An escorted no fly river cruise!

Introduction
There is something wonderful about beginning a river cruise by train. No airport queues, no baggage carousels and no early-morning flights – just the rhythm of the rails carrying you towards your destination. My recent Great Rail Journeys holiday combined two of Europe’s most enjoyable forms of travel; a scenic rail journey to Amsterdam on the Eurostar followed by a luxurious cruise along the Rhine aboard the elegant Amadeus Star.

From the moment our holiday began, everything was meticulously organised. Great Rail Journeys provided a dedicated rail guide, Rick, who accompanied the group on both the outward journey to Amsterdam and the return from Basel in Switzerland. His knowledge and organisation ensured that connections and transfers ran smoothly throughout. An added benefit was the return baggage handling service included with our booking where ‘The Baggageman’ collected a 23 kilo suitcase a week or so before the cruise and delivered it to the ship which allowed us to enjoy the journey rather than wrestling with suitcases on the trains.

Amsterdam provided the perfect starting point for our Rhine adventure. Moored in the Dutch capital was the impressive Amadeus Star. Accommodating just over 160 guests, the ship strikes an appealing balance between intimacy and luxury, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere from the moment guests step onboard.

Ship Facilities
The ship’s contemporary interiors are elegant and large panoramic windows flood the public areas with natural light, while polished wood finishes and tasteful furnishings create a sophisticated ambience throughout.

Our accommodation was a Deluxe Stateroom on Strauss Deck, the ship’s middle deck. Featuring floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows with a drop-down balcony operated at the touch of a button, the cabin provided wonderful views along the Rhine. Comfortable furnishings, generous storage space and a well-appointed bathroom plus modern amenities such as Rituals toiletries, air-con, a safe, coffee and tea making facilities and Wi-Fi made this an excellent choice of cabin.

On board, Cruise Director Andrew Thompson and Cruise Manager Debbie Perkins played key roles in ensuring the success of the voyage. Andrew’s daily briefings and destination insights were both informative and entertaining, while Debbie efficiently oversaw the many details that keep a river cruise operating seamlessly. Together they provided a reassuring presence throughout the week and helped foster the friendly atmosphere on board.
The Panorama Bar and Lounge served as the social hub of the ship. During the day, when not on tours, it offered comfortable seating for relaxing and enjoying the views, while evenings brought live music and opportunities to share the day’s experiences with fellow travellers.

One of the ship’s most attractive features is the River Terrace at the bow. This outdoor area provides forward-facing views as the vessel glides along the river and is the perfect place to enjoy a morning coffee while watching the landscape unfold ahead. At the stern, the intimate Amadeus Club and wine bar offers a quieter atmosphere, ideal for sampling regional wines or enjoying a peaceful drink after dinner. Here there’s a 24-hour tea and coffee station. The Sun Deck meanwhile provided plenty of loungers and shaded seating making it an ideal vantage point for scenic cruising.

Dining
Dining, which was open seating, took place in the ship’s elegant Restaurant, where large windows ensured that guests never missed the passing scenery. Breakfasts offered an extensive buffet selection, while lunches and dinners featured a varied menu combining regional specialities with international cuisine. Wine, beers and soft drinks are served complimentary with dinner. A light lunch buffet and afternoon tea was also available in the Panorama Bar and Lounge.

Itinerary
The cruise itinerary combined some of the Rhine’s most famous destinations with a selection of very well organised excursions. In Cologne, dominated by the magnificent Gothic Cathedral, we moored close to the city centre just a short walk away. We visited the wine town of Rüdesheim wandering through the famous Drosselgasse lined with half-timbered buildings and the many wine taverns was a delightful experience. A visit to Königswinter and a ride on the Drachenfels Railway, the oldest cog railway in Germany, to the top of the mountain gave us some fabulous views!

One of the many highlights of this cruise was the excursion to Heidelberg, one of Germany’s most beautiful historic cities. Overlooking the Neckar River, Heidelberg Castle provides spectacular views and a fascinating insight into centuries of German history. The city’s charming old town, with its cobbled streets, elegant architecture and shops proved equally appealing.

Another enjoyable excursion took us into the heart of the Black Forest. This picturesque region of rolling hills, dense woodland and traditional villages offered a contrast to the river scenery and provided an opportunity to experience another side of southern Germany. The combination of beautiful landscapes and local traditions made for a memorable excursion.

Of course, no Rhine cruise would be complete without sailing through the UNESCO – listed Middle Rhine Valley. Here, medieval castles crown hilltops, vineyards cling to steep slopes and picturesque villages line the riverbanks. Passengers gathered on deck and in the lounges to admire the scenery, particularly as we passed the legendary Lorelei Rock. According to local folklore, the beautiful maiden Lorelei lured sailors to their doom with her enchanting song. Whether myth or reality, the dramatic setting remains one of the Rhine’s most iconic landmarks. Cruising along this part of the Rhine was a fantastic experience.
As the voyage approached its conclusion in Basel, there was a growing appreciation of just how much had been experienced during the week. River cruising offers a uniquely relaxing way to travel, combining comfort, culture and constantly changing scenery, and Amadeus Star is an excellent ship from which to enjoy it.

The return rail journey was every bit as enjoyable as the outward trip. Once again, Rick ensured that transfers and train connections ran smoothly. However, a hold up on the TGV train from Basel to Paris put us behind schedule but Rick’s organisational skills managed to get our group across Paris and onto the Eurostar with 10 minutes to spare!

Conclusion
Combining the convenience of rail travel with the comfort and elegance of Amadeus Star, this Great Rail Journeys holiday delivered a wonderful cruise along of one of Europe’s most celebrated waterways. Excellent onboard facilities, fascinating excursions, first class service and the professionalism of rail guide Rick, Cruise Director Andrew and Cruise Manager Debbie combined to create a truly memorable holiday that showcased the very best of the Rhine. I can’t wait to experience another Great Rail Journeys holiday!