reviews
Amadeus Star Amadeus River Cruises
OVERVIEW: Amadeus River Cruises launched its 15th vessel this spring – the 164-passenger Amadeus Star. The family-owned Austrian line incorporates thoughtful design details on every ship, and Star is no exception.
CABINS: Every cabin has a walk-in wardrobe; the largest are in the 12 suites, which measure 284sq ft and have balconies. The staterooms are tastefully decorated, with extra touches that make it feel homely.
FOOD & DRINK: From the early-bird breakfast in the lounge to late-night snacks, passengers won’t go hungry. Breakfast and lunch are a mix of buffet and waiter-served dishes, while dinner is a five-course à la carte affair. Free-flowing wine, beer and soft drinks are included with meals.
FACILITIES: Star offers more than many river cruise ships. In addition to the standard public lounge and dining areas, it has a small gym, massage room and hair salon, plus games on the sun deck and Wi-Fi.
USP: The stylish wine bar in the small Amadeus Club lounge is an intimate venue, with a plush outside deck area that’s perfect for sunset cocktails.
BOOK IT: Agents can book through Fred River Cruises. Amadeus Star sails on the Rhine and Danube, with the seven-night Danube Rhapsody itinerary leading in at
£1,799, including flights and transfers.
agentfred.co.uk Reviewed by Jeannine Williamson
Amalia Rodrigues CroisiEurope
OVERVIEW: Named after the famed Portuguese singer – also known as the ‘Queen of Fado’ – Amalia Rodrigues is CroisiEurope’s sixth ship on the Douro.
CABINS: The vessel has 66 cabins, including one for guests with reduced mobility, as well as two suites with balconies. All cabins on the two upper decks have floor- to-ceiling panoramic windows and beds facing the river.
FOOD & DRINK: With its French heritage, you can expect freshly baked bread and croissants at breakfast, as well as local specialities such as Portuguese custard tarts. Lunch and dinner are set menus, and naturally include cheese. Special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.
FACILITIES: The heart of the ship is the airy lounge, dotted with fun cushions that give it a bright and contemporary feel. By night, energetic cruisers take to the dancefloor. There’s a splash pool on the sun deck and plenty of chairs and loungers.
USP: Despite value-for-money fares, cruises include an all-day open bar with only a few premium drinks (such as champagne) not included. The wines served with meals are excellent, and include two choices each of red, white and rosé.
BOOK IT: Amalia Rodrigues sails on five to seven-night round-trip itineraries from Porto. A five-night Porto and
the Douro Valley cruise leads in at £985 for 2020.
croisieurope.co.uk Reviewed by Jeannine Williamson
42 November 2019
travelweekly.co.uk/cruise
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