Ship review: MS Geoffrey Chaucer

Launched in 2019, MS Geoffrey Chaucer - Riviera’s charmingly decadent Swiss-operated river cruise ship – radiates with modern technology and yet hasn’t sacrificed the old-school qualities for which Riviera Travel has become renowned for.

The four-deck vessel has a capacity of 167 passengers in 88 cabins, with 44 crew members at your service. Offering a passenger/crew ratio of 3.7:1, it doesn’t take long before you are on first-name terms with guests and staff.

World of Cruising spent time on deck three, in a Diamond Deck Suite, just along from the terrace and Panorama Lounge bar, which shares a deck with the bar, reception, Boutique shop, an elegant bistro (Lido Restaurant) and the oh-so chic library. 

All public spaces on this level offer floor-to-ceiling windows, showcasing each panorama in all its glory. And that’s just the start of MS Geoffrey Chaucer’s onboard wonders. 

Character & style: 4.5/5

With a name inspired by the legendary English poet, MS Geoffrey Chaucer imbues its guests with an aura of cultured literary refinement alongside the modern comforts of river cruise luxury. 

A flagship member of Riviera Travel’s elegant fleet, this five-star vessel has a low-key but chic mantra, with a fusion of classic European lines and contemporary minimalism.
Interiors throughout the ship boast rich woods, plush furnishings and subtle nods to Chaucer’s era through tasteful artwork and decor. The wide glass facade offers stunning panoramic vistas, adding to the feeling of air and light. 

The restrained lines and neutral palette of soft greys, creams, and blues lend an air of casual sophistication – crafting a wholly harmonious blend of olde-worlde comfort and current chic.

As a floating boutique hotel for those in search of culture, MS Geoffrey Chaucer provides an undeniable blueprint. 

Cabins: 4.5/5

MS Geoffrey Chaucer offers various trim levels of comfortable cabins with all the necessary amenities. There are staterooms from standard lower-deck cabins to extravagant suites, all with grand windows or French balconies for spectacular riverside scenery.

The décor is a calming neutral palette with cushy bedding, tasteful details, and plenty of storage space. Inviting modern comforts include a flat-screen TV, mini fridge, tea & coffee-making facilities (found in the top drawer), and a contemporary en-suite bathroom with free toiletries of the highest calibre.

The ship’s suites, located on the upper decks, add another layer of indulgence, with bigger living areas and extras like complimentary champagne upon arrival. Thanks to ingenious design and use of space, even the smallest cabins manage to feel roomy. 

Food & drink: 4/5

Dining aboard the MS Geoffrey Chaucer is an experience in itself, with menus tailored to the regions through which the vessel sails. The main restaurant provides international classics as well as local specialties accompanied by the freshest ingredients.

A buffet breakfast is included, with made-to-order omelettes, à la carte lunches and multi-course dinners serving up the highlight of each day. Dishes such as pan-seared duck breast really caught our attention, with fresh seafood and rich desserts remaining second to none. Wine pairings, focused on regional vintages, are thoughtfully selected, too.

For a more laid-back vibe, the Alfresco Lounge on the top deck serves light bites and afternoon tea, allowing guests to enjoy a less formal meal paired with 360-degree views. The glamorous lounge bar is the perfect spot for a cocktail or a glass of champagne, while the outdoor terrace is a lovely place for a sunset aperitif. 

Services & facilities: 4/5

The design ethos behind the MS Geoffrey Chaucer is an intimate, well-equipped cruising experience. There’s an abundance of lounging areas with cushioned seating, a sundeck with comfortable loungers and a small putting green where guests can relax. One of the best places to do that is the spa, which is found on deck 1. 

The ship additionally features a well-stocked library, a fitness suite and a boutique selling local gifts and essentials. Personalised service is a trademark of Riviera Travel, and the attentive crew sees to it that every guest’s need is met with warmth and efficiency.

That means seamless embarkation and disembarkation at quaint riverside towns and an all-around no-stress experience due to the ship’s smaller size. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout the ship, although the level of service can differ depending on the sailing route.

Entertainment & excursions: 4/5

The MS Geoffrey Chaucer has an excellent balance of onboard entertainment and excursions. Evenings can be filled with live piano music in the lounge, enlightening lectures about regional history and culture, or casual mingling with fellow cruisegoers.

These are not ocean liners, and the emphasis shifts to enriching experiences over extravagant spectacles. The true centrepiece of a cruise onboard the MS Geoffrey Chaucer are its expertly guided shore excursions.

Whether it is a wine-tasting tour of the Rhine Valley, a walking tour of Vienna’s imperial treasures or a scenic bike ride along the Danube, every excursion is curated to give an authentic glimpse into each destination. For self-guided exploration, the ship provides GPS audio references for solo tours.

Value for money: 4/5

Riviera Travel is known for offering great value, and the MS Geoffrey Chaucer is no different. All reservations include everything from accommodations and dining to excursions and gratuities.

It's worth noting that some premium drinks and certain specialty dining options may require an additional fee to enjoy, but your general fare includes a luxurious experience at no extra cost.

For anyone who wants to do Europe’s waterways in style, without an eye-popping price tag, the MS Geoffrey Chaucer offers an excellent mix of quality of service, comfort and price.