Low Deposits
Free Monthly Payments
99% Customer Satisfaction
UK's Largest Independent Travel Agent
Featured Deal Types
Overview
Specially commissioned and designed to our exacting specifications, she is, without doubt, one of the world’s finest river cruise ships. We have worked tirelessly with one of Europe’s most experienced and respected luxury shipbuilders, Veka Group, to create the perfect ship, featuring many unique, ground breaking innovations. The finest of materials have been used in construction with virtually no expense spared; its sustainably sourced tropical hardwoods, highly polished brass and wrought iron fittings, thick pile high-quality carpets, luxuriously comfortable deep armchairs and settees will absolutely delight you. In addition the ship’s spacious layout, subtle and tasteful lighting, elegant décor, luxurious cabins and excellent facilities are undoubtedly the very best on cruise ships today. Superb attention to detail continues outside the vessel, where the extensive use of glass and polished stainless steel complements her sleek modern profile perfectly. As the ship glides, serenely, through the water, she truly is a wonderful sight to behold! As you would expect, the ship also incorporates the very latest in modern construction techniques and safety systems, ensuring your cruise is as comfortable and secure as possible. Finally the ship carries just 140 passengers and with 35 crew, a 4:1 ratio ensures excellent service levels. With many similar size vessels carrying 180 passengers or more, you will find the extra space, especially in the restaurant, very noticeable indeed.
Background
MS William Shakespeare - Main Restaurant MS William Shakespeare - Main Restaurant MS William Shakespeare - Main Restaurant MS William Shakespeare - Main Restaurant MS William Shakespeare - Main Restaurant MS William Shakespeare - Main Restaurant MS William Shakespeare - Main Restaurant MS William Shakespeare - Main Restaurant MS William Shakespeare - Main Restaurant MS William Shakespeare - Main Restaurant MS William Shakespeare - Midsummer Bar & Restaurant MS William Shakespeare - Midsummer Bar & Restaurant MS William Shakespeare - Midsummer Bar & Restaurant MS William Shakespeare - Midsummer Bar & Restaurant MS William Shakespeare - Midsummer Bar & Restaurant MS William Shakespeare - Midsummer Bar & Restaurant MS William Shakespeare - Midsummer Bar & Restaurant
Food & Drink

Main restaurant on middle deck serving buffet breakfast, buffet lunch and dinner

Entertainment

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.

MS William Shakespeare - Sun Deck MS William Shakespeare - Sun Deck MS William Shakespeare - Sun Deck MS William Shakespeare - Sun Deck
MS William Shakespeare - Wellness Area MS William Shakespeare - Wellness Area
Health & Fitness

Wellness area with sauna and fitness equipment for you to use at your leisure.

Kids & Teens

Please note: MS William Shakespeare does not provide facilities to accommodate Kids/Teens.

Rooms

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.

Deluxe Suite Deluxe Suite Deluxe Suite Deluxe Suite
Deluxe Suite

Why not treat yourself to an upgrade? On the Hamlet(upper) deck there are four unique deluxe suites of 22.8 square meters (245 square feet), featuring sliding glass doors leading to an outside balcony with table and chairs. With almost all the extra space being devoted to the living area, these suites represent exceptional comfort and luxury - taking your cruise to another level.

Features

  • Individual climate control
  • Floor to ceiling windows with outside balcony
  • Twin beds which can be configured as double
  • Tea and coffee making facilities
  • Spacious ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
  • Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
  • EU plug sockets
  • Table and chairs
  • Telephone and flat-screen TV
  • Safe
  • Turn down service

Riviera Plus (2024 and 2025 only)

  • 10% off spa treatment or massage
  • 10% off hairdresser services
  • Luxury toiletries
  • Locally inspired gifts
  • Bottle of champagne
  • 10% off onboard laundry services

Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special. 

Included Queen or Twin Configuration
Included Lounge Area
Included Shower
Included Toiletries Provided
Included Room Service Available
Included TV
Included Free Wi-Fi
Included Safe
Included Hair Dryer
Included Desk
Included Telephone
Included Suite Benefits
Included Air Conditioning
Standard Cabin (Hamlet & Othello Decks) Standard Cabin (Hamlet & Othello Decks) Standard Cabin (Hamlet & Othello Decks) Standard Cabin (Hamlet & Othello Decks)
Standard Cabin (Hamlet & Othello Decks)

At 15 square metres (161 square feet) cabins are spacious (amongst the largest on European rivers) and well appointed with hotel standard twin beds and feature floor to ceiling glazed doors which fully open to a French balcony.

Cabins on the Romeo (lower) deck are slightly smaller at 14 square metres (151 square feet), but feature the same amenities apart from one armchair and table and have smaller, fixed windows.

Some are available for sole occupancy (supplements may apply) and are subject to availability.

Features

  • Individual climate control
  • Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
  • Twin beds which can be configured as double
  • Tea and coffee making facilities
  • Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
  • Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
  • EU plug sockets
  • Table and chairs
  • Telephone and flat-screen TV
  • Safe
  • Turn down service

Riviera Plus (2024 and 2025 only)

  • 10% off spa treatment or massage
  • 10% off hairdresser services
  • Luxury toiletries
  • Locally inspired gifts
  • Bottle of champagne
  • 10% off onboard laundry services

Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special. 

Included Queen or Twin Configuration
Included Shower
Included Toiletries Provided
Included Room Service Available
Included TV
Included Free Wi-Fi
Included Coffee Machine
Included Safe
Included Hair Dryer
Included Desk
Included Lounge Area
Included Telephone
Included Air Conditioning
Terms of Business Privacy Notice Copyright © Hays Travel 2024
ABTA Payment Types