.10 Reasons to River Cruise

by TravelManagers - Karen Waples

 

1. UNPACK ONCE - after settling into the cabin there is no more lugging around of bags, packing or unpacking, and no more coaches, trains, airports or traffic.  The hassles of getting from A to B evaporate.

2. NO ROUGH SEAS  - Guests will enjoy a very smooth ride as the ships have been designed with flat bottoms, so the is no need to worry about motion sickness, unlike ocean cruising.

3.  NIGHT SAILING - Every morning you wake up rested and refreshed, with a new vista and a new destination to explore.

4.  A RELAXING PACE - There is no rush.  The landscapes gently pass by as you have breakfast while you cruise, and there is plenty of time to enjoy shore excursions or simply roam through towns independently

5. DINING - All meals and drinks are included.  Onboard chefs often create special gourmet menus and local fresh ingredients are used.

6.  JOURNEY TO THE HEART - River cruises typically dock in the very centre of some of Europe's greatest cities, which means passengers simply walk off the ship, right into the centre of town.  Essentially, they spend more time being here, rather than getting there.

7.  GET OFF THE BEATEN TRACK  - The smaller size fo river cruise vessels means they can access many lively and colourful towns that large cruise ships cannot access, making for a more memorable trip.

8.  AN INTIMATE EXPERIENCE - Most river cruises ships are designed to carry around 150 to 300 passengers, so it is a far more intimate and friendly experience that travelling on a big cruise liner.  There are no long waiting lines to embark or disembark and it's easy to meet people and make new friends.

9.  PRIVATE BALCONIES - What better way to watch the European countryside pass by that from you own private balcony?  Invite a fre friends over for a dringk, lounge around with a good book or simply snooze - it's you private outdoor space.

10.  CRUISE SERVICES  -An experienced cruise manager and attentive English specaking staff are on hand to help passengers with shore excursions or any other needs.  They are there to make the cruise as comfortable and hassle-free as possible
(Travel Weekly)

Ask about the many Cruise companies on the River, - Scenic, APT, Viking, Avalon, Uniworld.  There will be a cruise to suit you.

Bali - Shop, surf, Explore, Relax

Bali has long been a travellers’ paradise with visitors to the island literally spoilt for choice with an abundance of shopping, cultural and natural attractions and outdoor activities all on offer with your Bali accommodation. For the avid shopper, you cannot go past the bargains  at the local markets present in  Kuta and Legian, or for a modern mall experience head to Discovery Kartika Mall right on the beach in South Kuta or head over to Seminyak for trendy boutiques. To leave the hectic fast paced life behind, head to the mountains of Bali – Ubud or north to Candi Dasa and treat yourself with spa retreats and cooking schools whilst enjoying Bali’s stunning surrounds. If you seek true relaxation, head to the Gili Islands or Lombok and enjoy its unspoilt beaches. The list is endless and the choices never ending whether you are a surfer, golfer, shopper, nature lover, artist, adventurer, Bali simply is the perfect paradise for all.

Bali is considered an ideal tropical holiday destination all year round, with the average temperature ranging between 29-31 degrees celsius . Rainfall occurs mostly during the monsoonal months from November to March.

Some of my favorite places to stay in Bali are:
* Bali Garden Hotel in Tuban which is on the border of Kuta and right on the beach.  You can Shop next door at the Kartika Plaza or Centro Plaza, which has some great dining.  Or walk to Kuta Square, passing great market shopping on the way, or walk across the road to Waterbom Park, for a wet Experience. If staying here always book the Deluxe Rooms as they are at the rear of the hotel, away from the noisy road, and overlooking the gardens.

* A little luxury in Seminyak at the Sun Island Villas with your own pool and close to the great dining.

*  Nov0tel Bali Benoa in the Tropical Terrace rooms.  Set amidst the tropical gardens, with an outside shower, and onsite restaurant.

* Komaneka Monkey Forest - in Ubud.  I love the view overlooking the rice paddies.  This place is walking distance to markets, meals and monkeys.

* More Luxury at the Royal Pita Maha, with its amazing vistas, be pampered at the riverside spa, or relax around your own villa pool.

* For a different experience try the Bali Safari and Marine Park about 30 mins from Kuta.  Stay in the Twiga Suite and overlook the African type savannah.  Or spot the lion in the ladies toilets in the restaurant.

Rhapsody of the Seas

Yesterday I had the priviledge of doing a ship inspection of the RCI ship Rhapsody of the Seas, as it was berthed in Brisbane for the day.  I have cruise on this ship about 3 years ago, and was interested to see if my memories were the same now.  The main foyer is a spectuclar 4 level atrium with swirling stairs  and a nice flat glass waterfall.  At the base of the stairs a beautiful white Grand Piano stands, which is used during the nightly entertainment in the Champagne lounge prior to dinner.  On the next floor up is the cruise shopping mecca which has many thing to choose from.  I purchased a few rings last time I cruises.

The main pool deck had 4 outdoor spa pools and a 2 pools, one for children.  A bar services this area where people can relax on under the shade or in the sun.

Adults and children alike can participate in the Raock Wall climb, and for those who want to, a walking track is up the top to enjoy the view, while you walk of all the kilojoules from the great meals on board.

One of my favorite places in the Windjammer Buffet, where surrounded by 3/4 glass windows, you can dine on the most various buffet, with the menu changing daily.  In the morning there is a Omlete Bar, which is great.

The Main Dining room is a two storey affair, with set menus each night, which to you check out on the menu boards each day, so that you can choose where to eat.

If you are wanting a quiet place to sit and read or just wile away the hours, check out the 12 level.  Just fantastic.

For those in Australia, the Rhapsody of the Seas will return here in November, after doing the Alaska Run for the US season.