Day 1 - Our trip started with a morning flight from Heathrow with Eurowings to Dusseldorf. A short flight of just 1 hour 20 minutes. We were met at the airport by our Riviera Representative who whisked us all off to meet the coach outside the terminal.
The transfer took around 40 minutes to get to Cologne where the Riviera Resplendence was docked. Our first impression was wow! The ship looked impressive from the outside. I couldn’t wait to explore.
From the minute we arrived the level of service was exceptional. Our luggage was taken straight to our suites and were given a glass of Prosecco on arrival and greeted warmly by the staff.
As it was the inaugural voyage, they had laid on a special lunch for us to celebrate us being the first passengers to sail. This was a lovely touch. After our buffet lunch we were able to check into our suites. I was staying on the lower deck. The room was beautifully appointed in tones of golds, creams and navy. The suite had everything you would need from the coffee maker, kettle, fridge, water bottle, bath robes and slippers, hairdryer, umbrellas and alarm clock. The suite had one British plug and several European plug sockets as well as USB ports. The bathroom was beautiful, so stylish and the shower was amazing.
After quickly looking around the suite, I wanted to explore the ship. I had a wander around the three decks, and I have to say how stunning the ship looked. Modern and stylish throughout. The ship’s colour scheme echoed the suite colours of navy, cream and gold. They have three restaurants on board- the main dining room offers buffet style breakfasts although you can also order from the menu, at lunchtime and evening the main restaurant offers a three-course meal.
The Mosaic restaurant is situated on the lower deck; you do need to book this as it is smaller and very popular. It offers dishes from certain regions with paired wines. There is also the river view restaurant on deck 3 at the back of the ship. This offers casual style meals at lunchtime where you don’t need to book- first come first served. In the evening you are required to book.
Everywhere on the ship is stunning, so well designed. There are many areas to sit around the ship from the lounge and bar area, incidental sitting on deck three in foyer area to the many sitting areas up on deck- many of which are in the shade. There are loungers around the dipping pool with umbrellas if you want to relax in the sun. There are also areas at the front of the ship which are not in the shade.
On the lower deck there is a small gym and spa area. There is also a small shop near reception on deck 2.
That afternoon, we did have free time to further explore the ship or walk a short walk down to Cologne Cathedral which most people did.
On our return from our short walk, we had a letter in our suites inviting us to a Celebration on the sun deck at 6pm to commemorate the beginning of the Riviera Resplendence’s journey. We got to meet other guests and crew members. The first couple on board got to cut the red ribbon!!!
After the event we made our way down to dinner in the main restaurant. We were treated to a stunning three course meal, absolutely delicious. The level of service was first class. The wine glasses were topped up when they started going down. The All-inclusive drinks had started and would continue throughout the cruise.
Day 2 Koblenz
Day 2 started with a leisurely breakfast as we had the morning sailing. We passed many pretty villages and some castles.
Some of the group tried the Riverview kitchen at the stern of the ship for lunch, this served more casual style of food such as pizza, salads, soups, burgers and fish and chips- ideal for lunchtime.
After lunch was our guided walking tour of Koblenz. We were split into smaller groups and used our headsets and earpieces from our suites to listen to the commentary from the guides. We explored the old town, many monuments, interesting fountains and beautiful architecture. Some guests decided to go up to the fortress by cable car- this was an extra cost but well worth it.
On our return to the ship, we went to the captain’s cocktail party where we met the heads of each department. This was followed by another 4-course evening meal. The food was spectacular. This was followed by a Port Talk meeting where they explained about the next day and what we were likely to see.
To finish off the evening we enjoyed a very entertaining German folk band. They played traditional music, but it soon changed to more recognisable music from across the decades. They were brilliant and extremely funny.
Day 3- Rudesheim
Everyone was really looking forward to today- sailing through the Rhine Gorge.
After a delicious breakfast in the main dining room, we all headed up to the sun deck to listen to the detailed commentary about what we were passing whilst travelling through the Rhine Gorge. We all agreed the scenery was spectacular, so many beautiful towns, castles and fortresses along the journey, plus the sun came out. We also passed the Loreley statue which is famous in German folklore.
After a delicious buffet lunch, we were told to pop up to the lounge where there was a surprise, they had made a christening cake for the ship, which we all tried. Riviera certainly know how to put on an afternoon tea- A selection of cakes, scones and small sandwiches. Not good for the waistline but delicious.
The afternoon consisted of either a walk to the cable car station or a ride on the land train to the cable car. We boarded the cable car which took us over the vineyards and up to Niederwalk monument. There we had spectacular views down to the Rhine, the ship and surrounding areas. The monument was very impressive. Following on from the cable car ride we had free time to explore Rudesheim which was picturesque. We sampled the famous Rudesheim coffee which to be truthful was more brandy and cream than coffee. We all headed to the famous Christmas shop and of course had to buy something.
Before the evening meal we had the port talk and cocktails in the lounge. Evening meal was served in all three restaurants and again absolutely wonderful standard of food and service. The last part of the evening after our evening meal was a Trivia quiz which was extremely good fun. It was called The Top Answer is.
