Lady Anne Review

3.0 / 5.0
4 reviews
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Editor Rating
3.0
Average
Overall
Jeannine Williamson
Contributor

Lady Anne is a unique heritage vessel that has been chartered by U.K.-based Arena River Cruises (formerly The River Cruise Line) since 2001. The oldest ship sailing on the Rhine, it was originally built as a barge in 1903, and was converted into a 100-passenger ship by previous owners in 1963. It has been owned by Dutchman Wido Arts, who is also the captain, since 2002.

Offering five- to 10-night itineraries, the ship caters to mature British passengers looking for affordable cruises with a focus on old-fashioned home comforts rather than luxury amenities. Cabins are small and basic, and passengers choose to spend most of their time on excursions or relaxing in the cosy, panoramic lounge.

The fare includes return coach travel from regional pickup points and ferry crossings from Dover, Hull or Newcastle. Shore excursions are not included, providing the flexibility for passengers to decide how much or how little they want to do.

The 19 crew members, several of whom have worked on Lady Anne for many seasons, are helpful and attentive, and with 100 guests (almost half the capacity of larger river vessels) passengers get to know each other very quickly. Captain Wido is married to purser Jana Arts, which adds to the friendly, family atmosphere.

Pros

Unique ship for U.K. travellers

Cons

Small cabins

Bottom Line

Value for money on a small, friendly ship

About

Passengers: 100
Crew: 19
Passenger to Crew: 5.26:1
Launched: 1903

Fellow Passengers

Arena River Cruises caters to the British market, in particular budget-conscious travellers who enjoy coach tours. Lady Anne's passengers are mostly retired, aged 65 and over, with some sprightly passengers who are well into their 80s and beyond, and the ship enjoys a high level of repeat business. The majority of passengers are couples, often travelling in groups, plus a handful of solo passengers attracted by no single supplements on selected sailings.

Lady Anne Dress Code

The dress code is informal, with a request that "no shorts or denim" are worn during dinner. On captain's party night, some passengers do dress for the occasion, but this is optional.

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Lady Anne Cruiser Reviews

Rhine Cruise

This brings me to the low point of the Lady Anne- the accommodation.Read More
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Braba2000

oneFirst Time Cruiser

Age 70s

German Christmas Markets

My husband and l had never cruised before but were very impressed both with the Tour Manager Ed and coach driver Steve from Cruiseline and the multi talented captain and staff aboard the Lady Anne .GrantedRead More
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sandraandpeter

oneFirst Time Cruiser

Age 60s

Hull is a lot better than travelling down to Dover.

The food on the Lady Anne was superb as was the service of the staff. The only bad thing was the very steep stairs (X2) to & from the lounge to the dining room.Read More
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herbbooth

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 70s

NOT REALLY A CANAL CRUISE

Now to the cruise itself - well it was more like the Lady Anne was being used as a floating hotel.Read More
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Lyn W

oneFirst Time Cruiser

Age 70s

Arena River Cruises Fleet
Lady Anne
ms Serenity
MS Arena

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