My First River Cruise: Is This the Perfect Luxury Vacation?

The sun is shining. I’m sipping Champagne on a chaise lounge and sailing along the Danube River. Charming villages and medieval castles float by as we approach the steeply terraced vineyards of the Wachau Valley. I think I’m going to like my first river cruise...

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to sail aboard the new Crystal Cruises river vessel, the Crystal Ravel. River cruising is hotter than ever, and I quickly could see why: a river cruise is everything you could want in a vacation. With the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure, river cruising is an effortless - and luxurious - way to enjoy iconic cities, quaint villages and scenic countryside on the most majestic rivers in the world.

Sailing through the very heart of a country provides instant immersion in local culture and allows you to feel like a local from the moment you dock. Being just steps from a village along the river bank offers a unique perspective and easy access to the sights. Honestly, I cannot think of a better way to see multiple destinations in one trip (even Millennials are realizing that schlepping luggage in and out of 7 train stations has lost its appeal). It’s no wonder why river cruising is seeing explosive growth with newer, hipper, and more extravagant ships arriving on the scene. The Crystal Ravel is the ultimate manifestation of this trend.

Crystal Cruises is renowned for its luxurious vessels and they certainly have raised the bar on their river ships. With stunning contemporary decor, all-suite cabins (hello walk-in closet!), lush bathrooms and attentive staff, you truly are enjoying a 5-star experience. The coolest feature on the ship - aside from the vista deck bar - is a panoramic balcony-window in our cabin. The window converts to a balcony so you can enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your room!

Not having sailed on a river before, I was unsure how I would feel about group shore excursions. I scheduled a few in advance and left some open time to wander and discover on my own.  I am happy to report that I really enjoyed each excursion and could not believe they were complimentary (when they say “all-inclusive,” they mean it). The fact that the ship holds only about 100 passengers means that the shore excursions are with small, intimate groups.  From private abbey visits to bicycle tours through wine country, the diverse choice of experiences would appeal to both adventure and relaxation-seekers.

The culmination of excursions on our cruise was an evening Crystal Signature Event: a private string ensemble concert in a medieval monastery in Krems, Austria. Spectacular! In fact, all of the cruise entertainment was enjoyable. I could rave about the fun we had dancing to 80’s music, singing along to opera or battling our shipmates in trivia - but let’s get to the very best part:  the food and wine!

As a certified wine-geek, I was quite impressed not just by the breadth of the reserve wine list (including Petrus) but by the extensive selection of complimentary offerings. Bubbly literally flows all day: Champagne, Prosecco and local Austrian Sekt! (Yes, you can also “rosé all day”). In addition to a choice of wines from world class wine regions around the world, each meal featured local wines such as Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir), Zweigelt, Grüner Veltliner and of course German and Austrian Riesling.

As with other river cruises, all meals onboard are included with your cruise fare. Now, if you are like me, you lower your expectations a bit when dining en masse. Buffets at breakfast and lunch with seated dinners in the main dining room - how good can it be?  Actually, extraordinary! From local specialties like schnitzel and goulash to elevated cuisine like poached lobster and escargot, the meals were nothing short of Michelin-star quality. I do not believe I tasted one bite that I did not enjoy. I can’t explain how they can accomplish this in a small kitchen on the water other than to say the chef and pastry chef are incredibly talented.

One of the highlights of our cruise was the Food and Wine Pairing experience: a private dinner hosted in the Vintage Room. This is the only purchase I made on the ship and it was well worth it. As we walked in, the sommelier welcomed us with a glass of vintage Champagne (when the evening starts with 2009 Cristal, you know it’s going to be a good night!). My friend and I, along with a few of our fellow passengers/new friends, were then treated to a six-course meal expertly paired with rare wines from around the world. Sassicaia, Chateau Figeac, and perhaps the most incredible dessert wine I have tasted: 2009 Kracher Trockenbeerenauslese Cuvée No. 6, Neusiedlersee Austria.  We had a blast chatting with the sommelier and chef as they discussed the courses and wines with us. The Vintage Room is an incredible setting for wine and food events - be sure to book an experience if you get the chance.

Sailing the Danube River with Crystal Cruises has truly been one of most enriching trips I have experienced. Between the meals, the views, the excursions - and not to mention the 80’s dancing :) - it is impossible to choose a favorite memory. But one thing is certain - I officially am hooked! In fact, I would love to put a small group trip together, so reach out if you would be interested in joining me.

Are you thinking of a sailing a river cruise? Send us a note below for a free consultation on planning an incredible getaway!

Cheers!

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