River Cruising

There’s reading about river cruises—and then there’s actually stepping onboard and seeing what it’s really like. During the CLIA River Cruise Conference 2026 in Amsterdam, I had the chance to do exactly that. With nine river cruise operators lined up along the water, it was a rare opportunity to compare what’s on offer properly. I spent three nights onboard a mix of ships, including Avalon Waterways, VIVA Cruises and Riverside Luxury Cruises—and while I genuinely loved something about all of them, one ship that really stood out for me on the luxury side was the Riverside Debussy.

From the moment I stepped onboard, it felt elegant but relaxed luxury without any of that awkward, overly formal feeling.

I even had the chance to sail briefly to Zandam, and what really surprised me was just how smooth it was—you genuinely can’t feel the ship moving. For anyone a bit nervous about sea sickness (especially if you’ve experienced it on an ocean cruise), this is a completely different experience. It’s calm, gentle, and incredibly easy to relax into.

Now, the food… because let’s be honest, that’s always important. Breakfast was exactly what you’d want—fresh produce, pastries, and a proper English breakfast. But lunch was the unexpected highlight. I had a chicken Caesar wrap that I’m still thinking about now—it was honestly like a party in my mouth with flavours, and easily one of the best I’ve ever had. Dinner moved into a more refined à la carte experience, where I had a beautifully cooked steak paired with a great wine—simple, high-quality food done really well.

What really stood out to me, and something I always look for when recommending travel, was how well they cater for everyone. The choice of food was excellent, whether you want something light or more indulgent, and dietary requirements are clearly taken seriously. Allergies, intolerances, vegetarian options—it’s all clearly labelled, and the staff are proactive in asking, which makes a huge difference.

And then there’s the snacks… because you’re never far from food onboard. The snack station was brilliant, and I can confidently say the muffins were some of the best I’ve ever had. Dangerous, really.

My twin suite was another highlight. Floor-to-ceiling windows meant I could sit and watch the scenery pass by—one of the best parts of river cruising. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the pillows were spot on. I’m quite fussy when it comes to pillows, and I’ll admit I did briefly consider how easy it would be to take one home with me!

Each cabin comes with its own butler, which sounds very luxurious—and it is—but what impressed me most was how natural it felt. Mine introduced himself, showed me around, and was always available, but never intrusive. That balance of being attentive without hovering is something not every brand gets right, but here it felt effortless.

Evenings on board had such a lovely atmosphere. I was sitting in the lounge with a glass of champagne, listening to a pianist—it was one of those moments where you just stop and think, “this is what it’s all about.” The lounge itself is light, airy, and somewhere you could happily spend hours, day or night. Add in the spacious top deck for taking in the views, and there’s always somewhere to relax and enjoy the journey.

Overall, I genuinely loved my time on the Riverside Debussy. There’s a real sense of calm and comfort throughout the ship, combined with a level of quality that makes you feel properly looked after. Having experienced multiple ships during the conference, I can honestly say they all had their own unique charm and would suit different types of travellers—this one just stood out for me in terms of luxury and overall finish.

If you’re considering a river cruise, this experience really showed me how varied the options are. It’s not a one-size-fits-all holiday, and that’s exactly the appeal. The best part is matching the right ship to the right person, and this trip allowed me to experience several. I’m now on the lookout for a Christmas market river cruise with my family!