{"id":31010,"date":"2017-11-10T12:17:18","date_gmt":"2017-11-10T19:17:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/?page_id=31010"},"modified":"2017-11-11T04:50:19","modified_gmt":"2017-11-11T11:50:19","slug":"william-shakespeare-ship-review","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/cruise-companies\/riviera-river-cruises\/william-shakespeare-ship-review\/","title":{"rendered":"William Shakespeare Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Ship Review<\/strong><\/h1>\n
\"WILLIAM

The ms William Shakespeare holds 140 guests. Photo courtesy Riviera River Cruises.<\/p><\/div>\n

The 140-guest William Shakespeare<\/strong> and her sister, the ms Charles Dickens<\/strong><\/a>, are two of Riviera River Cruises<\/strong><\/a> most unique vessels. Sporting an entirely different design from their fleetmates, these cozy vessels have a lot going for them, from spacious staterooms and suites to tastefully decorated public rooms that rarely feel crowded.<\/p>\n

Built in 2014, the William Shakespeare is served by a crew of 35 and operates five of Riviera River Cruises\u2019 itineraries on the Rhine, Moselle and Danube rivers. In a nod to the Bard, her decks are named after classic Shakespeare characters, including Hamlet, Othello <\/strong>and Romeo<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Staterooms<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"WILLIAM

Standard cabins aboard the William Shakespeare feature either fixed windows or, shown here, French balconies. Photo courtesy Riviera River Cruises.<\/p><\/div>\n

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  • Standard Cabins \u2013 Romeo Deck<\/strong> are the entry-level staterooms aboard the William Shakespeare. These measure 151 square feet and have beds that can be configured as either two twins or a single queen. A small chair, vanity area, closets and bathroom are provided, and solo guests can book these cabins without a single supplement, subject to availability.\u00a0 All Standard Cabins on Romeo Deck have small fixed windows.<\/li>\n
  • Standard Cabins \u2013 Othello and Hamlet Decks<\/strong> are larger than their Standard counterparts on Romeo Deck, coming in at 161 square feet. Each cabin has a floor-to-ceiling French Balcony, beds that can convert to two twins or one queen, and a small sitting area next to the balcony. A soft color palette of blues, teals and earth tones has been selected for these rooms, which makes them feel bright and welcoming. In-ceiling accent lighting adds a final touch.<\/li>\n
  • Deluxe Suites<\/strong> are the largest type of accommodations onboard the William Shakespeare. With 245 square feet of space, these four rooms on Hamlet Deck have increased living space, a dedicated seating area with a full table and two chairs, a marble-clad bathroom, and a full step-out balcony (the only such balconies on the entire ship).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Public Areas<\/strong><\/h2>\n
    \"WILLIAM

    The main lounge aboard the ms William Shakespeare. Photo courtesy Riviera River Cruises.<\/p><\/div>\n

    Public rooms aboard William Shakespeare are bright, modern and airy. The color palette onboard is predominantly shades of red, gold and earth tones, lending public rooms a warm, cozy feel.<\/p>\n

    Full buffet breakfast and lunch are served in the main restaurant, which also hosts multi-course dinners in its elegant setting. Casual, lighter fare can be had in the Midsummer Bar located all the way aft on Hamlet Deck.<\/p>\n

    The ship\u2019s main lounge is an attractive, inviting space done in shades of gold, brown and red. With its sculpted ceilings and centrally-located bar, it serves as the social hub of the ship. Seating options include chairs, couches, and ample seating at the bar itself.<\/p>\n

    \"WILLIAM

    Inset within the Lounge itself: a cozy library. Photo courtesy Riviera River Cruises.<\/p><\/div>\n

    Forward of the Lounge is an excellent outdoor seating area that can be used when weather permits, and offers great views over the bow of the ship.<\/p>\n

    Adjacent, the ship\u2019s Main Lobby is home to both Reception and Tour desks, along with a small boutique and gift shop.<\/p>\n

    Up top, a hot tub, giant chess set and putting green complement the outdoor seating on the Sun Deck, with both shaded and uncovered options available.<\/p>\n

    The William Shakespeare also offers a small steam and sauna room for guests to use \u2013 a rarity among river cruise ships.<\/p>\n

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    Up on deck, a soothing hot tub. Photo courtesy Riviera River Cruises.<\/p><\/div>\n

    River Cruisers Should Know!<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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    • Although the ship has a lift, it does not travel to the uppermost Sun Deck.<\/li>\n
    • The William Shakespeare has no in-cabin mini-bars.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n