Ship Oscar Wilde.- Switzerland to Germany
Guests 169 Passengers.
Crew 44
4 x Deluxe Balcony Suites, other cabins consist of Superior Suites with French Balcony, Standard suites on lower deck (Emerald Deck) fixed windows.
I stayed in a Superior Suite on the Diamond Deck (upper), including a drinks package, red, white, Rose and sparkling house wine, draught beer, soft drinks and juices at lunch and evening meals. (from 2024 superior drinks package will be included on all European Riveria Cruises).
Also Included on my cabin type, Riveria Plus, luxury toiletries, bottle of champagne, local gifts, 10% discount on spa, hairdresser, laundry services and a complimentary pre dinner drinks voucher per day per person.
The ship, cabins, food and staff five-star, real luxury with the added personal touches.
Gala dinner with captain and crew was fabulous, 5courses a la carte.
There was two Riveria employees on ship, 1 x cruise director and the other arranging excursions, entertainment etc.
Each day there was a leaflet explaining the days excursions, which were all included in the price, giving you the choice if you wanted to participate.
The Riveria team on board do a short presentation of each destination every day/evening.
Excursions:
Day 2, 04Oct:
Approx 2hr coach journey to Lucerne, 1hr free time. Approx 1.30hr coach journey to Wilderswil (Schynige Platte), catch mountain railway into mountain peaks 50mins each way. Absolutely stunning scenery. 2hr coach back to ship.
Day 3, 05Oct:
Approx 2hr coach journey to Titisee, lovely lake setting with traditional Shops on the edge of the Black Forest.
Day 4, 06Oct:
Strasbourg the historic city, crossroads of Europe. Guided walking tour 1.5 hrs duration, free time in this beautiful fascinating city.
Day 5, 07Oct:
Speyer The city Of the Reformation. Guided walking tour of this medieval town.
Day 6: 08Oct:
Rudesheim
Guided walking tour of this charming wine town, sights of the old town including Drosselglass 15th century cobbled street and Bromserburg castle dated back to 1275.
Back on ship to cruise through the famous Rhine Gorge enjoying the spectacular scenery.
Koblenz, where the rivers Rhine and Moselle meet.
Included guided tour of the historic centre.
Day 7; 09Oct:
Leave Koblenz and cruise through the forested Siebengebirge (Seven Mountains) and past the pretty riverside towns on the way our last stop Cologne.
Free time to explore The famous, cultural cathedral city.
Overall experience was excellent more than my expectations.
Riveria where professional, offering an intimate relaxed atmosphere.
My only criticism is the cruise is aimed at the older clientele but the excursions were not.
Three of the ports/docks were very industrial situated away from the towns, attractions.
Kim Simpson-Birstall