A Guide to River Cruising with Cathy Bartrop
Through the ages, Europe’s rivers have been the highways of civilisation, providing vital connections between countries. No surprise then that many of Europe’s most historic towns and cities are in fact riverside
Cathy: So what better way to appreciate this unique perspective than on a cruise. I’ve joined the Royal Crown, as she cruises all the way from Amsterdam to the Black Sea.
Navigating the Rhine, Main and mighty Danube this 24 day cruise takes in no less than 8 different countries
Cathy: The Royal Crown is one of the most luxurious River vessels operating in Europe. As soon as you step on board, all that polished wood and gleaming brass creates a very classy feel. To liken it to a hotel, it would be in the high quality boutique category.
The cabins, furnished in a traditional style are cleverly designed to make maximum use of space…the attention to detail is impressive.
The lobby is mid ship and manned 24 hours a day and in the lounge there’s not only the bar but self service tea and coffee always available. There is also a library, a small gift shop, a gym and sauna. Up on deck there’s plenty of space and lots of comfy loungers and chairs. There’s even a putting green.
And the restaurant is particularly attractive with tall arched windows framing the passing scenery.
Cathy: But more than just the design and facilities there’s also a lovely friendly atmosphere mainly created by the delightful staff who seem to have just permanent smiles.
Vox pop: Oh the staff couldn’t be pleasanter. They soon get to know your name which is nice. And they seem to pick up quickly on your tastes. They know if you drink tea or coffee or prefer red wine, white wine…
Vox pop: The crew and the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, particularly in the restaurant the staff are all lovely. But all the people, well I suppose they are like minded people so they have lots of things to talk about, similar interests.
And there’s plenty of space to meet up with new friends whether it be over dinner, in the bar or out on deck
Cathy: Cruising these calm waterways is the perfect hassle free way to explore multiple countries and cultures. Spectacular sights, scenery and history, pass quite literally right in front of you.
Vox pop: You’re seeing something new all the time as you cruise along close to towns, bridges, woodland and it is very pleasant indeed
Well you just glide along and it is so restful. I like coming and unpacking and that’s it
Vox pop: Its so relaxed. What we like about the river cruising in general is that its all so nice and peaceful and slow and the world slides by, it doesn’t race by at 70 mile an hour on a motorway
And with at least one, sometimes two stops a day, excursions ashore are easily accessed as Tour Manager Pieter explains…
Pieter: When we moored inside the town centre and what we want to show people is accessible by a walk from the ship that’s what we do. In other cases, particularly where the ship is obliged to berth a little way out of the town centre we would take people by coach in to the town, if it’s a sizeable town we would maybe give a city tour. We always have a local guide that we pick up when we begin an excursion. I mean there’s so much historical richness its sometimes a case of what do you leave out rather than what to do you include
The cultural aspects of the itinerary are expanded upon by a programme of on board illustrated talks. The guest speaker on this particular cruise was historian Dr Dan Jones
Dr Dan: I like to try and enhance people’s enjoyment of their holiday by giving them more background information about the history and archaeology of the places we are going to see. Not only can I talk here but people like to chat outside and I go on some of the excursions to help display some of the history and the buildings
European cruise itineraries vary in length from 7 up to 24 days. Asdie from the often dramatic and ever changing scenery, highlights can include the grand cities of Vienna and Budapest, the picturesque towns and villages along the Rhine, wine tasting in the Wachau Valley, musical performances and much more besides
Cathy: River Cruising is one of the fastest growing sectors of the cruise industry. As airports and roads become more congested, a gentle cruise along Europe’s wide rivers seems all the more appealing. Add in the quality of accommodation and service on a ship like this one and you have all the essential elements for an unforgettable touring holiday
