Uniworld Castles along the Rhine Amsterdam to Basel
Christine Whittle
Travel Consultant
Toll Free: (800) 935-2620 x 186
Local: (281)269-2686
Fax: 281-269-2690
Email: [email protected]
To sail with Uniworld River Cruises aboard the SS Antoinette is to experience a level of cruising opulence normally reserved for ocean going vessels. The SS Antoinette offers an array of unique cabins and suites, many with individual design themes, all with a rich interpretation of classical aesthetics. The first of the Uniworld super ships, the Antoinette is home to the rivers’ first and only movie theater, a mosaic-tiled This lovely hotel on the river is home to only 159 pampered guests in 74 cabins and suites. But the Uniworld experience is more than the ship on which we sailed.
The arrival experience was executed flawlessly. We were met at the airport and transferred to the ship, not touching our luggage after meeting our transport captain until we were
ensconced in our stateroom. Arriving early, we were checked-in and directed to the luncheon room on the upper level while the rooms were being prepared for the new arrivals.
Our cruise began in Amsterdam, so we took the opportunity to walk into the center of Amsterdam (a very short distance given the proximity of the docking stations to the Centraal Train Station and Dam Square.) There we enjoyed the narrow streets and the sea of bicycles for which Amsterdam is well known. With an evening sail scheduled, we toured the city for a while before returning to the ship to experience more of the
Antoinette and prepare for our Castles Of The Rhine cruise.
Our stateroom was on the lower level Saint Remy deck. Knowing that pictures can sometime exaggerate the realities of cruise accommodation, we approached our cabin with an open mind. What a pleasant surprise to be presented with luxurious accommodations that were exactly what the pictures showed. Our stateroom was spotless and very comfortable, the linens amazing. The bath facilities also exceeded our expectations with amenities like L’Occitane bath products and thick, luxurious towels and bath robes. We could have stayed in the cabin and been perfectly happy, but a tour of the ship was in order before setting sail.
The SS Antoinette’s amenities are superb: the mosaic-tiled pool, Mandara Spa facilities, beautiful dining space, full service bars (especially the Bar du Leopard), even a small boutique for shopping. During the cruise, there were choices of evening entertainment and, during the day, bicycles were made available for guests who wished to enjoy a more physical tour of the places we visited. The bicycles were used regularly by guests that reserved them the night before.
Our journey along the Rhine was right out of fantasy land with picturesque towns, castles and vineyards. Each stop seemed to better the one before: Cologne, Koblenz, Boppard , delightfully charming Rudesheim, Speyer and, the gorgeous city of Strasbourg.
A highlight of the cruise was visiting the wine vineyards. We expected that to be a pleasurable experience and it was. But who would have expected a vinegar tasting to be such a delight for the palate? What a unique experience!
Every stop and tour was managed seamlessly with experienced guides offering the history of each destination and site. We were provided with “whisper-quiet” headsets so that we did not have to crowd the guide to hear the narration. Upon return to the ship there was always a welcome committee (including the captain), a refreshing drink and warm, moist towels with which to freshen up.
One of the best features of the river cruise experience was the port’s proximity to our destination, most being within easy walking distance to city centers, making it easier to enjoy some free time in the area after formal tours had ended. When the port was a bit further out, tour bus schedules were provided to bring us back to the ship.
The Uniworld experience was, in a word, amazing. We had exquisite service, gourmet dining experiences, a beautiful ship and delightful destinations. I cannot imagine a more stress free way of seeing some of Europe’s great cities and only hope that I will be fortunate enough to again see the world on one of the great rivers with Uniworld River Cruises.
Uniworld Castles along the Rhine Amsterdam to Basel
Christine Wittle
Travel Consultant
Toll Free: (800) 935-2620 x 186
Local: (281)269-2686
Fax: 281-269-2690
Email: [email protected]