coloured marble-floored lobby flooded with natural light from a stunning atrium above. Moving inside, 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 ship is beautifully illuminated throughout – including the exterior and imaginatively furnished with harmonious colour schemes, all designed to create the serene atmosphere reflective of the golden age of cruising which time after time you tell us you adore.
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. This superb vessel carries 44 in-house trained crew members serving just 167 guests (similar size vessels may carry well over 190 passengers) giving the ratio which our experience proves is concurrent with our first class service levels.
Furthermore your suite will easily exceed your expectations for not only will you enjoy the most discerning décor, so too the ship’s dimensions afford the ultimate in space and comfort - a minimum 17 square metres (183 square feet), with upgrades available to ‘Superior’ and ‘Deluxe’ accommodation.
A small number of bicycles are available on board for our guests. Please enquire at the reception desk for information.
Deluxe Balcony Suites
If you’re looking to really spoil yourself, at a staggering 25 square metres (269 square feet), the world-class Diamond (upper) Deck Deluxe Balcony Suites are for you. Fifty percent larger than standard suites, they allow for an even more generous living area for the ultimate in space and comfort. In addition you will enjoy a private exterior balcony complete with table and chairs - perfect for an ‘al fresco’ breakfast should you wish or just 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!
Features
- Individual climate control
- Floor to ceiling windows with outside balcony
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
- Spacious ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
- Table and chairs
- Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
Superior Suites
Bringing your cruise to another level, why not upgrade to a Superior Suite. Substantially larger at 23 square metres (247 sq. feet) and with the additional space devoted to the living area, you will immediately notice the benefit as you relax in your stylish surroundings. Of course the identical high quality furnishings and fittings as the standard suite are evident throughout, again with stunning views from the panoramic floor to ceiling sliding glass doors.
Features
- Individual climate control
- Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
- Table and chairs
- Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
Suites
Standard cabins on the Emerald Deck are slightly smaller, measuring approximately 16 square metres (172 square feet) and have smaller fixed windows. Some are available for sole occupancy (supplements may apply) and are subject to availability.
Standard Suites are 17 square metres (183 square feet) and feature full floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a French balcony.
Features
- Individual climate control
- Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
- Table and chairs
- Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
classic
Main Restaurant
The ship’s main restaurant is located on the Ruby (middle) Deck and here you will experience not only exceptional first class cuisine, but also the most 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 your surroundings; beautifully laid tables for 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.
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.
classic
Riverview Kitchen
At the Riverview Kitchen with its large panoramic windows, enjoy a more intimate dining experience whilst taking in the fantastic views. Here in the evenings the chef presents in the open kitchen a selection of locally inspired dishes which you can enjoy with your fellow guests; 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.
Bar
Panorama Bar
The superb panoramic observation lounge and bar; a lounge in every sense of the word, complete with plenty of comfortable leather armchairs and sumptuous sofas where you can sink into warmly colourful cushions in beautiful quality fabrics with a freshly made cup of tea. A thick wool carpet feels lovely underfoot and the tasteful contemporary lighting above creates a welcoming and refined ambience, further complemented by the discreet and intuitive service resplendent of the finest five-star hotels. So just sit back with your favourite cocktail and take in the truly mesmerising view. After a superb dinner in the restaurant perhaps it’s time for a digestif accompanied by the soothing tones of the ship’s pianist.
Shop
Boutique
The Boutique can be located on the Diamond Deck.
Spa, Gym, Salon
Fitness Centre & Spa
On the Emerald (lower) Deck is the fitness centre, perfect for working off all those delicious meals or for something less strenuous treat yourself to a relaxing massage. Simply put, these world-class ships, elegant and refined in the truest sense, take the idea of river cruising to another level – it really doesn’t get better than this!
Pool, Golf
Sun Deck
The magnificent and unique Sun Deck illustrates our considered depth of design with a second staircase amidship affording convenient Sun Deck access. Head on up to this truly spectacular deck and what could be better than watching life ashore slip by from the comfort of a sun lounger, perhaps under shade if the weather gets too hot! There’s always the refreshing splash pool too or why not try your hand on the putting green.
Please note: The Sun Deck is only accessible by stairs.
Diamond Deck (Upper Deck)
- Panorama Lounge & Bar
- Riverview Kitchen
- Reception
- Souvenir Shop
- Travel Desk
- Diamond Deck Suites
- Superior Suites
- Superior Stern Suites
- Deluxe Balcony Suites
Ruby Deck (Middle)
- Restaurant
- Kitchen
- Ruby Deck Suites
- Superior Suites
Emerald Deck (Lower)
- Fitness Centre
- Hairdressers
- Wellness Area
- Emerald Deck Suites
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