The River Cruise Line has announced the addition of the four-star MS Arena to its programme for 2020, alongside a series of new and improved itineraries for next year. The addition of the MS Arena, which will be offered exclusively by The River Cruise Line, marks the first significant expansion since the company was purchased by Arena Travel in early 2017.

The MS Arena is undergoing extensive refurbishment ahead of the 2020 cruising season. The ship will be available exclusively to customers of The River Cruise Line and will sail from spring 2020 on the Dutch Waterways, Rhine and Danube, including routes to the Black Sea. This is a four-star ship with a modern, sleek style, providing a premium offering for The River Cruise Line’s customers. Cabins on board are spacious with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, French balconies and flat screen TVs in every room, plus free WiFi. Main Deck Superior and Upper Deck Superior cabins will also have comfortable hotel-style beds, while the remaining Main Deck cabins have one fixed and one folding bed, for extra space during the daytime. Crucially, the MS Arena is equipped with a ‘push-style’ engine, meaning it can cruise overnight with minimal engine noise – especially important on long cruises such as itineraries along the Danube.

On-board facilities include the bright and spacious Panorama Restaurant, which has large windows making the most of the passing scenery and serves an excellent range of dishes. The elevated sun deck is great for soaking up the views on all sides, while the Ambassador’s Lounge is a perfect spot to relax at any time of day – from early morning coffee to pre-dinner drinks or late-night cocktails. The MS Arena is also equipped with a wellness suite, which includes fitness equipment, a relaxation area and a sauna. Those travelling on board the new ship will also have an option to upgrade to a ‘Premium package’ from just £20 per person per night, to add extra treats to their cruise including a drinks package with meals; 10% off excursions; complimentary toiletries; free use of the wellness suite; and a basket of fruit on arrival.

In addition to operating many of The River Cruise Line’s popular itineraries, several new trips will be available aboard the MS Arena for 2020 including:

• Treasures along the Rhine & Moselle - a 10-day journey from Amsterdam to Cologne discovering German’s medieval cities along the way.  Explore vineyards, visit fairy tale castles, wander cobbled streets and historic squares, with a backdrop of Rhineland scenery. Priced from £1,149 per person, departing on 9^th May 2020.
• Historic Cities of the Danube - a great introduction to cruising the Danube, this 6-day journey takes in three iconic cities - Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava – as well as dramatic scenery and riverside villages.  Priced from £695 per person, departing on 1^st or 6th October 2020.
• Journey along the Danube to the Rhine - a 13-day journey beginning in Budapest and taking travellers westwards via Bratislava and Vienna to Bavaria, before cruising through the Rhine Gorge to Cologne. Priced from £1,495 per person, departing on 16^th October 2020.

Media and other guests will be invited to join The River Cruise Line team for an inaugural two-day cruise between Amsterdam and Rotterdam on 30th and 31st March 2020. The trip will include return travel from London by coach, rail or air, and accommodation on full board basis for two nights. Travel agents and group leaders will be contacted individually regarding opportunities to experience the MS Arena themselves. Please contact Tim Fleming (agents) tim.fleming@arenatravel.com or Janet Fielding (groups) janet.fielding@arenatravel.com to register interest.