MS William Shakespeare
MS William Shakespeare is one of the world's finest river cruise ships. 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.
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2014
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Built Year
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35
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Crew
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140
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Pax Capacity
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4
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Suites
Sailings
Sail Date | Operator | Ship | Departs | Returns | Length | Price |
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Apr 19, 2021 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $2,559 |
Apr 26, 2021 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $2,739 |
May 03, 2021 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $2,909 |
May 10, 2021 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,429 |
May 17, 2021 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $2,909 |
May 24, 2021 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,599 |
May 31, 2021 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,939 |
Jun 07, 2021 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,939 |
Jun 14, 2021 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,419 |
Jun 28, 2021 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,249 |
Jul 26, 2021 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,599 |
Aug 09, 2021 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,339 |
Aug 30, 2021 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,339 |
Sep 20, 2021 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,589 |
Sep 27, 2021 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,419 |
Oct 11, 2021 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,339 |
Oct 18, 2021 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,079 |
Oct 25, 2021 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $2,309 |
Apr 07, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $2,739 |
Apr 14, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $2,829 |
Apr 21, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $2,829 |
Apr 28, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,029 |
May 05, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,219 |
May 12, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,219 |
May 19, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,219 |
May 26, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,409 |
Jun 02, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,769 |
Jun 09, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,769 |
Jun 16, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,769 |
Jun 23, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,769 |
Jun 30, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,589 |
Jul 07, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,409 |
Jul 14, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,219 |
Jul 21, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,109 |
Jul 28, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,109 |
Aug 04, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,109 |
Aug 11, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,109 |
Aug 18, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,109 |
Aug 25, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,299 |
Sep 01, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,959 |
Sep 08, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,959 |
Sep 15, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,959 |
Sep 22, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,769 |
Sep 29, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,589 |
Oct 06, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,409 |
Oct 13, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $3,109 |
Oct 20, 2022 | Riviera | MS William Shakespeare | Lyon | Avignon | 8 | $2,829 |
Ship Information
- Maiden Voyage: 2014
- Passenger Capacity: 140
- Normal Crew Size: 35
- Staterooms: 74
- Suites: 4
Dining
Quality dining is an integral part of your river cruise experience - Riviera ships take this to the highest five-star levels with superb cuisine prepared by a dedicated brigade of chefs.
Start the morning with a delicious breakfast. Take a stroll on the Sun Deck and enjoy early risers' tea or coffee with your freshly baked pastries. A heartier option is the full breakfast buffet, a sumptuous affair with more than 60 hot and cold options, as well as a popular omelet station for eggs just the way you like them. If you prefer a more relaxed morning, have continental breakfast served in your cabin as you watch riverside life drift gently by.
A very comprehensive lunch buffet allows a selection of as little or as much as you wish from a most appetizing selection. Don't forget to leave some room for afternoon tea and the chef's special patisserie - it’s just too tempting to even attempt to ignore.
The day's culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner: entrée, soup, main and dessert, all in the elegant ambiance of a first-class restaurant. Carefully designed menus include international classics, along with dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. In addition, the Captain proudly hosts his excellent 'Gala Dinner' featuring specialties of the countries and regions through which you've journeyed.
Age Restrictions
Riviera river cruises are unable to accommodate children under 12 years old at the date of departure. Riviera reserve the right to limit the number of children on any particular trip. Any minor must be accompanied by and share a cabin with an adult aged 21 or over. If the adult is not the minor's parent, a "Parental Consent Guardianship Form" must be signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to sailing.
Tipping
Tips are not charged at a set percentage and are not included in the holiday cost, as Riviera river cruises understand that giving a gratuity should be entirely at your discretion. As a guideline it is recommended giving €5-10 per person per day should you feel that is appropriate. Usually, an envelope is left in your cabin on the final evening, for you to drop off at reception if you choose to, the following morning.
Cabins

Square Footage: 151
Category Romeo Deck (lower)
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. Cabins for sole occupancy are available on this deck at no supplement (subject to availability). Located on the Romeo - Lower Deck.

