“River-cruising allows you to step STRAIGHT OFF THE BOAT into the heart of HISTORIC TOWNS and CITIES”
However, it had fairly ample storage space, a plasma TV with numerous channels and in-house movies, a mini-bar, radio, hair-dryer, adjustable air-conditioning and a small bathroom with a glassed-in shower, terry robes and L’Occitane toiletries.
larger but the floor-to-ceiling windows made them appear brighter and more appealing. The top-deck suites had comfortable lounging areas, walk-in closets, writing desks and marble bathrooms with full-size tubs as well as showers, and were by far the most desirable. Similar to ocean-going vessels, the suites are certainly the way to go if you are willing to spend twice as much. The pre and post-cruise hotel stays and tours cost an additional $1,000 per person, and airfare was also additional. The prices would be comparable to fares on luxury cruise ships. After unpacking, we explored the ship.
W
Down the hall from us was a small fitness center with treadmills, cycles and a massage facility. On Ruby Deck above was
e took a peek at the other accommodations. Those on Ruby Deck were only slightly
the attractive main dining room and kitchen and, on Diamond Deck, was the reception area, Panorama Lounge and bar, library and boutique. Atop ship were lounge chairs with umbrellas, a Jacuzzi and the captain’s bridge. At the rear of Diamond Deck was the alternative dining bistro, plus internet stations and indoor/outdoor seating. Prior to dinner, the captain hosted the
traditional ‘Welcome aboard’ cocktail party, which was followed by our first dinner. We found the dining experiences among the best we had experienced on a river boat. The quality and variety, as well as the service, were outstanding. Breakfasts and lunches were buffet style with numerous selections. Most meals had cosmopolitan themes, i.e. French, Italian, Spanish, German. There were always vegetarian and heart-healthy choices. Prior to dinner each evening, our
knowledgeable and amiable cruise director gave a short talk to prepare us for the following day. After dinner, there was piano music and, on some evenings, group games, plus movie nights or entertainers from ashore. Afternoons aboard were spiced up with beer tastings, cooking and
2011 TAUCK EUROPEAN ITINERARIES
The Blue Danube: Prague to Budapest, 7-night cruise, 2 nights at Marriott in Prague, 2 nights at Intercontinental Budapest. Budapest to Black Sea: Budapest to Bucharest, 7-night cruise, 2 nights at Le Meridian Budapest, 2 nights at JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel. Prague to Strasbourg: Regensburg to Strasbourg, 7-night cruise, 2 nights at Prague Old Town Hilton, 2 nights at Sofitel Strasbourg Grand Ile. Romance of Rhine and Danube: Strasbourg to Budapest, 14-night cruise, 2 nights at Sofitel Strasbourg Grand Ile, 2 nights at the Intercontinental Budapest. Grand European Cruise: Amsterdam to Bucharest: 21-night cruise, 2 nights at JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel. French Waterways and Vineyards: 7-night cruise round-trip from Lyon, 2 nights at Westin in Paris. French Escapade: from Monte Carlo to Paris, 9-night cruise, 2 nights at Fairmont in Monte Carlo, 2 nights at the Westin Paris. Holland and Belgium in Spring: Amsterdam to Brussels, 8-night cruise, 1 night at Hotel Amigo Brussels. Amsterdam to Budapest: 14-night cruise. Rhine and Moselle: Amsterdam to Basel, 12-night cruise.
Winter 2010 / 2011 I WORLD OF CRUISING 27
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