Gliding along the Danube on the radiant River Beatrice seems somewhat incongruous.
Outside, a 15th-century castle
and cathedral are almost close
enough to touch.
Inside, I am sitting on a
cashmere blanket on my
handmade Savoir bed, typing on
my laptop, using the ship’s
complimentary internet.
Other passengers are on the
top deck, soaking up the
springtime sun as they gaze at
historic homes along the bank.
Beatrice, in contrast, is
designed as a boutique hotel with every onboard luxury and first-class service.
It’s quite simply the best way to see Europe.
We boarded last week in Budapest, spent two days in Vienna, visited a winery in
Durnstein and the amazing Melk abbey, and then took a day trip to Salzburg before
wrapping up in Passau.
All of this – three beautiful countries in a week – without moving hotels, driving
through traffic or enduring airports.
I can hardly believe it’s taken me so long to try river-cruising – by far the most relaxing
and convenient way to travel, and giving ocean-cruising a serious run for its money.
The pace is slower but the scenery is constant, and constantly spectacular; the ship
docks within walking distance of each port’s attractions; and daily city tours (by bus or
on foot) are included in the fare.
Wine, beer and soft drinks are also part of the deal with dinner and cocktail parties,
or you can book a table in the Captain’s Lounge for no extra charge.
It helps that I have started at the top: Uniworld’s River Beatrice was named the
world’s best river ship in this year’s Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Poll.
But beyond the beauty of the Beatrice, it is the people onboard that make the trip special.
Uniworld attracts a more international mix of passengers than other river-cruise lines:
mainly American, Canadian, British, and anywhere from 10 to 60 Australians and New
Zealanders (out of a total capacity of 160).
On my sailing – the first of the season – the average age was late 40s to 60s, plus one
teenager and a few 20-somethings who have come with parents and grandparents on a
family holiday.
Serving this diverse clientele was probably the most impressive crew that I have ever
encountered.
The whole team – from housekeepers to waiters, bartenders, chefs, butler and
masseur, and the front desk staff, concierge, managers and the captains – were
faultlessly friendly and efficient.
The food was superb, using fresh produce picked up at each port to create local
dishes: goulash in Hungary, schnitzel in Austria, bratwurst and beer in Germany.
Summing up the experience, a woman from Toronto said to me: “I’ve spent the whole
week, from morning to night, with my
jaw just dropped in awe.”
Book now
A limited number of cabins are still
available this year, from April to November.
The seven-night ‘Enchanting Danube’
cruise is priced from $2,432 per person,
twin-share for bookings made before 30
April; summer cruises start at $3358pp.
See www.uniworldcruises.com.au or
contact your travel agent for details.
