Riviera River Cruise on the Danube

 This August I went on my on location - on the Danube this time a Riviera Cruise, so a great opportunity to compare to my previous cruise with Emerald. BA check-in at the airport - as we were on a group booking, we could not check in online - but all was smooth at the airport. The flight was full, we all assembled at the meeting point and then walked about 300m with our guide to the coach to take to the ship, this was a 40-minute journey. The ship was docked right in the centre so if on an early flight, you can go and explore. Ours arrived just in time for afternoon tea! Then we went to our cabin, very well appointed with plenty of storage, and toiletries and the headsets all charging. We had the drinks package - wine beer and soft drinks at lunchtime then drinks and the cocktail of the day from 6 pm until 2300. Dinner was from 1900 til 2100 - you could go at any time, it was free seating to sit with travel companions or new friends.

That evening we set sail from Budapest after dinner, seeing all the buildings lit up it was beautiful. The next morning, we woke up in Esztergom, with an included tour of the huge Basilica, divided into groups we had to pick a numbered ticket at breakfast and that was the tour number for the day. We all had a corresponding noddy train to take us up and bring us back in time for lunch! That afternoon we sailed and started our journey to Bratislava - the Danube flows between Slovakia on one side and Hungary on the other - such pretty scenery. People swimming in the Danube from small beach areas. The water quality is 2, which is almost drinking water - you would not want a glass but if you are swimming a swallow some all will be well! The next morning, we arrived in Slovakia, another country on our journey, we were here all day, with a morning excursion walking tour of the city, back for lunch or you could explore more of the city on your own. Every day seemed to revolve around food - and there was so much choice and it was of superb quality.

The next morning, we awoke to have arrived in Durnstein in Austria - our third country!! A medieval town with cobbled streets with a ruined castle overlooking the river, very pretty, it reminded me of Clovelly in Devon. Easy walk into the village - the school only has 14 pupils !! There was a slow group on this excursion - those with mobility aids as it was hard on the cobbles. In our free time, we hiked up to the castle to see the view - hard work in 34 degrees but worth the view!!

We then had a short cruise to Melk, we were able to sit out on the sundeck and enjoy the view in the sunshine. Melk has a stunning abbey and gardens high in the town, we had a coach to take us up then we could take the coach back or walk down through the town and forest which we did back to the ship, ice cream stop on the way !! Our final port in Austria is Linz, and here there was the option of a coach to Salzburg ( about 2 hours) or a city tour of Linz. We opted for Linz, the Baroque old town, easy to navigate and after the tour, independently we got the vintage tram up to Postlingburg, 539m up the Linz Mountain with superb views of the Danube flowing around the city ( 8 euros each return ) But ticket from the tourist office then you need to validate it at the machine at the tram stop. We were back for lunch, but as the ship was here all day, we hopped off to have a walk and even had a paddle from the beach area in the Danube! Of course, followed by an ice cream! We sailed that evening passing back through several locks en route, and awoke to find ourselves in Vienna. A walking tour this morning taking in the stables of the Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding School, and St Stephens cathedral. After the tour there was some free time before a guide took you back to the ship in time for lunch. Or as we did we decided to stay and have lunch in the city and try some Sacher torte and made our own way back in time for our departure. On our departure, there are some very low bridges and depending on the water levels - sometimes ships cannot pass. For us, the top deck shade covers and radar were lowered and the captain‘s bridge is also hydraulic and lowers down to navigate. We were allowed to stay on the top as long as sat down - some of the bridges were very close !! On leaving Vienna it was the Captain's Farewell Dinner - ( they dont do this on the last night as some departures are very early ). Followed by a traditional folklore dance group.

Our last overnight sailing was heading back to Budapest, it was lovely to see the sights we had missed travelling at night, and to experience some locks in the daylight - as some were passed through at night and we never knew - not even a bump!! Arrival in Budapest was beautiful to see the sights and wonderful buildings in the daylight, after our night departure. Lunch on board then a 3-hour coach city tour was included, or you can do your own thing. We again opted for our own walking tour armed with a map! We took in the main sights including the castle - we used the funicular to get up and walked down through the gardens and back along the river to the ship. Last night and time to pack, early departures had to leave bags outside the cabin, later just take them at 9 am when we had to vacate, then we stayed on board until our transfer time. A few facts....... There is the main dining room for all meals but this ship had a smaller restaurant at the rear of the ship with a different menu - open for some lunches and all dinners. Its reservation only , at the concierge desk, it seats about 20 people so a different experience as you sail along the river. We had a super meal here one night.

Entertainment - there was a resident pianist and singer every evening - pre and post dinner. We had a quiz night one night, a string quartet, and the folklore show.

The average age is around 60-65 years, but we had a couple on board aged 94+95!!

Take comfy shoes - lots of walking in the included excursions on this itinerary, you need to have some reasonable mobility, its not a route march but some are towards 3 hours long. There is a lift on board but not up to the sundeck, and as ships dock alongside each other its not a suitable option for those full time wheelchair users. Speaking to a couple of first-time cruisers - all were very positive, great feedback on the inclusions and the quality of food, excursions and the staff on board were all excellent, and everyone said it wont be the last one they do ! Just to find the next river. For me, I am going to head to the Douro!