CHARLES DICKENS Ship Review
The 140-guest Charles Dickens and her sister, the ms William Shakespeare, are two of Riviera River Cruises 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.
Built in 2015, the Charles Dickens is served by a crew of 35 and operates five of Riviera River Cruises’ itineraries on the Rhine, Moselle and Danube rivers. Her decks carry whimsical names from the pages of Dickensian literature, including the Oliver Twist Deck, Copperfield Deck, and Nickleby Deck.
CHARLES DICKENS Staterooms
- Standard Cabins – Nickleby Deck are the entry-level staterooms aboard the Charles Dickens. 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. All Standard Cabins on Romeo Deck have small fixed windows.
- Standard Cabins – Oliver Twist and Copperfield Decks are larger than their Standard counterparts on Nickleby 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.
- Deluxe Suites are the largest type of accommodations onboard the Charles Dickens. With 245 square feet of space, these four rooms on Oliver Twist 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).
CHARLES DICKENS Public Areas
Public rooms aboard the Charles Dickens are warm, spacious and inviting. In the ship’s main dining room, shades of red and orange dominate, with vibrant crimson chairs, faux foliage, and elegantly-textured walls with contrasting grey patterns.
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 Bar, located all the way aft on Oliver Twist Deck.
The ship’s main lounge is an attractive, inviting space done in shades of purple and gold, and accented with faux trees and a forward light fixture that resembles swooping branches. 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.
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.
Adjacent, the ship’s Main Lobby is home to both Reception and Tour desks, along with a small boutique and gift shop.
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.
The Charles Dickens also offers a small steam and sauna room for guests to use – a rarity among river cruise ships.
River Cruisers Should Know!
- Although the ship has a lift, it does not travel to the uppermost Sun Deck.
- The Charles Dickens has no in-cabin mini-bars.
Get My Help With Your Riviera River Cruise
Complete the form for special savings or added perks that I may be able to obtain from River Cruise Advisor's travel partners.