RIVER CRUISING: SHIP REVIEWS
Take two Selling River Cruising reviews two very different river cruise vessels CROISI EUROPE’S Infante Don Henrique
BY SARA MACEFIELD Launched: 2003 Cabin Count: 71 Vessel Length: 74 metres My itinerary: Round-trip sailing from Oporto along the Douro River in Portugal to the Spanish border
Cabin: Cosy and comfortable, but the décor was rather dated and the walls were paper thin, so I could hear my neighbour’s conversations! It was tight on space for two
people, with limited storage. There was no balcony, but a huge picture window, that slid open. The ensuite shower was small and modern. Dining: The dining room was pleasant and had a more up-to- date feel, with shared tables at mealtimes lending a convivial atmosphere. Cuisine was limited as the three-course lunches and four-
course dinners were pre-set, with just one choice of dish offered. However, the standard of food was good and dietary requests were accommodated by the friendly and effi cient crew. Entertainment: There was something to suit everyone on most nights, ranging from a fl amenco evening to a performance by a local guitar and singing duo, but the highlight was the crew show which proved to be imaginative, fun and, in parts, highly amusing. Activities: An exercise class on deck and a daily programme of excursions. There was also a 'swimming pool' on deck that was more like a giant paddling pool than a swimming pool! Family fun: Children are allowed on board and children up to 16 years go free in summer.
“Comfortable, but not luxurious, with a Gallic feel"
PRICES FROM £267 (318 euros) for a four-day Seine sailing to Paris
RESERVATIONS 020 8328 1281
croisieurope.co.uk
TAUCK TOURS MS Swiss Emerald
BY JO AUSTIN Launched: 2006; refurbished 2013 No. of cabins: 59 Vessel Length: 110 metres My itinerary: 'French Escapade' A 14-day trip from Monte Carlo to Paris via Nice, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Vienne, Chalon,-sur-Saone, Tournon, Macon and Lyon
Cabin: The ms Swiss Emerald has a total capacity of just 118 guests (compared with 150 guests or more on other ships of similar size), so Tauck guests enjoy an intimate, club- like atmosphere. Accommodation includes 14,300-sq ft suites, plus seven junior suites and 38 cabins (measuring 183 and 150 sq ft, respectively). Dining: Fine dining in the main restaurant along with more casual bistro-style fare in the Lido, with complimentary wine and beer
40 March 2013 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
accompanying onboard lunches and dinners. Guests can also enjoy local dining experiences ashore. Entertainment: Takes place every evening in the lounge, and includes French cultural performances, piano music, and for those who like the sound of their own voice, karaoke. Activities: All shore excursions are included, with 'insider access' revealing local history and culture. All excursions are in small groups
featuring the industry’s highest guide-to-guest ratio, and each is led by a Tauck director or a local expert. Aboard ship, guests’ needs are
attended to by a dedicated Tauck Cruise Director and a team of three Tauck Directors. Family fun: Tauck offers another Rhone River cruise on the ms Swiss Emerald, its 'Bon Voyage! France Family River Cruise' itinerary, designed specifi cally for families.
PRICES FROM £3927pp (plus transportation to/ from) for 14 days, including two-night hotel stays with guided sightseeing in Monte-Carlo and Paris
RESERVATIONS Cruise Portfolio 020 7399 7673;
reservations@cruiseportfolio.co.uk Tauck 0800-961-834;
info@tauck.com www.tauck.co.uk
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