Ship review river cruising 77
CRUISE: LAFAYETTE - CROISEUROPE
BY MARIA HARDING THE JOURNEY: Amsterdam-Aachen- Dusseldorf-Cologne-Koblenz-Mainz- Strasbourg-Breisach-Basel. THE BACKGROUND: Lafayette is Croisieurope's newest riverboat design. It marks a substantial departure from the Strasbourg-based company's usual vessel style, both in size and design. ROUTE: The new vessel is currently operating along the Rhine between Amsterdam and Basel. CAPACITY: The riverboat's 84-pas- senger capacity is lower than the company's usual 100–180 passenger range, although Lafayette is almost as long as the line’s other riverboats. PUBLIC AREAS: Lafayette of- fers passengers a more spacious environment thanks to this lower capacity and public rooms comprise a stylish lounge at the prow end
of Upper Deck, with a smart dining room at the rear. There is also a sun deck. The white-and-silver décor - embellished with delightful 'glass bubble’ chandeliers and wall art - is more understated and classier than that of Croiseurope’s more richly- coloured vessels. THE CABINS: Lafayette is also the fi rst Croisieurope vessel to have full fl oor- to-ceiling windows in each of her 43, all-outside cabins, 14 of which are on the Upper Deck (including two singles and one accessible for the disabled) while the other 29 (including another two singles) are on the Main Deck (ie, lower). Windows slide open but have light-blocking woollen curtains – lighter drapes beneath would be helpful. DINING: Food is varied, good quality, and refl ective of European cuisine.
THE VERDICT
Buffet breakfasts are substantial, lunch and dinner are served at the table, and – new from 2014 – many wines, speciality coffees and bar drinks are included in the price. Expect strict meal hours, though, and to share a table with others. T. 020 8328 1281 W.
Croisieurope.co.uk •
1711 Selling Travel Magazine Half Page 146hx210w+3mm_Layout 1 22/10/2014 16:23 Page 1
Rhine & Moselle Experience - 7 nights 19th Jul, 2nd Aug & 30th Aug 2015
Double River View from
Scenic cruising holidays on the beautiful Rhine, Danube, Rhône and Saône rivers aboard the premium Bellejour, Belvedere and Bellefleur. Unpack once and enjoy the ever-changing panorama as you glide past beautiful scenery, quaint towns and elegant cities.
£1779 Full Fare
1st Adult £1429
2nd Adult £719
Majestic Danube - 7 nights 9th May, 21st Jun, 5th Jul, 14th Sep & 5th Oct 2015
Twin River View from
£1999 Full Fare
1st Adult £1599
2nd Adult £799
Rhône & Mediterranean Experience - 7 nights 24th Apr, 3rd Jul & 9th Oct 2015
Twin River View from All this is included in the fare:
River cruise passage in the cabin category of your choice.
Flights (or rail travel Rhône & Mediterranean Experience)
Overseas transfers airport/ station to/from ship.
Save up to 20% plus Buy One Get One Half Price
£2049 Full Fare
1st Adult £1639
2nd Adult £819
Delicious full board cuisine.
House wine, house beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
Excellent service standards from a friendly and attentive crew.
Entertainment including local folkloric at selected ports. Port charges.
Book online at
www.cruiseandmaritime.com Call 0844 414 6161 Agency Sales 0844 414 6140 Brochures
www.trade-gate.co.uk
Prices are per person based on two adults sharing a double/twin cabin. Fares showing are applicable to lowest fare sailing Subject to availability and may be withdrawn without notice. Terms & Conditions apply. Operated by South Quay Travel & Leisure Ltd trading as Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV Signature River Cruises). ABTA V9945. ATOL 4619
1711
Lafayette is a delightful riverboat with a young and enthusiastic crew of varied nationalities (European, British, US, Australian) who entertain guests with picture- or music-based games. SAMPLE PACKAGE: A nine-day cruise from Amsterdam to Basel onboard Lafayette costs from £1,193 per person (based on Aprul 1 and 17 2015 departures) including accommodation in an outside cabin with all onboard meals, complimentary beer and wine at lunch and dinner as well as open bar throughout the voyage (not including Champagne, special wines or fine brandies), onboard entertainment and port taxes.
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