MS Swiss Ruby

The boat traveled from Berlin, through a series of canals, to the Elbe River and on to Prague.  This was an incredibly beautiful river boat.  The outside was functional and rather plain. The interior was polished wood and sparkling lights.

The upper deck with the flag pole "bowed".

The boat had three "Floors".  The entrance, a little above water level, was on either side and entered a lobby with two desks.  There was normally a table with ice water and a dispenser with hand sanitizer. We were asked to routinely cleanse our hands when we returned from a tour.  I thought that this was a good idea.  Behind one of the reception desks was a place for the room keys.  You took your room key when you were on board, and then returned the key and took a shore pass when you were off the boat.  The staff then knew who was where.

Also on this mid floor were rooms on one end, and a lounge area with a piano on the other. The lounge area was where we met for our "classroom" lectures about upcoming cities.  Early riser coffee was served here as well as late night snacks.

The lower floor had the second half of the rooms and the dining room.  The upper desk was used for viewing and lounging in the shade or sun. It was quite amazing and would fold flat to be able to pass under the low bridges.  Everything from lounge chairs to guard rails folded flat.  Even the flag poles and the large shade cover would fold flat. The captain's driving area would drop down into the boat with enough view space for him to steer.

I have a few sets of lock photos, as well as bridges.  The variety in the architecture and surfaces was enough to make you run to the room to get the camera. These are throughout the other posts to give some point of reference to the location.

The cabin had a desk, two shelf table.  Behind the door was the
safe and a refrigerator.  The closet had two large shelves
and a hanging bar for clothes.

The room had a sitting area with a fold down Murphy bed.
Shelves were on either side.

Looking from the window to the interior of the room.
Left to right: Bathroom, hall entrance, closet.

The bathroom was a nice size with a sink, toilette, hanging
racks, and storage.

The shower was roomy and always
had plenty of hot water.

Interior hallway to the rooms

Looking from the room hallway to the
main reception area.

Looking out the window.

The stairway to the lower level also had a
handicap chair to use if you had
problems with stairs.

The lounge on the middle floor.

Coffee, tea, and rolls were always available.

There were two small gift shops.

This is a view of the staircase.  The thick
black rail held the elevator chair.

Breakfast and lunch was normally served
buffet style. The station at the far end
is for omelettes.

The omelette stand and view of the seating area.

Click here for more info on the MS Swiss Ruby
Click here for more info on AHI Travel Company I found this trip through the Arizona State University Alumni Association. The group used AHI Travel to organize. There were about 25 different universities represented.
The cost included all shore excursions and breakfast, lunch, dinner. Tips for the guides were included, although extra is always appreciated. Envelopes were provided at the end of the trip to tip the on board staff and 10 euros a day was the suggested tip.  Samples of the incredible food are included with the posts.