COVER STORY
located down the hall. There was a laundry service but, regrettably, no machines for passenger use. Robes and slippers were available on request. On many boats, the vibration of the engines can be annoying but the Legend’s much-publicised state-of-the-art propul- sion system delivered a quieter, vibration- free ride and my sleep was not disturbed. Since I do much of my writing while
traveling, it was another plus that there was free WiFi. For those without their own computer, the ship furnished several free of charge (however, a connection was not always available).
and impressive than the older Viking vessels, the layout was similar and included the all-purpose observation lounge and bar, as well as the large dining room with scenic windows for viewing the passing landscapes. An addition is an attractive library/ lounge area with both a panoramic view and access to an outdoor seating area. The sundeck was fairly typical but included shaded lounging space. There was no fitness room or sauna, though, as is customary on other new-builds. I looked into one of the 340sq ft suites,
T
which are quite an innovation for those willing to pay the higher tariff. Inclusion of these genuinely deluxe accommodations seems to have become another trend on newer boats, and the luxury is unarguable. Traditionally, passengers on riverboats tend to be somewhat older, with the activities to match. On both ships, the cruise director gave a lecture describing the following day’s itinerary and excur- sions during cocktail hour. During the day, various enrichment lectures and cooking
he common areas were tastefully decorated with warm woods, fabrics and paintings. Although more modern
demonstrations were offered. I found the officers, front office and hotel staff and cabin stewards on both ships outstanding. All of the crew spoke English, were extremely accommodating, and far more knowledgeable and responsive than on most cruise ships. The dining room staff on Antoinette were especially notable.
“River-cruising needed A BOOST and the new, more UPSCALE BOATS have provided it”
The dining experience was also
somewhat similar. Both had an open-seating policy; however, passengers were expected to come to lunch and dinner shortly after the doors to the dining room opened. Breakfast and lunch were the most outstanding, and always included an attractive, well-stocked buffet table with numerous dishes, many indigenous to the countries visited. Additional hot dishes were also available and served directly from the kitchens.
TAKE A TOUR
Daily tours included in the cruise fare on Viking Legend: a bus/walking tour of Nuremberg with a visit to the Imperial Castle; walking tours around the medieval cities of Regensburg and Passau; a visit to the 900-year old Melk Abbey; and bus/ walking tours of Vienna and Budapest. Optional tours, for a fee, included: a tour to Weltenburg Abbey and the
Danube Gorge; a nighttime concert in Vienna; a tour of Schonbrunn Castle in Vienna; and a visit to Lazar Horse Farm outside Budapest. Tours included with Antoinette: a full-day along the Alsatian Wine Road through
charming villages, pastoral landscapes, medieval towns and lush vineyards; a canal cruise through the town of Strasbourg; wine-tasting at Castle Vollards in Rudesheim; walking tours of Koblenz and Cologne, with a visit to the cathedral at the latter; and, the highlight of the cruise, meandering along the Rhine with picture-perfect views of the Lorelei and the most famous castles that sit above the Rhine. Optional tours included: a Black Forest excursion; an excursion to the Castle of Heidelberg; dinner and entertainment in Rudesheim; and a visit to Marksburg Castle, the best preserved castle on the Rhine.
22 WORLD OF CRUISING I Autumn 2011
Dinners were multi-course, table- service affairs with a choice of two different appetisers, salads, main courses, and desserts. On the Legend, dinner main courses were attractively served but quite hearty and not always to my taste; however, salads and lighter fare were available.
I found the fare on Antoinette more to
my liking and superior to many ocean- going vessels. However, the overall variety on both ships was a great deal less than on ocean-going ships. The highlight dining experience on
Legend was the Bavarian lunch on deck
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