Danube River Cruises

Having done the Danube Cruise some years ago, Passau to Budapest, we decided we ought to experience the longer stretch of the Danube to its delta and meeting with the Black Sea.

We have cruised just about all the European rivers , many of them more than once and for the last few have chosen to use Riviera mainly because the quality of their ships, food and drinks, staff and the inclusive but optional excursions to us represented best value for money. We were able to check this closely when visiting the cruise day you put on the other year in Ilkley. The Thomas Hardy, one of the latest ships added to Riviera's fleet, was most comfortable and we were very pleased with the size and lay out of the suite we booked, particularly the shower room.Because of the good weather we were able to spend some time on the balcony on returning from excursions most days.

It was good to be able to visit some of the Balkan capitals such as Bucharest, Belgrade and to learn more of recent political upheavals which have a mixed effect on them.

The cruise on smaller boats through the massive Danube delta was outstanding with flocks of Pelicans, Cormorants , several White-tailed Eagles, Herons etc lining or flying over the narrow waterways. To follow this with the approaching panoramic view of the Black Sea was rather special. Fortunately there was very little wind and the Captain of the Thomas Hardy edged out in the Sea and did a u turn which, with the flat bottomed ship could have been dangerous in other conditions.

Apart from the versatile pianist on board, we had local dancers, musicians to entertain us, the highlight being a performance from members of the Ship's crew showing hidden talents.

The Cruise Guides were extremely efficient in organising the excursions and light-hearted quizzes most evenings. With some 130 passengers on board and the informal seating arrangements at mealtimes, we were able to get to know many of the fellow passengers and the fortnight passed far too quickly.

To have the last 24 hours in Budapest, such a beautiful City, was a fitting finale to a wonderful holiday . Thanks to Blue Water for your contribution to this. We are already looking forward to our Douro cruise next July.

This was our first river cruise and we were unsure what to expect. Our apprehensions were immediately dispelled by Bart, our cruise director, who met us at the Athenee Hilton Hotel in Bucharest. Bart proved to be an excellent cruise director guiding us through 4 countries, two time zones and several very interesting destinations.

The vessel (as the Austrian Captain liked to call it) was a new one for 2016 and was outstandingly well equipped. We thoroughly enjoyed the open seating plan in the dining room together with a very high standard of cuisine and the flexibility the dining arrangements allowed. We joined in some of the included tours, all of which were well organised, highly informative and led by English speaking guides who were both knowledgeable about the sights we visited and enthusiastic about the countries they represented, taking time to explain some of the history and culture of the regions. All tours were in good class air-conditioned coaches and headsets provided.

We visited Orthodox churches, Christian cathedrals, castles, forts, rock formations, caves, monasteries, mountain retreats and archeological sites. We tasted local spirits and foods and listened to an organ recital in a Hungarian cathedral. Onboard, we had lectures on Communism, demonstrations of iconography, folk dancing and a talk by an Bulgarian orthodox priest in addition to the nightly entertainment from the resident pianist and a show from the ships crew. There was also time for free exploration at the ports of call - a feature which the cruise director encouraged by providing us with detailed maps of the area and synopses of the places we might visit. Being used to this sort of travel in the past we much appreciated this aspect of the cruise.

The highlight of this cruise was for us the passing through the grand locks and the cruise through the mighty Iron Gates gorge in Serbia. A truly wonderful experience. Disembarkation in Budapest to the Intercontinental hotel was smooth as were all transfers and VIP door to door service. On the vessel, on the tours and in the transfers all people spoke English. Most of our fellow travellers were US some Canadians and a few British.

This holiday exceeded our expectations by miles. We must thank Blue Water for finding it for us and negotiating such a good deal. We would recommend Blue Water and particularly Avalon Waterways to any one who is looking for a stimulating and exciting travel experience. .......and that is from 70yr olds who have travelled a lot. Thank you again for bringing this tour to us.

The river boat was immaculate, well run, and luxurious. The food was excellent and the moving scenery beautiful. Lots of excursions and something new every day, great fun.