2017 River Ships

The deluxe 5 star MS Monarch Empress, which debuted in April 2016, is the very first European river ship built by Gate 1 specifically to suit U.S. travelers.  On the MS Monarch Empress, you’ll enjoy some of the most spacious and comfortable accommodations on Europe’s rivers, no matter which cabin category you’re sailing in.  Cabins range in size from 140 to 210 square feet and feature soothing blue and white interiors, cherry wood accents and top-of-the-line furnishings.  80 percent of the cabins also offer French balconies, providing private views of the stunning riverbanks.  Other state-of-the-art amenities include a sundeck lounge, a generously sized library, a dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, and an elevator to whisk passengers between decks.  What’s more, because we own the ship, we fully control the quality of your experience. The MS Monarch Empress is staffed by Gate 1, with Tour Managers, waitstaff, chefs, housekeepers, and more all committed to ensuring you have the most memorable experience on Europe’s waterways.

The MS Monarch Queen & MS Monarch Baroness are first class river cruise vessels chartered exclusively by Gate 1 Travel.  Built in 2006, with a maximum capacity of 144 passengers, these sister ships feature 68 spacious outside cabins and 4 suites (170-225 sq ft) each fully air-conditioned with private bath facilities, shower, telephone and flat screen TV.

For 2017, the MS Monarch Empress will be joined by our two privately chartered ships, the MS Monarch Queen and the MS Monarch Baroness.  The Ms Monarch Empress and the MS Monarch Baroness will sail amidst the rainbow of colors along Holland’s waterways in Spring 2017.  After the height of the tulip season, both the MS Monarch Empress and MS Monarch Queen will introduce travelers to the romantic waters of the Danube, sailing between Regensburg and Budapest.  For her part, the MS Monarch Baroness will explore the lilting waters of Germany’s Rhine River between Basel and Amsterdam.  She will also be joined by the MS Monarch Queen with our 14-night sailings along the Rhine, Main, & Danube Rivers between Amsterdam and Budapest.