Three identical hulls, one decision to make
S.S. Marlene is the third ship in a series of three. Same length, same
capacity, same cabin plan as its two elders. What separates them is the decor
and the river.
Let us say it plainly: an advisor who has you agonising between these three
ships is wasting your time. Choose the river and the date first, the ship
follows. Decor decides only if you hold a strong preference, and in that case it
is usually immediate.
The announced hull
One hundred and thirty-five metres, 154 guests, 57 crew, service entry
planned for 2027. A Grand Suite can be paired with an adjoining cabin to form a
single two-part accommodation.
The name honours Marlene Dietrich, the German-born actress and singer. The
decor evokes her Hollywood career and then her cabaret years. The deck count is
not established, the line not publishing that figure.
On the Danube, in 2027
Our inventory measured 90 departure dates on 26 August 2026, all of them
future ones since the ship had yet to sail. Booking a ship not yet delivered
calls for travel insurance that covers postponement and a flexible air ticket.
Yards run late like everyone else.
Its sister on the same river is S.S. Emilie, in service since 2026. The established
Danube hulls are S.S. Maria Theresa and S.S. Beatrice. On the Rhine, S.S. Victoria offers more space per person.
What the package pays for
Shipboard gratuities form part of the package, which removes the most
awkward question of the last evening. Meals are included, with a selection of
wines, beers and spirits offered through the day. Scheduled excursions and the
transfers in your file are included too.
Wi-Fi is a courtesy service with no commitment on speed. Expect
interruptions, particularly in locks and on remote sections.
Excluded: airfare, visas, travel insurance, laundry, spa, communications and
optional excursions.
Before booking for someone with reduced mobility
The contract speaks of reasonable efforts and stops there. No mobility
equipment is made available, and a companion capable of assisting is required.
The quay, the gangway and the cobblestones of old towns do the rest. Ask for
written confirmation about the chosen ship rather than relying on a general
description of the fleet.
Arranging the departure from Quebec
The journey from Montreal happens in two stages: an overnight flight to
Europe, then a transfer to the port of embarkation. Travellers who arrive the
same day often board exhausted. Those who allow themselves a night on the
ground start the cruise properly.
Voyages AquaTerra holds a Quebec travel agent licence. Your payments move
through a trust account and the Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel
Agents protects your file. Your advisor will explain exactly what that covers.
