A Taste of the Rhine
I was so excited to be going on my first river cruise. I have experienced many ocean cruises in the past, so I was very much looking forward to seeing the contrast between the two.
Day One - Frankfurt
My journey started at London Heathrow where I met my fellow Miles Morgan colleagues. We flew with British Airways; their bag drop service was really quick and easy to use. We went through security etc. with no issues or much of a queue. We had plenty of time to have breakfast.
We then took a short flight to Frankfurt. Once we collected our luggage, we were met by the Avalon representatives who transported us by coach to the ship (Imagery II) she was absolutely stunning. We were made to feel welcome as soon as we stepped aboard. Very smooth check in, covid passes checked and I was shown to my suite. WOW, the suite was absolutely beautiful. I stayed in a Panorama suite which has wall to wall and floor to ceiling panoramic windows that opened up and transform the living space into an open-air balcony. They are very spacious (200 square foot) which is 30% larger than other river cruise companies. There are mini bars in the suites and these are very reasonably priced. The bathroom is very spacious too with L’Occitane products. There is plenty of storage and the Wi-Fi is free on board.
We had welcome drinks and a speech from the cruise director in the Panorama lounge and bar. He introduced us to the captain and the other staff members on board. He talked us through the rules and explained what would be happening the following day. At this point the ship had left the dock. Very quickly into the journey we met our first lock which was an incredible sight. We then had a four course à la carte meal in the restaurant. The food was impeccable, and the staff made it even more special. Nothing was too much trouble. Drinks are included with meals which includes wines, beers, soft drinks, teas and coffee.
Day Two - Rudesheim and Koblenz
I woke up feeling refreshed with a good night’s sleep and the beds were very comfy. I looked out of my panoramic window, and I could see that we had reached Rudesheim. Breakfast is buffet style with so much to choose from for every taste. A brilliant way to start the day.
The excursions that I had chosen to do is the Hike through the Vineyards. We started with a ride on the “Choo Choo train” that is what the cruise director called it. We went through Rudesheim town and was dropped off at the bottom of the vineyards. The adventure host took us up through the vineyards. It was a climb but the view when you got to the top was well worth it. At the top of the hill stands the monument Niederwald, this was built to commemorate the victory of the Franco – Prussian war. To come back down to the vineyards, you can choose to go on the cable cards or walk. I choose to walk.
We then explored Rudesheim which is known for its quaint cobblestone lanes, iconic split-timber architecture, festive music and world-famous wines. Another thing that Rudesheim is its signature coffee. This is made from Flambéed Asbach Uralt Brandy. We went to a coffee shop where the staff were dressed in the traditional Dirndl which is the traditional clothing for Germany. We then had out own time to hit the pretty shops and buy some souvenirs.
When we came back to the ship the staff were there to greet us with hot towels and refreshments. Lunch was amazing a great selection to choose from and again this is buffet style.
The afternoon was very relaxing. I went to the club lounge where you can get teas, coffee etc and a lot of tempting treats. I grabbed myself a hot chocolate and took myself to the sun deck. We had left Rudesheim and were sailing though the Rhine Gorge. WOW, just WOW, this was absolutely stunning. We sailed past over 60 castles all dotted around the Rhine and up in the hills. Photos do not do it any justice. They do not call it the “Romantic Rhine” for no reason! This was one of my highlights of the trip.
We then docked at Koblenz where we were able to explore on our own. We decided to take the cable car up the hills where there was an amazing look out point to see the amazing views.
We then came back on board to get ready for dinner. Dinner was fantastic again, beautiful food and so much to choose from. Entertainment tonight was a live local band that came on board. All the guests had a wonderful time.
Day Three - Cologne
After breakfast, we met up with the adventure host for our bike ride around Cologne. We were docked right by Cologne cathedral which looked absolutely amazing. The adventure host took us around Cologne. Cycling beside the Rhine and over iconic bridges. This was a really good way to see the city. We saw some amazing sites and had the opportunity to take some good photos. You don't have to do the cycling tour you can choose to do the walking tour of the city led by an expert guide. Explore the beautiful old town with its cobbled streets, fountains, Romanesque Great St. Martin church and the monumental twin steepled Gothic cathedral.
After the bike ride, we went back on board to have lunch. We then left Cologne to sail along the Rhine on the way to Amsterdam. The afternoon was very relaxing so I took the importunity to hit the whirlpool on the sun deck. The evening was very relaxed too. We went to the panoramic bar to make the most of the happy hour which they have every evening along with a talk from the cruise director to advise what is happening the next day.
Dinner again was just impeccable, the meat melts in your mouth and the presentation was outstanding. They do cater for vegetarians and allergens. The wine that compliments the meals was lovely too. In the lounge club that night they had a film with fresh popcorn.
Day four - Amsterdam
I was really looking forward to today as I couldn't wait to do the canal cruise through the iconic canals of Amsterdam. We sailed through the 17th century waterways and saw the beautiful historic merchant houses, picturesque canal bridges, the Anne Frank house and more. In the afternoon we had our own free time to explore the famous sights of Amsterdam.
When getting back to the boat we were greeted with hot towels and wine. That evening we had farewell drinks and a gala dinner. This was not 4 courses but 5. I can honestly say that this was the best food I have ever eaten. The crew paraded around the dining room from the cleaning staff, crew in the restaurant, bar, reception and the adventure host. Each and every one of them was amazing and all the guests showed their appreciation to them all. After all the food and wine, I headed to bed ready for our early departure home. Transfers ran really smoothly and no long queues at Schiphol airport.
Overall, this has been an absolutely wonderful experience and I would not hesitate to travel with Avalon again. The Rhine was absolutely stunning. There is literally something for everyone. It helped travelling with and amazing bunch of people.
