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Exterior shot of the William Shakespeare sailing along the Danube

5 stars MS William Shakespeare

Available cruises
Built
2014
Crew
35
Cabins
76
Passengers
140
cruises
2

Our long history with the MS William Shakespeare dates back to 2015.

Built to our exacting specifications - with the help of one of Europe's most experienced luxury ship builders - no expense was spared to ensure you travel in complete comfort. Sustainably sourced tropical hardwoods, highly polished brass and wrought iron fittings add to the elegant décor. And we've made sure our ship features everything you'd expect in a boutique hotel - plus a few extras.

Now operated by Starling Fleet, a member of the long-established River Advice alliance, one of the leading companies operating on all European rivers for both the UK and international markets, this much-loved ship is a stalwart of our fleet.

The cabins are very tastefully appointed, featuring a wealth of mahogany, leather, marble and Italian soft furnishings, which blend together to create an ambience of true quality and elegance. In keeping with this theme, spacious marble bathrooms have a washbasin with plenty of space for cosmetics and the provided bathrobes and slippers, a WC and a glazed shower with fittings by ‘Grohe’.

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.

Facilities

  • Air conditioning
  • Lounge & bar
  • Spa & wellness, with hairdresser
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Elegant restaurant
  • La Brasserie bar for intimate dining
  • Laundry service
  • Gift shop
  • Small whirlpool
  • Small library
  • Lift between Upper & Middle Decks

MS William Shakespeare

 

Deck Plan

Sun deck lounge area aboard the William Shakespeare cruise ship

The Sun Deck

Crowning the ship is the magnificent Sun deck, where you are very welcome to visit the Bridge whenever you wish except when berthing or navigating locks. You can discuss life on the river and view the fascinating technologically advanced array of ‘state of the art’ navigation and control equipment, whilst highly skilled officers guide all 110 metres of the William Shakespeare carefully along the river. Of course the view from the sun deck is just wonderful, whilst the informal café style seating is an ideal place to relax with like-minded travellers.

Just absorb the magical sights, sounds and unique river atmosphere whilst perhaps availing yourself of the attentive bar service. Or just relax on a sun bed and read a book, solve the crossword from a deck chair, take a dip in the whirlpool, play chess, try your hand on the putting green or just relax and admire the ever-changing kaleidoscope of stunning views passing by.

Please note: The Sun Deck is only accessible by stairs.

Interior of bar lounge area aboard the William Shakespeare ship

The Hamlet (Upper) Deck

Moving towards the front of the ship you will find the classically appointed Globe lounge and bar, with a wide selection of comfortable and elegant seating. Here you can relax and enjoy the delights of the passing scenery through the superb observation windows on both sides of the vessel, whilst the forward facing panoramic bay window ensures the most extensive and uninterrupted viewing of any river cruise ship! The welcoming bar offers a full range of drinks sourced from all over the world, including the finest wines and spirits. As the evening progresses into darkness, subtle lighting evolves 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 gentile environment reminiscent of the golden age of cruising.

To the rear of the ship is the intimate La Brasserie, with large panoramic windows and outside seating, where again you can enjoy and relax, watching the passing scenery. Here, in the evenings the chef presents his personal signature dishes for just 24 diners.

Focused shot of dining table aboard the William Shakespeare ship

The Othello (Middle) Deck

Stairs and a lift lead down to the Othello (middle) deck, where the culinary delights of a superbly elegant restaurant are enhanced by sparkling crystal and crisp, high-quality table linen. Here the ship’s outstanding chefs will amaze you with superb fine dining of the highest order, using freshly prepared seasonal produce to create very best of European cuisine. The sumptuous breakfast buffet, with omelettes and fresh eggs prepared to order, ensures a great start to the day and at lunchtime the salad and dessert buffet allows you to opt for something lighter, or choose a hearty lunch from the pasta station or the à la carte soup and main courses – just as you desire. 

Wonderfully illustrating the extraordinary attention to detail focussed on the William Shakespeare’s design is the use of special ‘sound absorbent’ paint on the restaurant ceiling to reduce noise levels whilst dining – remarkable! Another outstanding restaurant feature are the large tinted panoramic windows, so as you enjoy your epicurean adventure you will also be able to enjoy the scenery as it glides past – you miss nothing!
 

Sauna aboard the William Shakespeare ship

The Romeo (Lower) Deck

A further staircase descends to the Romeo (lower) deck, where a small but well equipped fitness suite is available for the energetic, whilst others may choose to plump for an invigorating sauna! There is also a hairdressing salon so you can always look your best (small additional fee).

Please note: The Romeo Deck is only accessible by stairs.

Cabins

Deluxe suite aboard the William Shakespeare ship

Deluxe Suite

The Hamlet (Upper) Deck

Double bed hotel room with a table and chair and vanity desk

Standard Cabin

The Hamlet (Upper) Deck

Double bed hotel room with a table and chair and vanity desk

Standard Cabin

The Othello (Middle) Deck

Interior of standard cabin on the Romeo deck aboard the MS William Shakespeare ship

Standard Cabin

The Romeo (Lower) Deck

Available cruises

We've found you 2 cruise(s) for this ship.

Book with confidence

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24/7 access to UK based team

We’re on hand before and during your holiday. If anything were to go awry during your travels, you can call our emergency number at any point.

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Book early confident in the knowledge it will be our lowest price. In the very rare event we do reduce the price after you've booked, we'll automatically send you a Future Travel Voucher for the difference in value, plus an extra 25%

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You cannot find the same quality experience for less with a competitor – and if you do, we’ll match the price.

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