The MS Hamburg, operated by Plantours Kreuzfahrten, delivers a personal and relaxed cruise experience for travellers seeking unique destinations. Built in 1997 and modernised in 2020, this compact ship, accommodating up to 400 guests across six decks, combines classic charm with modern comforts, ideal for exploring smaller ports.
Visitors can expect a holiday tailored to exploration and relaxation. The ship’s small size fosters a friendly, social atmosphere, with activities like lectures and games engaging curious travellers. Families benefit from five dedicated cabins, while solo travellers enjoy single-occupancy options. The informal dress code and flexible dining options create a laid-back yet refined environment, perfect for discovering unique ports.
The crew, with a high staff-to-guest ratio, ensures attentive service, particularly for German- and English-speaking passengers. The Jade Spa on Deck 1 offers complimentary sauna access, massages, and a hairdressing salon at reasonable prices. A fitness room includes modern equipment, and the pool deck features a bar and sun loungers. Complimentary Wi-Fi is limited, with additional packages available. Beverage packages, bookable in advance, include wine, beer, or cocktails. A medical centre on Deck 1 provides private consultations.
Reception Areas
Guests are welcomed into a redesigned lobby on Deck 3, featuring light wood accents and a contemporary layout. The open space includes a reception desk for excursion bookings and guest services, alongside a small boutique for duty-free shopping. Comfortable seating and a nearby wine bar create a warm, inviting atmosphere for socialising or planning the day’s adventures.
Dining Options
Dining options cater to diverse tastes with two main venues. The Alsterblick restaurant on Deck 3 offers à la carte dining with fixed seating, serving international dishes in a spacious, elegant setting. The Palm Garden on Deck 6 provides a casual buffet for breakfast and lunch, with an outdoor terrace for al fresco dining in pleasant weather. Afternoon tea with cakes and late-night snacks are served in the Palm Garden or Hamburg Lounge. The Grill, an extension of the Palm Garden, offers casual evening dining with live cooking stations. Complimentary 24-hour room service is available, with minibar drinks at an additional cost.
Entertainment
Entertainment blends relaxation and enrichment. The Hamburg Lounge on Deck 4, with a stage and dance floor, hosts evening shows featuring live music, cabaret, and performances by onboard artists. Lectures on destinations or cultural topics are held in the same lounge, complemented by a library for quiet reading. Guests can enjoy games like bingo, darts, or shuffleboard, while the pool deck offers outdoor activities. The Auditorium screens films, and a small shop provides souvenirs.
Accommodation
The ship’s 197 staterooms and eight suites are designed for comfort, with 80% offering ocean views. Inside cabins, at 13 square metres, feature two single beds, a desk, and a wardrobe. Oceanview cabins on Decks 4 and 5 include portholes or lowerable panoramic windows, with some offering seating areas. Suites, including two with verandas, provide extra space and amenities like whirlpool baths. All cabins include air conditioning, bathrobes, hairdryers, minibars, safes, and TVs with onboard channels. Two wheelchair-accessible cabins cater to specific needs.
Standout Features
The lowerable panoramic windows in oceanview cabins, the complimentary sauna, and the Alsterblick’s fixed-seating dining are key attractions. The Hamburg Lounge’s mix of shows and lectures, the outdoor dining terrace, and the ship’s ability to access smaller ports enhance the experience. Eco-friendly upgrades, like energy-efficient systems, add a modern touch.