Square Footage: 161
Category Othello Deck (middle)
Othello Standard Cabins have "French Balconies" with full floor to ceiling glazed doors. Standard twin beds with individual bedding which can be moved together or separated accordingly, safe, telephone, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities plus individually controlled air-conditioning. The cabins are very tastefully appointed, featuring a wealth of mahogany, leather, marble and Italian soft furnishings, which blend together to create an ambiance of true quality and elegance. Spacious marble bathrooms have a washbasin with plenty of space for cosmetics, a WC and a glazed shower with fittings by 'Grohe'. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels, two chairs and a small table. Located on the Othello - Middle Deck.

Square Footage: 161
Category Hamlet Deck (upper)
Hamlet Standard Cabins have "French Balconies" with full floor to ceiling glazed doors. Standard twin beds with individual bedding which can be moved together or separated accordingly, safe, telephone, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities plus individually controlled air-conditioning. The cabins are very tastefully appointed, featuring a wealth of mahogany, leather, marble and Italian soft furnishings, which blend together to create an ambiance of true quality and elegance. Spacious marble bathrooms have a washbasin with plenty of space for cosmetics, a WC and a glazed shower with fittings by 'Grohe'. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels, two chairs and a small table. Located on the Hamlet - Upper Deck.

Square Footage: 245
Category Hamlet Deck (upper) Deluxe Balcony Suite
Hamlet Deluxe Suites 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. Why not treat yourself to an upgrade? Located on the Hamlet - Upper Deck.
Life on Board

Restaurant
Main restaurant serving buffet breakfast, buffet lunch and dinner. Located on the Othello - Middle Deck.
Lounge
Lounge and bar, with a wide selection of comfortable and elegant seating. Located on the Hamlet - Upper Deck.
Wellness Area
A small but well-equipped fitness area 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). Located on the Romeo - Lower Deck.Hygiene and Safety Protocols
Everyone knows that the pandemic has impacted travel plans in recent months, but it’s now encouraging to see signs of recovery as countries re-open their borders and aircraft take to the skies. We can’t wait to start travelling again and we hope you’re looking forward to your forthcoming vacation more than ever.
We rigorously follow the guidance issued by the US Department of State and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You can access the very latest information via the State Department and CDC.
Health and Medication Advice
- Please ensure that all medication is packed with your hand luggage and take adequate supplies for the length of your trip. Please check with your airline first to ensure you are compliant with current airport security regulations with regards to medication.
- Whilst the travelling schedule on our holidays shall impose no problems for people of any age in normal physical health, we should like to point out that we visit many historical sites and often enjoy walking tours of various places of interest. Some holidays, therefore, may not be suitable for clients of greatly impaired mobility. If you have greatly impaired mobility then please contact us for further advice or click here to read more.
- We would request that you bring the name, address and telephone number of your Primary Care Physician as this is usually required by insurance companies if you become ill.
- If you have a physical disability or are undergoing medical treatment that may affect your ability to do the tour, and which you have not already informed us about, you must let us know in writing now. We will be able to advise you if the ship is equipped to meet your needs. If you do not inform us, the ship’s Captain may refuse passage or your travel insurance may become invalid.
- No immunizations are required to travel to European destinations.
- You may wish to take a basic first aid kit with you.
- Take high-factor sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent if you are travelling in the summer.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): sitting immobile for long periods of time in aircraft, trains or coaches may increase the risk of DVT. Recent major surgery or hip/knee replacement can also increase DVT risk. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, move your ankles and toes and get up and walk around regularly. For more information, see your physician.
- It is also advisable to take copies of any regular prescriptions you may take.
Health Concerns
- If you have any concerns about your health while on the cruise please see your tour manager. They will be able to advise you about pharmacies, drug stores and the availability of doctors.
- There will be occasions when the tour manager isn’t immediately available and in this case the ship crew should be able to help. In an emergency you could always phone our emergency number as issued on your itinerary.