Day 4- Speyer
We cruised this morning on our way to Speyer. During the morning, we were invited for a wheelhouse tour where the captain explained all the different navigational equipment. The group enjoyed having the opportunity to ask questions. We spent the morning relaxing on the sundeck; the staff would bring up teas and coffees at various times or if you wanted any other drinks, you could order those with the bar staff. Again, excellent service!!
After another delicious lunch we set off on our walking tour of Speyer with our expert guide. We visited the old town and cathedral before having some free time to explore the rest of the town. It was very interesting. After making our way back to the ship, which was a short walk away, we enjoyed another beautiful afternoon tea. This time we also had fruit skewers and a chocolate fountain to enjoy!!
Later in the evening we decided to try the Mosaic restaurant which you do need to book for the evening meal. It is an intimate speciality bistro offering river inspired tasting menus paired with sommelier selected local wines.
Day 5- Strasbourg
Whilst heading for Strasbourg the group experienced their first locks on the Rhine. Everyone found it fascinating!! We navigated through a number of locks on the way to Strasbourg; it was so interesting when another river cruise ship came along side us. The skill of the captains is incredible.
After docking on the outskirts of Strasbourg, we had a short coach ride into the historic centre. There we did a short walking tour visited the Petit France district which was full of incredibly beautiful historic buildings and canals before making our way through the pretty streets to the Impressive Cathedral. It was spectacular!! We enjoyed a short, guided tour of the Cathedral and visited the famous clock. We waited a few minutes for it to start on the quarter of an hour. We were given free time to explore the other buildings nearby, shops and had time for an ice-cream where we sat and watched the world go by on Cathedral Square.
Again, before the evening meal we had our port talk and sneak peak of the agenda for the following day. Our evening entertainment was a modern string concert who played traditional music and more modern pieces. He was super talented.
Day 6- Freiburg and Obernai
After an early buffet style breakfast in the Riverside Restaurant, we left for our next Excursion. We headed towards Freiburg we had a coach trip of 1 hour 30 mins which went very quickly, the coaches were very comfortable and air conditioned. Our Guide was so informative on the way to Freiburg, we learnt so much about the Black Forest Area, the food, culture, traditions and wildlife.
On arriving into Freiburg it was a short walk to the central square where our guide explained about the different architecture and places of interest around us. She said that we had to try out the local Black Forest Cake in one of the many cafes around the square. Of course, we couldn’t disappoint her, so we did sample it and it was delicious. Freiburg had a lovely feel to it, very pretty with good shopping opportunities.
On our return to the ship at lunchtime, we drive through the scenic route, through the Black Forest. The Scenery was spectacular, so many pretty houses and villages dotted through the landscape. Our guide continued to inform us about traditions from the area, what they used to wear and the style of houses.
Lunch was served in all three restaurants followed by an ice cream social in the lounge. We were treated to a range of ice creams and cakes which was lovely as it was very hot!!
Our afternoon was spent relaxing on board- enjoying the sunshine on the top deck, the staff brought regular drinks up to all guests- ranging from mocktail of the day, cocktails, beers, prosecco or just teas and coffees. Some guests cooled own in the dipping pool. Towels are provided for around the pool area.
Tonight was a special evening- it was our Farewell cocktail party- we had a speech from the captain, and we got to say a big thank you to all heads of department and crew on board. After the cocktail party it was the Gala Riviera Signature Dinner. This was a chance to get a bit more dressed up and enjoy a sumptuous 5 course dinner in the Main Restaurant. The food was amazing as always!!
Day 7- Heidelburg
Today we had an early breakfast before heading off the Heidelburg, this journey took about an hour. We passed some beautiful scenery on the way.
Once at Heildelburg we had chance to explore the area, our guide explained about the History of the castle and the significant historic buildings in the town. It was a very pretty place with a beautiful church and market area. We had chance to wander down to the local river and admire the beautiful homes that were on the riverbank.
On our return from our excursion, we enjoyed a lovely casual lunch in the Riverview restaurant where we had a stunning view over the back of the ship.
Our last afternoon was spent relaxing and enjoying the views from the ship. We were very lucky with the weather; the ship has many areas to sit whether you want to sit in the shade or in the sun.
Everyone was sad that we were leaving the next morning.
The cruise was exceptional throughout, being the on the inaugural sailing was very special and the crew went over and above to make the voyage even more special for us. The quality of food in all restaurants was superb; the service was always first class. All the staff on board were so friendly and helpful. There were some occasions that I asked for something different to the menu as I don’t eat cheese, this wasn't a problem at all. I was given a delicious alternative.
I would highly recommend this cruise to anyone and especially travelling on the beautiful Riviera Resplendence.
If Joanne's experience has inspired you to discover the beautiful Riviera Resplendence and this fantastic Rhine cruise for yourself, get in touch with Joanne at Miles Morgan Travel Cirencester. She'll be delighted to answer your questions and help you plan your own unforgettable river cruise adventure. Call 01285 343 054 or email [email protected]
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