Life On Board
Today's river boats offer levels of luxury rivalling that of cruise ships. Think of these smaller vessels as floating boutique hotels. The interiors have grace and style while the food and service is outstanding. You'll be pampered as you sail serenely through Central Europe seeing all the highlights along the way.
Here are some important features of these beautiful vessels:
- Variety of public rooms: a restaurant, lounge for scenic viewing, bar, open deck space with deck chairs and a canopy for shade, gift shop, hair dresser and on some, a whirlpool, fitness centre, spa and swimming pool.
- Staterooms are well appointed and designed for your comfort. They are usually outside with a picture window. Many of the new boats feature cabins with French doors and balcony for an even better view. Hotel beds with high quality linens and flat screen TVs are becoming the norm.
- Meals are open seating and the food is a highlight of the cruise. In Europe, breakfast and lunch tends to be buffet-style while dinner is a-la-carte, served in one seating at about 7 p.m. There's lots of choice and food is well prepared. Complimentary wine is offered with dinner on most lines.
- Onboard port talks focus on your ports of call.
- Evening entertainment consists of a piano bar, or small ensemble in the lounge. Local entertainers may be brought on board to display the regional music and dance.
- Service on board has a reputation of being prompt, attentive and friendly.
- The overall cruise experience is well organized by the cruise/tour director.
- Additional amenities like Internet service, laundry facilities and an elevator will vary from ship to ship.
Expanding Fleets
River cruising continues to be one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry. River boat companies are expanding their fleets and renovating existing vessels to meet the demands of today's savvy travellers.
Our preferred companies, Avalon Waterways, Uniworld and Viking River Cruises, are all introducing new and refurbished ships this year. Take a look at what the latest vessels have to offer:
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Avalon Waterways - Avalon Affinity (138 passengers)
- Public rooms – aft facing lounge, bar, restaurant, panoramic windows, hair salon, 6-person Whirlpool on Sky Deck observation deck, fitness centre, hair salon.
- Staterooms - all outside, spacious, floor-to-ceiling windows and French balconies on two decks, hotel-style beds, European duvets, Egyptian cotton linens, large closets, minibar, hairdryer, safe, individual climate control, flatscreen, satellite TV and radio. Four suites (258 sq.ft.).
- Elevator
- Silent Drive System (SDS)
- Non-smoking interior
- Internet access & Wi-Fi hotspots
- Complimentary wine with all onboard dinners
- Complimentary coffee & tea available throughout the day
- Headsets for all guided shore excursions in Europe
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Uniworld - River Beatrice (160 passengers)
- Public rooms - a lounge with panoramic views, restaurant, bar, library, gift shop, sundeck, massage services, fitness centre, Jacuzzi.
- Staterooms - hotel-style beds with fine Egyptian cotton sheets and European comforters, terry robes, L'Occitane body products, bottled water, make-up mirror, large built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual air conditioning, direct dial telephone, flat-screen televisions offering a selection of viewing choices.
- 80% of staterooms have French balconies. 14 suites (225 sq. ft.) one Owners Suite (300 sq.ft.)
- Elevator
- Open seating dining with gourmet meals prepared by chefs from London's five-star Meridian Piccadilly and Relais & Châteaux Hotels. On deck dining available.
- Wine, Soft Drinks and Beer included with dinner.
- 24-hour tea & coffee bar
- Wireless Internet
- Complimentary use of bicycles ashore
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Viking River Cruises – Viking Legend (196 passengers)
- Public Rooms – observation lounge, panoramic restaurant, library, sun deck with 360-degree panoramic views, souvenir shop.
- Staterooms – all outside with either French balcony or picture window, sitting area near the window or balcony, most windows open for fresh air, hotel-style beds, European linens, 26 inch flat-screen, Satellite TV, refrigerators, hair dryers, in room safes. Two suites (310 sq. ft.).
- Atrium lobby
- Local specialties are part of the fine dining.
- Ship-wide wireless internet access
- Powered by an innovative propulsion system to achieve an estimated 20% boost in fuel efficiency.
- Travel companion book supplied.
- Quietvox tour headphones.
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By Susan Milne
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