MS Dutch Melody

The 1999-built (as River Melody) cruise ship MS Dutch Melody is a 140-passenger, 4-deck vessel operated by the Dutch Cruise Line (Netherlands). The riverboat was one of the largest chartered by Grand Circle Cruise Line. The vessel is currently owned by the Valletta Malta-based company River Melody AG.

The ship's name was changed in 2019 to "Dutch Melody", together with its registry/flag-state and MMSI number - from Malta (MMS 256896000) to Holland (MMSI 244183511).

Following an extensive refurbishment in 2019, Dutch Melody was exclusively chartered to the UK-based travel company Saga Cruises (since 2020) as well as to the Dutch Cruise Line (Netherlands/fleet) since 2023.

Decks and Cabins

MS Dutch Melody cabins are similarly sized (approx 150 ft2 / 14 m2) and over 3 decks. All staterooms are outside, each fitted with 2 lower beds (some twins are convertible to double), wardrobe, electronic safe box (in the closet), en-suite bathroom (with WC, shower, single-sink vanity, hairdryer), individually controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial phone, flat TV (satellite reception, ship info channel, real-time bow camera views).

During the day, the twin beds fold into the wall, thus leaving sofa-style seats. Serenade Deck cabins are with floor-ceiling sliding glass doors and a small step-out balcony. Deck 2 staterooms (on Sonata-Cantata decks) are with large windows. Prelude Deck cabins (at water level) are with chest-high Porthole windows (non-opening).

The ship Dutch Melody has a total of 70 cabins in 3 main categories:

• Riverview cabins are in categories D (Prelude Deck), B4 and B (Sonata Deck) and C4 and C (Cantata Deck).
• French Balcony cabins are on Serenade Deck and in category A.
• Single cabins are located on Prelude Deck (category D), Sonata Deck (B4 and B), Cantata Deck (C4 and C) and Serenade Deck (category A).

The boat has 4 decks, of which 3 are with cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

The boat features a spacious bar lounge, forward-located salon with floor-ceiling windows, Lobby/reception hall, dining room (open-seating restaurant with single-seating capacity for 140 tourists), small library.

Forward on Deck 2 are located the Gym (starboard fitness room) and Sauna Room (port side) with an indoor Jacuzzi/whirlpool.

The partially-shaded Sun Deck is lined with comfortable sun loungers.

Complimentary WiFi Internet access is provided in the Lobby/reception area, library, bar, and lounge.

All announcements are made in English. The cruiser also offers a brand new state-of-the-art lift serving the Serenade and Sonata/Cantata Deck, as well as a relaxing environment, ensuring guests enjoy their days of cruising as much as their time ashore.

At breakfast and lunch, guests can sit where they like and help themselves to semi-buffet-style meals. Dinner is a more formal menu-centered service with a selection of options available to the passengers. The cuisine is international but also features some regional and local specialties. Guests can enjoy soft drinks, beer, or wine with lunch and dinner. Complimentary coffee and tea are available throughout the day. Passengers may also order from a selected wine list for an extra charge. Late-night snacks are offered in the lounge. The vessel's extra-special chocolate fondant is served with cherries - a signature dish highly appreciated by the guests.

The dress code on Dutch Melody is casual, though in the evenings some travelers opt for resort casual attire. The Saga Cruise hosts are mingling with guests to make sure everything is running smoothly. They organize impromptu games and quizzes for those passengers who wish to join in. When the ship is berthed, guests can take a stroll along the river or stay on board to listen to a pianist playing music to dance to. Local performers are occasionally invited onboard to put on a show.

Saga River Cruises itineraries

Saga Dutch Melody cruise tour itineraries leave from homeports Amsterdam (Holland), Basel (Switzerland) and Frankfurt (Germany).

Next are listed ship's itineraries as themes, duration and embarkation/debarkation ports.

• 8-day "Dutch Golden Age: A Voyage of Discovery" roundtrip from Amsterdam
• 8-day "Best of the Rhine" from Basel to Amsterdam
• 8-day "Where Rhine and Moselle Meet" from Amsterdam to Frankfurt
• 8-day "Wine Towns of the Main and Rhine" from Frankfurt to Amsterdam
• 8-day "Best of the Rhine" from Amsterdam to Basel
• 12-day "Celebrating 250 years of Beethoven" roundtrip from Amsterdam
• 12-day "From Amsterdam to the Swiss Peaks" from Amsterdam to Zurich-Basel
• 12-day "From the Swiss Peaks to Amsterdam" from Zurich-Basel to Amsterdam
• 15-day "Undiscovered Treasures of Holland" roundtrip from Amsterdam
• 15-day "Grand Cruise of the Rhine, Moselle and Main" from Arnhem to Amsterdam

VIP door-to-door transfers/travel service is included in all Saga river cruises.