I recently jumped aboard a 14-night Vienna to Amsterdam river cruise with Avalon Waterways on board Avalon Passion.
The ship was only 6 months old, and was absolutely stunning. The decor in public areas (such as lounges and restaurants) use cool tones and simple, but very stylish furniture. It makes you feel at home, but with a little extra classiness.
The main public areas offered panoramic views of both sides of the river, with tea and coffee service all day, live music at times, games, world news, info on the rivers and countries and always someone on hand to assist you with your every need. It makes the journey 5-star on every level.
My cabin was a panorama window that had floor to ceiling windows, which opened up to allow you to sit on your bed and watch the countryside of Germany, Austria and more sail by. Stunning! The bed was super comfortable, and the bathroom was large with l'occitane 5-star products. It's pure luxury. The rooms all feature bathrobes, water bottles, a large flat screen TV with movies, radio news and more on demand, plus plenty of safe storage. It was again simple decor but stylish.
The most incredible part of my voyage? The food! Every meal is included in your fare, and is chef prepared to the upmost quality. Breakfast is a buffet with literally everything on offer, with a la carte also available during breakfast. I enjoyed daily omelettes prepared fresh, and yoghurt with Bircher muesli with fresh squeezed orange juice! For those with a taste for sparkling wine, this can be ordered during in breakfast also.
Lunch was always a sumptuous affair. Salads, soups (the soups were incredible), meats and pasta - every single palette was catered for. Usually always included a large roast chef prepared also. From beef, to turkey they had it all. Fresh baked bread, and drinks flowing and included. Delicious!
Dinner was always a la carte and we usually always dressed up a little. Waiter service with menus, and daily changes to menu. Some things available all the way through, and always chefs suggestions. It was usually 5 courses. Fresh bread with whipped butter and pastes, soup, entree, main and dessert. Each meal chef prepared and served with the freshest ingredients. Like something? Get another! Nothing was too hard, and every single allergy, taste and preference was catered for. Honestly - the food blew my mind and my taste buds!
The cities you cruise through are charming, and at each location a local guide would give clients free walking tours and explain the city and its history. This was fantastic, and allowed us to learn, take photos and wander about safely, with a guide and local suggestions. My favourite was Bamberg in Germany, and Vienna in Austria. Bavaria was also stunning.
There were a few "extra" paid trips - I did only one they usually entail lots more distance and offered something more.
Overall - this is an amazing 5-star quality cruise with attentive, professional and friendly staff, brilliant decor and style, incredible food and drink, and the most beautiful European countryside.
It's an absolute must!
*This product review was written by Mathieu Cadart, one of our Ucango Travel Senior Consultants.
