I started my adventure quite late in the evening up to Heathrow Airport where we stayed overnight. The following morning, we were up bright and early for our 8am flight with British Airways, the whole process went very smoothly. The flight went well across to Vienna with just a short 2-hour journey. A minibus transfer picked us up outside Vienna airport and drove us to the river cruise docks which took roughly around 20 - 25 minutes.
On our arrival, we were greeted by multiple river cruise suppliers at the CLIA conference centre. The number of travel specialists who showed up for this event was amazing. Each company that presented their product were so passionate and driven. And I could already see the difference each product had to offer. There are so many river ships out there, there really is one for everyone.
There are many destinations to consider when choosing your cruise and there are some exciting new destinations coming to the market very soon. Although at a first glance, these river ships may look similar on the outside there is so much to consider when it comes to the rest of the ships. Some focus on excursions and experiences, others on luxury and wellness, some have multiple restaurants and fine dining. There really is so much choice. Just from that first day, I had already learnt so much.
After a long day, we made our way to the beautiful ship, Ama which was waiting outside the conference centre all lit up in her glory. My bag was carried on board and I had two lovely men on either arm helping me up the gangway. (The highlight of my trip so far). The ambience of the river ship was spectacular, the crew were fabulous, and they carried my belongings to the cabin. The room had a French balcony and beautiful colourful decor. Not long after boarding, we set sail down the river Danube to our dock and I felt like Rose from Titanic as the wind blew through my hair. A moment I will never forget.
A quick change and dinner began in the main restaurant. The waiters waited on us hand and foot, I have no words for the food, it was to die for. I had about 6 courses and each one was spectacular, soups, appetisers, ribs, sorbets, desserts, cheese boards and the wine kept flowing. Every time I turned my head someone had topped up my glass, it was BRILLIANT! With a full stomach and a very jolly team of Miles Morgan Ladies, I’m sure you can imagine we had a brilliant night. (Hic Hic)
The following day we had an early start exploring multiple river ships which were all docked along the quayside. Each one had something fabulous to offer and few certainly stood out to me personally. The Avalon Vision was stunning on the outside, very sleek and classy and it generally looked ‘high end’ The interior of the ship was classy yet modern.
The entry-level cabin is everything you would need for a luxury exploring holiday. Although you don’t have the French balcony you still have a beautiful view and the cabins are fantastically equipped. We were lucky enough to eat on board the Avalon Vision. The presentation and service were so good I didn’t want to eat them. I honestly can’t explain how delicious all the food was. The ship also had a heated pool and 3 restaurants on board.
We did have a chance to see some other river ships such as TUI and Scenic which were again so different in other ways, such brilliant products that I know our customers will love.
On Monday afternoon I was lucky enough to go on a chocolate and wine tour, (what more could a girl want?) We were driven into the heart of Vienna with a knowledgeable tour Guide. I didn’t realise how much this city had to offer. I would recommend a cruise and stay just so you can do everything in this historic city.
We tried some famous Sacher torte chocolate cake In Sluka and it did NOT disappoint! Freshly whipped cream on the side and a hot chocolate just to tip me over the edge, DELICIOUS! We then hopped back onto our tour bus where we drove to the famous Schlumberger sparkling wine cellars, if you love wine then this is your kind of tour, sampling sparkling wine and exploring wine cellars full of history. It was wonderful, you can also buy souvenirs in the wine shop at the end including their famous wine which we sampled. Of course, I had to purchase a bottle, it would have been rude not to.
We then made our way back to the quayside where we spent another night on board a luxury river ship! This ship was full of friendly staff who loved entertaining us during our meal, the entire menu was beautiful yet again, but I need to explain how amazing my steak was. A prime cut of fillet steak medium rare, it literally melted in your mouth, I never wanted it to end. I can now say after spending two nights aboard river ships anyone considering this as a holiday, needs to take elasticated trousers. The food was definitely a highlight for me.
On our final day we had a beautiful breakfast looking out over the river Danube, this was set up as a buffet and there was plenty of choices. A full English was called for as I travelled back to the UK in the afternoon.
Overall, I have realised river cruising is very different to ocean cruising. The experience is more focused on destination, history and culture. On river ships, you dock in the heart of the city. Yes, the ship is important but the destination is more.
My trip to Vienna was spectacular and I feel very lucky to have been able to experience all these luxurious river ships. I can’t wait to share it with you all, our Miles Morgan Travel customers.
A trip of a lifetime, ooooh Vienna!!
