If you enjoy traveling on those behemoth cruise ships embarking and disembarking hundreds, if not more than a thousand, passengers per cruise, the thought of keeping company with no more than 150 passengers might seem daunting. But there is an alternative.
A new breed of “river cruise ships” exploring European waterways has captured the North American market and the operative word here is “no,” as in no smoking, no seating plans, no inside cabins and, on the seven-day cruise I took aboard the sleek and chic MS Amadagio (one of three ships in the Amadeus Waterways collection), no children. The river cruise concept is wildly popular with the senior citizen market (or as one guest put it, the Golden Era Groupies), but that doesn’t preclude a smattering of passengers under the age of 40 as I fast found out.
Boarding the MS Amadagio in the Amsterdam Harbor, conveniently located across the street from the city’s bustling train station, was a snap. The only challenge was avoiding throngs of revelers wearing mock gold crowns who took over the city celebrating the 70th birthday of Queen Beatrix. Once aboard the ship, the ambiance changed instantly, with a warm welcome from Cruise Director Debbie Asayag-Albrecht, who seemed to have time for every passenger, no matter the query or concern. From the opening briefing session to getting used to the color-coded tour bus system, every detail fell into place.
Convenience and value for dollar are two reasons these river cruises are so popular. Here is an opportunity pay upfront for an uncomplicated, yet rather luxurious cruise that includes accommodations, fine dining, well organized sightseeing and, on the MS Amadagio, free-flowing wine at dinner and marvelous entertainment afterward.
Who could ask for anything more, especially with sensible rates starting at $1,899 per person, double occupancy for a week of escape.
This insures a spacious 170 square foot stateroom decked out with white-on-white bedding, an Infotainment System with English language TV, Internet, movies, satellite telephone, lovely Hydrobath amenities and instant hot water splashing forth from the European style showers. Let me put it all in perspective in view of the weakened American dollar, which was at a low point in April (it takes about a $1.38 to buy one Euro right now). A three star hotel in Paris is rarely less than $200 these days and a cup of coffee, to quote a well-traveled traveler, is a fast five bucks. For those of us who can recall that ubiquitous guide from the 1960s called “Europe on Five Dollars a Day,” can only look back at the good old days with a nostalgic smile. It’s gone with the wind.
That’s why those who appreciate a genuine stress-free travel experience studded with irresistible programs embrace this enticing cruise concept. Itineraries include such cruises as a 21-day Paris to Istanbul journey visiting 11 countries aboard the MS Amalegro to 14 days aboard the MS Tolstoy cruising the Russian Waterways, from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
My dream had been to visit the famous 80-acre Keukenhof Gardens near Amsterdam since I can remember; research pointed to the Tulip Time Cruise. I convinced my lifelong pal, Sheila Cluff (owner of the Oaks at Ojai and an old salt when it comes to cruises) to join me. She just assumed this was another madcap cruise and was braced for the usual formal evenings and endless rounds smiling for the ship’s photographer. Was she in for a shock when she stepped foot on the MS Amadagio! It was a gamble, but she took the bait when I convinced her that there were 25 bikes on board, including the requisite helmets, so she could pack in enough exercise to offset nibbling on Belgium waffles and dark chocolate during the daytime tours.
Experiencing a fine-tuned cruise, from start to finish, set the stage for fulfilling my wish to take a moment to stop and smell the tulips. Biking through Voldendam, Edam, Willemstad and Dordrecht where visions of windmills linger convinced me river cruising is the wave of future. I’m glad I signed on for the ride.
Contact information:
www.amadeuswaterways.com; 800.626.0126.
Pam Price is the co author of “100 Best Spas of the World”