AS I swim to the end of the heated pool to gaze at vineyards spilling
down hillsides, a thought hits me: you can’t do this on an ocean liner.
As I cycle down the gangway and straight onto a bike path along the
Rhine, I can’t believe how seamless it is. And as I drink at the Leopard
Lounge with three couples under 40, I laugh at the stereotype that
cruising is only for old people.
Uniworld’s new SS Antoinette, launched this year, cannot come more
highly recommended. It’s the only river vessel with a swimming pool
and mini-cinema; the service is virtually flawless; and the boutique
hotel-style cabins are bigger than others, with marble bathrooms and
L’Occitane products.
Each suite on the upper deck has a balcony that converts into an
enclosed ‘conservatory’ at the touch of a button – useful for cooler
days of sightseeing from your room. The elegant interior is inspired by
the Chateau of Versailles, with silver mirrors, velvet chairs and
antiques. In the lobby is a three-metre crystal chandelier, which used to
hang in the famous Tavern on the Green, in New York’s Central Park.
But we’re here to see Europe – in comfort and style, no effort
required. Visiting five countries in seven days, the destinations offer
much more than the clichéd castles and countryside. Local guides lead
walking tours in each port (for no extra charge).
After departing from Amsterdam, we sail through the Netherlands
and disembark the next day in Germany – just like that. Cologne is
home to 300 churches and even more breweries, with a riverside that’s
perfect for a afternoon beer in the sun. The following morning, we
spend several hours in Koblenz: “also known as the emergency exit,
because the beauty is almost too much to bear”, quips the guide. In
beautiful Rudesheim, we are hosted to a private tour and wine-tasting
in a castle. This theme continues the next day with a full-day drive
along the Alsace wine road, including free time to explore the 12thcentury
buildings, restaurants and markets in the spectacular towns of
Ribeauville and Colmar.
Dipping into France, we take a canal cruise in Strasbourg, past
institutions such as the European Parliament and the European Court
of Human Rights, as well as houseboat cafés and Roman Empire
churches. Back onboard, the 140 passengers include groups of friends,
a mother and daughter, and couples from the US, UK and Australia.
Travelling alone, I have never mingled with so many nice people so
easily – such is the
beauty of small
ships, a friendly
atmosphere and
open seating at
meals.
The final docking
point at Basel, known as Three Countries Corner, is a fitting end to our
multicultural journey. But with email addresses exchanged, it’s the
beginning of new friendships.
Booking details
An eight-day cruise on Antoinette in 2012 on the popular ‘Castles along
the Rhine’ itinerary between Amsterdam and Basel is priced from
$2,885 per person twin-share. Fares include port charges, all walking
tours, onboard meals, wine with lunch and dinner, use of bicycles, wi-fi
internet access, port charges and taxes.
See your travel agent or www.uniworldcruises.com.au.
