Spectacular European River Cruise - June 2025 - Hostess Roundup - Dawn Caputo

SPECTACULAR EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISE.

adjective "spectacular" impressive, grand, or dramatic, often to the point of being visually striking or breathtaking. It describes something that is remarkable and causes wonder and admiration.

Paris is famously known as the "city of light" as well as the "city of love' and was the magical start to our tour. We had four days in this breathtaking capital taking in the sights that seemed so familiar yet with most of us never having been - the iconic Eiffel Tower, Louvre and the Champs Elysee. Catching up with our local French "sister" Katherine and feeling very local by taking the Metro to visit the Opera Garnier, Fragonard Perfume Museum and lunch at the famous Angelina's Cafe. A guided tour of the city along with a river cruise on the Seine gave us another stunning perspective of Paris. The walking tour "Tastes of Paris" allowed us to explore the local markets and restaurants in the fashionable Le Marais area, popular with its many palaces and art galleries .A free/leisure day allowed us to explore Montmartre, Galeries Lafayette, arguably the most beautiful store in the world( as well as having the best views of Paris). A must-visit to La Galerie Dior, the former home of Christian Dior with 3 floors of his stunning creations and some managing to catch an evening show at the famed  "Moulin Rouge". A  night tour was a highlight as we said "au revoir" to Paris ... till next time.

A coach transfer from Paris to Amsterdam,  where we boarded the contemporary Emerald Cruises Star -Ship "Emerald Destiny" our home for the next 2weeks.We unpacked, hung our clothes and put the suitcase away!! the cabins were large and comfortable with large floor to ceiling windows. Karyn commented, "I am in heaven," as she showed me around. The "Emerald Destiny" was sailing with 163 passengers and 51 crew. We left Amsterdam mid-afternoon, sailing through the Dutch countryside to the Rhine River and onto our first stop Cologne. How  wonderful it was to have the ship docked literally within a few minutes walk of the city centre, where we were met by local guides and divided into groups of  " active" "regular" and "easy" walking groups.

Every evening we would gather in the Horizon Lounge for pre-dinner drinks and meet with the cruise director who would give a rundown of what the itinerary/events for the following day- shore excursions , optional tours and points of interests. He was followed by the executive  chef, explaining the special for dinner, followed by the sommelier and his choice of wines. The food - breakfast , lunch and dinners were simply outstanding! We marveled at the freshness, quality and variety served daily.with special efforts made to accommodate any dietary requirements.

The atmosphere on board was easy going and it was not long before staff knew your name, drink order and how you liked your tea. After dinner it was back to the Horizon Lounge where the entertainment varied from Trivia, Name that Tune, to  Dance Night. needless to say the sisters soon gained a reputation  as being tough competitors in both games and sporting events. We easily fell into the relaxed and easy atmosphere as we sailed the UNESCO listed Rhine Gorge with its beautiful fairytale castles and vineyards tumbling down the sides of mountains to the small picturesque villages of Miltenberg  and Wertheim with their cobbled streets and medieval 15th century half-timbered buildings to the larger, grander cities of Wurzburg and Nuremberg. 

Situated within Austria's wine growing region is Melk, the home to the 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey, its ornate gold leaf-walled rooms filled with priceless artworks and today is still an active monastery and secondary school. The Emerald Destiny sailed through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley with its steep vineyards and terraces merging with the lush green countryside was breathtaking and for me a 'pinch me moment'!  Vienna, the "City of Music" with its cultural legacy, imperial palaces, along with its contemporary buildings (also the best shopping) was a pleasure to explore and when in Vienna, a night at a Viennese concert is a must!  Our cruise was coming to an end as we sailed into Bratislava and onto our final destination of Budapest. 

We sailed 1400km along the Rhine , Maine and Danube Rivers, crossed approx.63 locks and visited 5 countries! 

Last night on board and a farewell dinner to celebrate the amazing past 2 weeks and more importantly to acknowledge and thank the brilliant crew for making it so special.

A bus transfer to Prague where we had 3 nights to explore this beautiful city.High above the city was the imposing Castle and St Vitus Cathedral leading down to Charles Bridge and onto the old town square with its famous Astronomical Clock with the nearby "world's most beautiful library" and the Jewish quarter made our last few days comfortable and relaxed.

We had come from 6 different states, for many, their first trip out of Australia, with the common interest of travel and adventure.

In the short 3 weeks we shared lives, stories, laughter (and a few tears) to bond and support each other with life-long friendships made

- You are all spectacular !!