At Heathrow Terminal 5 check-in and through security went all very smoothly without any long queues. I arrived in Frankfurt to embark on to Avalon Imagery II and my first impressions was WOW!!! Again, the check in onboard was very efficient and quick.
I was then taken to my Panorama Suite which was where I was luckily enough to be staying on for the 4-night cruise. The Panorama Suites can come as twin or double bed and they have a floor to ceiling window which can be opened to create a balcony.
We set sail at that evening to go to next port of Rudesheim. Just before dinner started, we were all invited to the Panorama Lounge for arrival drinks and were introduced to the crew including our Captain and they welcomed us onboard. I thought this a great way to meet everyone.
Then it was time to experience our first of many 4 course evening meals. There are a couple of choices on each course to choose from. However, if you don't want any of these options, they always have 3 alternatives offered every night, Steak, Chargrilled Chicken or Salmon. There is always something to you can find to eat. Breakfast & lunch are buffet style, but they eggs cooked freshly for breakfast and pasta cooked freshly for lunch. All the food onboard was outstanding! The only downside, I now want 4 courses every night for dinner.
The next morning, we were in Rudesheim and I decided to the hit the trail hike by the Vineyards which had amazing views, definitely worth the walk up there. Afterwards decided to have a wander round Rudesheim, which is a very cute village feel to it.
We then needed to be back onboard to sail on to Koblenz where you sail through the most beautiful part of the Rhine with all the stunning castle you come across and little quirky villages. This is all done with a talk on each castle and the history is just wonderful. Arrived in Koblenz for a couple of hours so decided to go on the cable cars that go over the river to the viewpoint of Koblenz.
Our next stop was Cologne which was where we woke up the next morning. We only had the morning in Cologne so decided to have a walk around the city and to the gorgeous Cathedral which was minutes from where we were docked in the city. There lots to see and do in Cologne and I think the best thing to do is sit in a cafe and watch the bustling city around you.
Our next and sadly our final stop was Amsterdam which we sailed all afternoon and overnight to get there. I made sure to take full advance of relaxing on the sundeck as it was a beautiful sunny afternoon. Even had a dip in the hot tub they have on the sundeck.
In the morning in Amsterdam, I did the canal cruise which took you down all the winding canals pass the house boats and the canal boats that people live in. Is definitely the best way to experience the Amsterdam Waterways. After lunch decided to explore Amsterdam by foot on land. The city has lots of different areas you can visit and is a very interesting. Dam Square is a good place to grab a drink right next to the canal and people watch. One thing to remember in Amsterdam is to watch out for the bicycles when crossing any roads.
That evening we had Captain Cocktails in the Panorama Lounge then was time for our Gala 5 Course dinner which was incredible. After dinner the Hotel Manager did a thank you speech and all the crew came out and we cheered and thanked them all for their help whilst we onboard.
I would highly recommend Avalon Waterways for 5* river cruise. I am thinking of booking myself for next year.
