Soak up Europe’s finest sights
A RIVER cruise is an irresistible, enriching way to explore Europe.
Passengers wake in their luxurious bedroom each morning to a smooth glide through beautiful scenery, discovering historic and cultural cities or charming, tucked-away villages at every stop.
They moor in the very heart of most of these fascinating destinations and are able to walk ashore at will.
Small wonder that so many people are smitten by this relaxing, culturally fulfilling and thoroughly enjoyable form of travel.
Most recent figures show that the number of British river cruisers has risen by about 11.2 per cent in the past year, to 166,900. And 87per cent are choosing a cruise in Europe, drawn by its cultural delights and stunning scenery.
More sleek ships become available each season, but they do fill up fast – one reason why 2018’s river cruises should be booked now, when there are also discounts around.
FRED. OLSEN’S RIVER CRUISES
AN ExcITINg new option is Fred. Olsen’s European river cruise programme, offering 30 departures from April to November 2018 aboard the welcoming Brabant.
These waterway journeys will take in some of Europe’s most beautiful rivers, including the Danube, Rhine, Main and Moselle.
And there is a ‘taster’ cruise to Amsterdam when the tulips are in full bloom. Importantly, there will be a large amount of scenic cruising in daylight hours, so that guests can make the most of the spectacular scenery on each side at the best times of the day. You can see why this makes sense, particularly for those who don’t want to spend all day on their feet.
River ships slice their way through sublime valleys, flanked by fairytale spires and castles, lush vineyards, hill-clinging medieval towns and rainbow-hued villages – an everchanging succession of picture-book views that drift deliciously by.
guests can enjoy these panoramic views from a Juliet balcony in their stateroom, from the spacious lounge, or from a table on the top deck – an ideal place to sit with a drink and enjoy a light breeze rustling through the hair. The home-from-home atmosphere and high standards on Fred. Olsen’s ocean cruises are being recreated on the Brabant, where the 40-strong crew will do their utmost to make your cruise experience special.
English will be the choice of language throughout and all transactions conducted in sterling. The British taste will also be reflected in the excellent cuisine, award-winning customer service and optional shore tours on offer.
FRIENDLINESS AND ELEGANCE
BUILT in 2006, the Brabant is a stylish and comfortable river cruise boat with fewer than 80 rooms and suites spread over three decks – and the intimate and friendly feel that Fred. Olsen’s guests know and love.
Brabant’s classic design is smaller than many river boats and offers the style, atmosphere and elegance of a country-house hotel, so is a good fit with Fred. Olsen’s ocean fleet.
cherrywood interiors and contemporary colours combine to make guests feel relaxed from the moment they step aboard.
What’s more, the programme is reinforced by Fred. Olsen’s industryleading Enjoyment Promise. If guests book at least 12 weeks in advance and find the river cruise is not for them within 24 hours of sailing, letting reception know, Fred. Olsen will arrange and pay for their flight back to the UK from the next port and repay the cost of their cruise.
WINDMILLS OR PALACES?
WHIcH are the best rivers to meander down? One option that’s fantastic value is the Springtime Dutch Discovery, a five-night fly-cruise, priced from £999 per person.
Starting in Amsterdam on April 5, you will able to visit the legendary Keukenhof gardens and view the vibrant tulips in bloom, before cruising between towns steeped in history, including Nijmegen – the Netherlands’ oldest city – and Kampen, home to one of the country’s best-preserved historic centres.
Alternatively, the Danube offers scenic and architectural treats, from the cultural treasures of Vienna and Budapest to the fjord-like Iron gates gorge in Serbia. And a Rhine river cruise encompasses such wonders as the Unesco-listed windmills of Kinderdijk, the half-timbered buildings of Strasbourg, and the many castles of the Rhine gorge – germany at its finest.
See it all in style on a relaxing journey that’s underpinned by Fred. Olsen’s usual high standards – and you’ll get the very most from this irresistible style of cruising in 2018.