Melk, Austria
Ships that sail Europe’s great waterway are low and narrow by design, so they can tuck under bridges and make their way through tight canals. In some ways, this limits how grand a first impression they’re able to make. And many first-time river cruisers who are accustomed to the over-the-top lobbies found on ocean-going vessels may be underwhelmed when they first board a river boat.
As far as Uniworld’s new River Beatrice goes, the opposite reaction is likely for seasoned river cruises who will probably be swept off their feet by the four-deck lobby of the ship. With its silk-covered walls, Murano-glass chandelier,marble floors, antiques, l’Occitane toiletries, and Egyptian-cotton linens, this is the first European river boat in the luxury category.
Dining aboard River Beatrice.
Nicely decorated in white, The Restaurant is River Beatrice’s main dining venue. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and, dinner, and on evenings when cruisers might go ashore for an evening concert, a buffet is laid out for their convenience.
The chef does a nice job of incorporating local ingredients and dishes, so travelers are able to enjoy regional specialties like weiner schnitzel in Vienna.
Breakfast and lunch are buffet style, but you can order specialty items such as omelets or eggs Benedict. If the ship is sailing during lunch time, the staff may also set up a buffet out on the roof deck.
A four-course dinner is served each night between 7PM and 9PM, and guests can come and sit where and when they like. The menu features continental dishes such as trout and veal. And healthy and vegetarian selections are also available.
The most exciting dining innovation aboard River Beatrice is an alternative dining venue. Several nights on each cruise, the library is transformed into the Captain’s Club Lounge. With seating for just 25, reservations are essential, but there’s no additional charge. Passengers in suites may also order room service.
Accommodations aboard River Beatrice.
Eighty percent of the cabins have French balconies, a term that denotes sliding glass doors that open so you can enjoy the fresh air. You can’t really step out, and a guard rail keeps you from going overboard.
All the staterooms are plush, well designed, and attractive. If you’re familiar with the Red Carnation hotel group, you’ll recognize the look.
River Beatrice has 15 suites, the most of any river boat. And at 225 square feet, they are some of the roomiest in Europe. Nicely outfitted with DVD players and marble bathrooms, they include butler service and in-room breakfast service on request. One even has a four-poster bed. And the 300-square-foot Owner’s Suite features a soaking tub and a high-tech entertainment system.
Facilities aboard River Beatrice.
Travelers who are accustomed to sports courts, full-service spas, gymnasiums, and other ocean-ship amenities may find river ships lacking. But European river cruises are all about enjoy the destinations, not the boat. And passengers have plenty of time to explore Budapest, Vienna, Durnstein, Linz, and Passau.
To help travelers make the most of their time ashore, at least one orientation tour is included in each port free of charge. And the innovative Quietvox audio systems make it easy for everyone to hear the guide’s commentary through a lightweight headset.
Additional shore excursions are offered and evening concerts ashore are a highlight. The guides and shore staff working for River Beatrice are all first rate. And independent travelers can use the boat’s complimentary bicycles to explore on their own. Nordic walking sticks are also available for passengers.
River Beatrice has a beautiful teak roof deck that runs the length of the ship. It’s a great place to take in the scenery when she’s underway, and three big sun tents provide plenty of shade. There’s also a pleasant, open-air seating area surrounding the Captain’s Lounge.
A big plus for travelers with mobility issues is the elevator — a rarity on river boats.
If you’ve already done one or more cruises, a European river cruise will show you another side of Europe in comfort and style.
Uniworld is currently offering special deals on 2011 cruises on River Beatrice. See their site for more details.
Learn more about European river cruises.
Melk, Austria Image Flickr: Dieter Karner