I have recently returned from the CLIA river cruise conference in Budapest, where I had the opportunity to spend a night on board Riviera's ship - William Wordsworth.
We were greeted on board with big smiles and a warm service in a beautiful marble-floored atrium. Checking in was seamless and easy, and I was delighted to find out that I would be spending the night in an upper deck Deluxe Balcony Suite! The room was so spacious and featured both a French balcony and a small private balcony, perfect for an al-fresco breakfast. The bathroom was also very spacious, with a walk-in shower, led-lit mirrors and included Nuxe toiletries.
We were quick to put on our complimentary robes and slippers. We listened to the radio in our cabin which played two channels: one for chart music and one for classical. Other features in our cabin were a Nespresso machine and tea making facilities, a hair dryer, air-con, UK plug sockets and a flat screen TV. The cabin was finished with the same lavish furnishings as the other types of cabins, which are the “superior suite” and the “standard suite.” The “superior” is a French balcony cabin located on either the middle or upper deck and the “standard” is a fixed window cabin on the lower deck. To take in the views of the beautiful scenery, I would recommend either a superior or deluxe suite.
We were then treated to a three-course dinner in the main restaurant, located on the middle (Ruby) deck. There was plenty of choices on the menu, catering to any dietary requirements guests may have. Service throughout dinner was excellent and our wine glasses never went empty. There is a smaller dining venue called the “Riverview Kitchen” where guests can enjoy dishes inspired from the current destination’s local culture. This dining experience can be booked once on board at no extra cost.
After dinner, we carried on the night in the Panorama Lounge and bar. A lovely area to sip a cocktail or two whilst enjoying the evening. Entertainment on board river cruises is lowkey and relaxing, typically local musicians or folk dancers. Drinks are fairly priced with a glass of wine costing €4.50 and there are no limits on how many you can have.
At breakfast, it was back to the main restaurant where we happily tucked in to the range of choices available at the buffet. A delicious full English accompanied with many continental options, it's impossible to have just one plate! Guests can also choose from a set menu if they wish to order something else, such as avocado on toast or eggs benedict.
We had time to explore the rest of the ship. I really loved the furnishings and the decoration’s attention to detail, especially the glitzy wallpaper in the corridors that twinkled as you walked past, which felt like I was in a stylish boutique hotel. The sun deck had many comfortable sun loungers facing out to the river, a golf putting green, and a whirlpool which is the ideal spot for soaking in the sunshine. We also got to peek at the fitness and wellness facilities on the lower deck, where guests have a choice of massage treatments, manicures or a workout in the gym.
If you like city breaks, a river cruise is the perfect way to visit multiple cities and countries in one holiday, whilst travelling in style and only having to unpack once.
