VESSEL REVIEW | The Gentleman – Netherlands' Van Loon Cruises acquires 172-guest river ship

Van Loon Cruises, a family-owned inland cruise company based in the Netherlands, has expanded its fleet of vessels with the recent acquisition of a river ship for operation by its Swiss subsidiary Van Loon Cruises Suisse.

Named The Gentleman, the vessel was developed to provide a modern, yacht-like look and feel. Its exterior is covered in white with dark glass, while the interior makes extensive use of stainless steel in combination with natural colours such as bronze, copper, and black to ensure what Van Loon says is an elegant, warm appearance. The overall design work started with development of the exterior, whereas most cruise ships are designed from the inside out starting with the interior.

Luxurious onboard spaces

Some of the notable onboard features are floor-to-ceiling windows on the mid and upper decks, a spacious sun deck, a panorama salon, and 86 passenger all-outside cabins including eight 21.5-square-metre (231-square-foot) suites, 39 16.5-square-metre (178-square-foot) luxury staterooms, and 39 other smaller staterooms of between 13 and 14 square metres (140 and 150 square feet) each.

The staterooms, which have satellite TV and individual climate control, were designed to be spacious and practical with an emphasis on functionality and sustainability. The staterooms and suites on the mid and upper deck are also fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows that can also be opened, allowing fresh air and more sunlight to enter.

The four-deck, 172-guest ship measures 135 metres (443 feet) long and 11.45 metres (37.57 feet) wide, the maximum allowable dimensions for river navigation. The streamlined shape is leading, giving the vessel an elegant and dynamic yacht appearance.

The other onboard facilities include a lobby, a restaurant, and two lounges. A lift provides direct access between the lower and upper decks.

Power for the ship is provided by two Caterpillar C32 main engines.

The Gentleman will be operated primarily in inland waters in Western Europe, particularly the Rhine, Moselle and Danube Rivers, with stops throughout the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and France. The ship is readily available for charter with Van Loon being responsible for its operation and commercial management.

Construction of The Gentleman’s hull was undertaken in Romania while final outfitting took place at TeamCo Shipyard in Heusden in the Netherlands. TeamCo said the latest techniques and equipment were used for the vessel’s propulsion, the HVAC, and the navigation equipment, securing maximum comfort and ease of operation.

First in a new class of river ships

Van Loon will introduce The Gentleman’s sister ship, The Nobleman, on the Rhine in the first quarter of 2026. Both vessels will have similar general dimensions, though the newer The Nobleman will have additional facilities such as a gym, a sauna, a massage room, and staterooms that will be configured for use by guests with limited mobility.