After an easy transfer to the port, we embarked MS Oscar Wilde early afternoon. The check in process is super easy; Reception takes a quick photo and give a brief introduction before you are personally escorted to your cabin where your suitcase is waiting for you. I was staying in a Diamond Deck Suite on the upper deck of the ship and I couldn’t have been happier with the cabin! Really spacious, high end furnishings and thoughtful touches like a Nespresso coffee machine, umbrella, turndown service and water bottles.
Riviera also offer a plus package to all guests staying on the upper deck which includes upgraded toiletries, an aperitif voucher per day and a bottle of champagne. What a treat! It was off to the sun deck (which lived up to its name!) to toast our arrival. In the evening, we enjoyed a cocktail in the beautiful lounge with some gentle live music and then on to a stunning dinner in the restaurant. Our waiters were good fun and gave great recommendations.
Switzerland - Lucerne & Schynige Platte Railway
Wow today's full-day excursion served up some of the most incredible scenery I have ever seen! A coach took us from the ship to Lucerne; a beautiful lakeside town. I wondered around, taking in the architecture and then bought a freshly baked pretzel to nibble as I strolled past the lake.
Once back on the coach, we enjoyed a magnificently scenic drive up to the Jungfrau mountain range. The views were jaw dropping but just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, it did! We boarded a 125 year old cog train up to the Schynige Platte and I was in awe the whole way. Just incredible!
Back on board Oscar Wilde, we opted to have dinner in the bistro which is a more intimate restaurant with a separate menu. The food continued to impress! So delicious and all staff are wonderful too.
Germany - The Black Forest & Lake Titisee
My first time in Germany! We arrived into Breisach at midday and had a half-day excursion in the afternoon. Just prior to lunch, we were asked to meet in the lounge to run through how the sound devices work. This device along with the earpiece, allows the listener to go at their own pace whilst still getting the full commentary loud & clear! The briefing was over in a few minutes as it’s all very simple.
After lunch, we took a scenic drive through the Black Forest to Lake Titisee. Whilst maybe not as dramatic as Switzerland, The Black Forest certainly offers wonderful scenery. We passed beautiful countryside and small farming villages on the way. The local guide was great and had interesting, but also amusing anecdotes as we went.
Once at Lake Titisee, we enjoyed some free time to look around. You could take a boat out onto the lake, look round the tourist shops or (as in my case) stroll around and then plonk yourself down for a local treat for example; the Black Forest Gateau or a typical German beer.
In the evening, following another fantastic dinner, it was up to the lounge where a fabulous violinist had come onboard.
France – Strasbourg
I can’t say enough good things about Strasbourg! Our walking tour began through ‘Petite France’ where the canals and architecture were beautiful. A lovely mix of French & German influence. One of the wonderful things about this river cruise, is it really showcases places that I would love to come back to for longer stays, and Strasbourg is definitely one of them. It was beautiful in the sunshine but I can just imagine it all lit up beautifully at Christmas as well.
Our walking tour concluded with a visit to the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral. The local Riviera guide was so knowledgeable and was really engaging but very relaxed at the same time. He gave me a great recommendation of an independent retailer selling local wines, knowing that they would allow me to taste a few before buying, so I’d be sure to take the right one home. After the cathedral, we had free time so I shopped for treats for a team who were no doubt were working very hard in my absence.
Back onboard Oscar Wilde, we had a delicious lunch in the Bistro and then took advantage of the wonderful weather (23’c in October?!) by sitting on top deck with some of our complimentary champagne. In the evening, it was pub quiz time!
Germany - Rudesheim & Rhine Gorge
This was one of my favourite days.
Our ship docked in Rudesheim last night so we had a delicious dinner onboard and then popped ashore to an extremely friendly pub for some traditional refreshments. Another huge benefit of River Cruising is that whilst the ships in port, it's so easy to come and go!
It was really lovely to wake up in Rudesheim and see it in the daylight; A pretty little traditional town with some lovely bars & restaurants. Yet another place on this trip that I could see myself coming back to, almost certainly at Christmas! A real highlight was taking the cable car over the famous Riesling vineyards and taking in the view from the park at the top. And then the best bit; If you look at any River Cruise brochure, you are certain to see pictures of the Rhine Gorge. Sailing through the Gorge did not disappoint. We passed traditional towns, medieval churches and hilltop castles - stunning!
Germany - Koblenz & Cologne
We took a walking door in Koblenz which is a UNESCO world heritage site and also where the Rhine meets the Moselle. We were a little short on time here but enjoyed a walking tour covering some of the city highlights.
In the evening, Riviera held their Gala evening which was wonderful. The Captain made a speech to thank all his staff who really do work tirelessly and are never without a smile on their face! Although dress-code wise this isn’t a formal affair, the 5-course celebration dinner was Michelin star worthy. Finally, we arrived in Cologne the following day and enjoyed a balmy day wondering around the city.
And that concluded my wonderful trip along the Rhine. Huge thanks to Riviera Travel for their hospitality, everything was exceptional and far-surpassed all expectations.
