MS Excellence Baroness

MS Excellence Baroness cruise ship (fka AmaLegro) was previously operated under charter by AMAwaterways. The shipowner is Sanssouci Schiffsgesellschaft GmbH. For AMAwaterways, AmaLegro was deployed in France for Seine River cruises departing roundtrip from homeport Paris City.

The vessel (ENI number 7001837) was constructed in the Netherlands (by Scheepswerf Grave BV) and launched in 2007 as "AmaLegro". The riverboat is currently Germany-flagged (MMSI 211498150) and since 2020 operated by Excellence River Cruises. Of the same design (sisterships) are AmaCello, AmaDagio, AmaDante, AmaDolce, AmaLyra.

The current shipowner Swiss Excellence River Cruise Gmbh Basel is a German travel company subsidiary of Twerenbold Reisen. The boat is operated by Excellence Flussreisen (travel brand) via Reiseburo Mittelthurgau AG (marketing and sales). Until 2019, the vessel was owned by Sanssouci Schiffsgesellschaft GmbH.

Cabins

Excellence Baroness staterooms (a total of 75) include 4x Suites, 58x French Balconies and 13 Window cabins (with non-opening twin windows). All staterooms offer as standard amenities a wall-mounted HDTV (satellite reception, ship info channel, real-time bow camera views), phone, wardrobe, electronic safe box (in the closet), minibar (refrigerator), double bed (convertible to twins), bedside tables (2-drawer) with reading lamps, writing desk (mirrored vanity table) with padded stool, bottled water, en-suite bathroom (single-sink vanity, under-sink storage, WC-toilet, glass shower, magnifying mirror, hairdryer, towels), individually controllable air-conditioning.

The four Suites are on Deck 3, each sized 24 m2 (250 ft2) and with French Balcony. All cabins on decks Middle-2 and Upper-3 are equally sized (15 m2 / 160 ft2) and with French Balcony (accessed via sliding glass door / floor-ceiling opening window). Main Deck cabins (sized 15 m2) are with two single beds (convertible to double) and non-opening high windows (located near the ceiling). French Balcony Suite perks include a DVD player, premium bathrobes, welcome aboard gifts (sparkling wine and fruits upon arrival), lounge area (2-seater sofa, coffee table, armchair, floor lamp).

Shipboard facilities

The Excellence Lounge (boat's main bar lounge, forward on Deck 3) has comfortable seating and a small bow-located terrace (teak-floored, with limited seating). Here is also held the formal Captain's Cocktail Reception (welcome aboard event). The Bar Lounge also serves the cruise company's onboard enrichment program with live entertainment (crew show, cooking demos, local guest performances), daily quiz games, themed and dance nights (often with live music), language courses, lectures (folklore- or history-themed) about the visited region along the cruise itinerary route.

The Lobby Hall (Deck 3 midship) houses the Reception Desk (24-hour guest services and assistance), Tour Desk (Cruise Director, itinerary information, excursions booking), Gift Shop, Internet corner and the boats's both entrances (Eingang) - portside and starboard. At the stern on Deck 3, the Aft Lounge doubles as daily Library / Cocktail Bar and an evening Bistro (a la carte restaurant). Aft Lounge is served with beverages by its own Bar (Bordbar).

The Sun Deck (Deck 4) features a Jacuzzi (outdoor whirlpool hot tub), sunbathing areas (with loungers and deckchairs), shaded seating areas (canopy-covered), walking track, deckgames area (with Mini-Golf/Putting Green). All structures on Sun Deck (Wheelhouse, awnings, railings) are collapsible and lowered when the boat passes under low bridges. The ship also has a small wellness area with Fitness (Gym Room) and Spa (Massage Room, Beauty Salon).

Excellence Baroness ship's dining includes Breakfast Buffet, Afternoon Tea service (complimentary pastries with coffee and tea in the afternoons), a nice variety of European dishes for lunch and dinner - including vegan and vegetarian items. The fore-located (on Deck 2) Excellence Restaurant features a Show Kitchen (with live cooking stations) and floor-ceiling windows. The Restaurant offers a buffet breakfast (with warm and cold items), buffet-style lunch (salads, starters, desserts) with waiter-served main dishes and waiter-served dinner (5-course menu). Every day a themed buffet offers international cheese specialties, along with grilled gourmet food. With all main meals is offered a menu with premium wines (by the glass). In the Restaurant is also held the formal Gala Dinner event.

Onboard language is German. The Excellence ship Baroness has one Elevator (passenger Lift) that interconnects decks 1-2-3 (Main-Middle-Upper) and a stairlift that links decks Upper (3) and Sundeck (4).