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See our slideshow of European River Rambles.
Even absent a midnight buffet, river cruise dining is no low-calorie affair. Which explains why so many passengers made beelines to the top deck of the Amadagio—not just for the views, but to grab one of the 40-odd bicycles on the top deck, ideal for forays into the towns along the route. Fitness expert Sheila Cluff, owner of the Oaks at Ojai spa in Ojai, Calif., and a guest lecturer aboard the cruise, felt that substituting brisk bike rides for midnight buffets was a real plus, regardless of one's age.
European river cruising is a natural magnet for the fifty-plus crowd. There are no day camps for kids or accommodations for teenagers. And no complaints about strollers or crying babies at the dinner table. David Gaventhor, Executive Vice President of Product Planning and Development for Vantage River Cruises, says that Vantage "caters to the American clientele and the average age our passenger is the mid-60s range. We are single-friendly and have a roommate-matching program which means if we can find you a suitable roommate, you are entitled to travel at the 'bedrate' or you have the option of paying 25 percent above the double occupancy rate."
This year Vantage has ramped up its cruise menu with themed journeys. The new Culinary Cruise aboard the MS River Discovery features celebrity Chef Tell (aka Chef Friedman Paul Erhardt), who takes over the kitchen with cooking demonstrations while presenting passengers with a gourmet menu featuring his exclusive recipes. Gaventhor says the River Discovery "has a six-star ambiance," including a glamorous Owner's Suite replete with French balconies with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors plus all of the regular amenities of the newer cruise ships (private bathroom, flat-screen TV and an in-room entertainment system) along with room service, which is not de rigueur on many ships due to the smaller staff passenger ratio. The cost, $4,815 per person, puts you in posh surroundings for a 12-day Waterways of Holland & Belgium Tulips, Windmills and Canals cruise. There are also eight Junior Suites priced at $1,000 or less per person.
One line that actively courts families is Uniworld, whose Family Program has proved popular with grandparents, parents and children. According to Maria Grimardi, Uniworld's Vice President of Marketing, "Many family groups want to return to their roots, visiting their birthplaces in Belgium, Holland and Hungary. And everything is built into our package." That includes not just complimentary transfers but also winning décor by British hotel legend Bea Tollman, who's known for her work for the Red Carnation Hotel group, and designer bath amenities by Charlotte Rhys.
Patrick Clark, Managing Director of Avalon Cruises, says the company operates five ships, including the Avalon Poetry and Avalon Artistry. Two cruises this October focus on European wines. "Avalon seeks to integrate the culture and cuisine of Europe into its itineraries," Clark says. In addition to Avalon's 12-day Legendary Danube cruise, this year, Clark adds, "we offer a Hungarian Wine Summit, a wine festival in Gols, Austria, and a music theme aboard a 14-day Amsterdam to Budapest cruise." The chic Avalon Scenery will be inaugurated in March 2008. This ship promises an innovative itinerary, adding two nights in Paris and one in Nice in addition to the seven-night cruises between Chalon and Arles.
Come winter, river cruises swing into their Christmas Market tour itineraries: the perfect way to spend Christmas or toast the New Year in Vienna. Amadeus Waterways has nearly sold out three cruises aboard the MS Amadagio and the MS Amalegro. With a European crew of 41 serving 71 staterooms, these cruises depart from Budapest or Amsterdam, visiting enticing towns where many Christmas traditions originated, such as Koblenz, Bernkastel and Regensberg. Bring along an empty suitcase, because this is the ultimate floating shopping expedition.
See our slideshow of European River Rambles.
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