Spirit of the Rhine will sail the Rhine, Moselle, Main and Danube as well as the waterways of Holland and will be the third in the line of boutique ships, following Spirit of Discovery, which launched in July, and its sister ship, Spirit of Adventure, due to enter service next summer.

Saga said “almost all” the new vessel’s 17 square metre cabins will have a French balcony and floor to ceiling windows.

The new ship will be built by Dutch company Vahali and will contain a library and reservations-only “show cooking” restaurant as well as the main dining space. A sun deck, hot tub and barbecue will feature as well as a small gym.

All cruises will be full board, including wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. Saga has also added gratuities for the first time and VIP transfers from guests’ homes will be included as standard.

Saga Travel chief executive Robin Shaw said: “I am delighted to announce that we are using our experience in ocean cruising to design a bespoke ship for those guests who want a luxurious, boutique river cruise experience.”