I was so excited to get an invite to the CLIA River Cruise Conference this year, not only was I going to experience River Cruising but was going to Vienna which was also on my bucket list of places to go.
DAY 1
The Vienna 10 as we tagged ourselves, met very early in the morning at London Heathrow Terminal 5, even though we were tired we were all so excited. We all had a lovely breakfast at the airport and got to know each other, because even though we all work for Miles Morgan Travel we don't always get to meet or see each other very often.
We arrived at Vienna airport and transferred to the Vienna Hilton which was situated right on the Danube ready for the 11th CLIA Conference to begin. It was so informative to hear from the different River Tour Operators about their products, which helped us all and most importantly to learn how the River Cruise part of the industry continues to grow each year with more rivers added to their portfolio.
We then went to our first night's accommodation we were to be staying on the TUI Maya. This is an Adult Only Ship and accommodates 155 guests. The cabins were lovely, decorated elegantly, not a bad size too, and very good value for money. We had a Gala Dinner that night they couldn't do enough for you. We then got to experience the TUI entertainment which was a singer and a quiz it was so light and we have great fun, everyone got very competitive.
The next day we had our breakfast (there was so much choice) on the TUI Maya and got to have a look around and see the different types of cabins and the facilities of the ship including the decking area which is a very important part of anyone doing a River Cruise, and I couldn't believe how spacious it was.
Day 2
We then had a lovely walk along the Danube back to the Hilton Hotel for part 2 of our CLIA Conference then we met the different River Cruise Suppliers at the Trade Fair and asked any questions to help with our training.
Avalon Envision was our next stop to have the most wonderful lunch, there was something for everyone! and if there wasn't, nothing was too much trouble to get it for you. They use fresh ingredients from local farms and food suppliers, they are exclusively created in collaboration with Austrian Brothers Leo and Karl Wrenkh.
The Deck area again has lots of loungers and seating along with a Premium Seating area with shade if that's what you prefer. You can hire Bikes, and do Canoe and Kayaking Excursions, they will give you maps for Walking, Cycling and Jogging Trails, Yoga mats, Fit bits and Binoculars to give you some of idea of what there is on board. Inside there is also a Fitness Centre.
We then had a Big Bus Tour around and into Vienna, which is a beautiful city and I can't wait to go back to experience it for longer. We visited the famous Sacher Shop which is known for its chocolate torte and is in the 5-Star Sacher Hotel which overlooks the Vienna State Opera House. The architecture in Vienna was magnificent.
Our next host Ship was the Scenic Jasper but they are known as Scenic Spaceships. We had an amazing Balcony Cabin where the window went up and down on the press of a button and the beds had a remote to make it to your comfort. We had drinks bottles in our rooms which can use for your Shore Excursions, Bath Robes, Slippers, Mini Bar, Safe, Umbrella and Sticks for walking.
They had a good choice of cabins and suites and all were decorated to a high standard. The ship had a gym, and spa that included a Sea Salt Lounge, nothing I had ever seen before. Beautiful decking area with a luxurious vitality pool with water jets and plenty of seats and loungers, again done to a high standard. There are also Electronic bikes to hire so you can have a cycle along the river bank etc.
All your food and drink is included with Scenic and you are spoilt for choice regarding the restaurants you can dine at including the Crystal Dining Room with Chef prepared meals by world-class Chefs, Table le Riva - Exclusive for Diamond Deck and Junior Suite guests, Portobella Restaurant which lets you eat the flavours of Europe and the River Terrace for some lovely Al Fresco dining so you can dine and take in the spectacular views on whichever river you are on. The River Cafe serves breakfasts and light lunches the choice is yours.
As they say, all good things must come to an end and we had to head back home after our fantastic experience. I hope that has given you an in-site into the wonderful world of river cruising. Please feel free to come in and have a chat if you have any questions regarding this lovely way of travelling through the world's rivers.
