My First River Cruise Experience!
Recently I have just gotten back from sailing with Riviera Travel onboard the MS Geoffrey Chaucer around the Dutch Waterways. This was my first river cruising experience and what struck me most was the ship’s balance between boutique luxury and genuine comfort. It was such an intimate feeling compared to ocean cruising as there were fewer than 170 guests and so many crew onboard that it was impossible to not be taken care of. As soon as you step onboard into the atrium you see how elegantly it is designed and decorated making it almost hotel-like rather than a typical cruise ship feel.
Dining on board was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the experience. The main restaurant delivered high-quality meals every sitting and had different items to choose each time. Each morning the buffet style breakfast was open with made-to-order options and so was lunch. In the evening the menus were a refined multi-course dinner inspired by the region we were sailing through. There was a real emphasis on fresh ingredients and local flavours. After the dining had finished the chef would commonly come round the tables to ensure everyone enjoyed the food, this was such a charming extra. As well as the main dining area, there was also the bistro at the back of the ship, which offered a more intimate setting with a different menu. I loved dining here as it gave you ample opportunity to talk to the staff, they got to know what we liked to drink and you can even watch the chef cooking right there next to you! The variety of dining combined with attentive service and carefully paired wines made it feel like a special event every time rather than just a routine.
In terms of facilities, the ship offers everything you could need without it feeling too crowded. The wellness area on the bottom floor included a small spa, fitness room and salon which provided the perfect quiet retreat after a day of exploring. I even treated myself to a full body hot stone massage and it was incredible! Then the sundeck has plenty of room to sit and enjoy the views, a splash pool perfect for relaxing with a glass of wine and even a putting green! Considering how much smaller river ships are, there was never any issue to find space for socialising or unwinding.
Whilst river cruising is commonly associated with a slower holiday as you sail through each city, there is still so much to see and do! Riviera Travel ensures there are shore excursions at each port with plenty giving you the option to keep busy or relax on the ship. I thought a great touch to this was giving us the choice of which group to go in for fast paced sightseeing or people that prefer to go at slower paces. As well as the excursions, there was entertainment onboard everyday as well. From music trivia quizzes to singing through the decades to captains speeches and meeting the crew. The way they organise these with welcome drinks and canapes or afternoon tea it truly does make each occasion an experience so you would never get bored!
The itinerary that they have put together for this sailing included such amazing destinations that you just wouldn’t think of going on a different holiday. It truly felt like stepping into a postcard, especially at the height of spring. From seeing the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk to the vibrant gardens of Keukenhof, where millions of tulips were in bloom. It truly was an unforgettable experience.
Ultimately, what would make me book again with Riviera Travel is how seamless and stress-free the whole experience felt. The elegant ship, personalised service and thoughtful travel combined with the quality of food and genuinely attentive crew made it feel so luxurious yet relaxing at the same time. You can find out more here.
