River Cruising For Beginners

As a cruise specialist I pride myself on the fact that I have cruised on over 40 cruise ships to destinations all over the world.

I know cruise ships inside out but ask me about river cruising and a look of wild panic will take over. You see I have never been on a river cruise as I don’t think it’s my cup of tea!! I imagine river cruising to be boring and cabins onboard to be claustrophobic with very little going on.

On Friday I fly to Frankfurt and then transfer to Koblenz to join a brand new ship called Emerald Sky with Emerald Waterways. I have to admit I am slightly panicked and don’t know what to pack to wear or what the etiquette is or actually what to expect in general. So check back with me over the next week and see if my opinion has changed.

This is a run down of my itinerary.

Friday 11th April

Join the ship in Koblenz and in the afternoon take a walking tour with a local guide. After dinner there is free time to explore in Koblenz further.

Saturday 12th April

Rhine Gorge – Rüdesheim
This morning we sail through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, passing countless castles and vineyards as well as the Lorelei statue and Pfalzgrafenstein Castle. After lunch we visit Rüdesheim, a medieval village on the banks of the Rhine, and Siegfried’s Music Museum. We then take the cable car up to the lookout for impressive views of the surrounding valley and the confluence of the Main River.

Sunday 13th April

Mannheim – Heidelberg
Today we continue upstream to the town of Mannheim, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers. The city was a pivotal place during the invasion of Germany by the Allies in WWII, and has long been associated with inventions in industry. Travel to Heidelberg for our guided tour including the impressive medieval castle which overlooks the town. Afterwards we return to the ship for a late lunch and an afternoon sailing south on the Rhine River. Tonight is a Captain’s Gala Dinner.

Monday 14th April

Breisach – Black Forest
Vogtsbauerhof Museum, which is an open air exhibition of 16th century life, featuring a number of reconstructed Black Forest farms. We are also invited to a typical gasthof owned by a local family, where you’ll enjoy a presentation on the Black Forest Gateau and a tasting session.

Tuesday 15th April

Basel and home.

Check back to see how I fared.