About The Ship

MS THOMAS HARDY

Built:               2017
Crew:              44
Passengers:     169 at full capacity
Rating:            Five Stars

A new era in river cruising dawns as the brand new, state of the art, ‘all suite’ ships are introduced. Swiss operated and truly world-class, this is the deluxe MS Thomas Hardy.

This is a unique river cruising experience with an 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 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 169 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.

Enjoy the most discerning décor of your suite along with the ultimate in space and comfort - a minimum 17 square metres (183 square feet), with upgrades available to ‘Superior’ and ‘Deluxe’ accommodation.

• Thoroughly air conditioned public areas and individual heating controls in the cabins
• Stunning restaurant on the Main Deck serving buffet breakfast, buffet lunch and four-course dinner
• Lounge and bar to enjoy cocktails and the early risers' breakfast
• Bistro with open kitchen, large panoramic windows and al fresco seating
• Lift between Emerald, Ruby and Diamond decks
• Laundry Service
• Spa and wellness area featuring Nail Salon and Hairdressing Service
• Boutique gift shop for your holiday souvenirs
• Reception area open 24hrs
• Small splash pool and putting green on the Sun Deck
• 24hr self service station for complimentary tea & coffee

The three fully air-conditioned accommodation decks including notably the lower deck – are all accessed by an attractive glass lift for your convenience or the wide elegant wrought-iron staircase.

Above these is the magnificent Sun Deck - a second staircase amidships affords 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 splash pool too or why not try your hand on the putting green. Then take a refreshingly long drink and that book you’ve been meaning to read for ages on to the lovely terrace area at the fore of the ship, located right in front of the wheelhouse where you can view the Captain and his team skilfully navigating the twisting river and enjoy truly ‘driving seat’ views.

Take a deep breath and relax into the pace of river cruise life – now you’re really on holiday! 

The Diamond Deck is where you will find the very heart of the ship - 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. At the Bistro with its open kitchen, large panoramic windows and al fresco seating, enjoy a more intimate dining experience whilst taking in the fantastic views. Here in the evenings the chef presents his personal signature dishes to a small number of diners with menus varying according to the seasons; this intimate dining experience can be reserved on board at no extra charge. When the weather allows the panoramic windows may be fully opened onto the terrace to allow a delightful al fresco dining experience.

The ship’s 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 of 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.

On the Emerald (lower) Deck; suites, the fitness centre, relaxing massages available, hairdresser, manicure and pedicure services.
 

Simply put, a world-class ship, elegant and refined in the truest sense, take the idea of river cruising to another level.