Amsterdam, Cologne and the Best of Holland and Flanders River Cruise - MS George Eliot
Amsterdam, Cologne and the Best of Holland and Flanders River Cruise - MS George Eliot
8 Days Starting in AMSTERDAM and ending in Cologne, Germany
Visiting: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Kinderdijk, Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Arnhem, Cologne
Tour operator:
Ship Name:
MS George EliotGuide Type:
Fully Guided
Ship Capacity:
132
Physical rating:
Low, Please contact Riviera Travel if you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility.
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Experience the world in bloom at the spectacular horticultural show, Floriade Expo 2022. Don't miss this once in a decade event, showcasing a spectrum of magnificent flowers, plants and produce from across the world. Explore Amsterdam's canal-laced heart, its characterful gabled buildings and exceptional art and wander the picture-perfect cobbles of delightful Bruges, absorbing its dreamy ambience and pristine medieval streets. From Rotterdam's legendary maritime history and contemporary urban skyline to Cologne cathedral's soaring Gothic spires, iconic windmills of a bygone age to the sumptuous splendour of a magnificent Dutch royal palace, our superb cruise embraces the rich and diverse cultural and architectural heritage of these northern European neighbours, inextricably linked by history and their fascinating waterways.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive at the airport for your flight to Amsterdam or take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Brussels, where you change trains and continue to Amsterdam. On arrival, transfer by coach to your five-star cruise ship. The friendly crew welcomes you to your spacious and superbly furnished accommodation – you’ll feel immediately at home on your first-class floating hotel. The ship remains here overnight, so watch dusk descend over Amsterdam as you enjoy your first dinner on board.
Day 2 : Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
2022 Departures - This morning awake to the colourful canalside of Amsterdam as you enjoy a delicious breakfast on board.
Today you can choose to visit the fabulous Floriade Expo in Almere for the morning only or spend the full day there. The Floriade Expo, the World Fair of horticultural shows, is the largest public event in the Netherlands. This magnificent exhibition, which takes place only once every 10 years, from April to October is described as ‘the greenest day out’, and truly a feast for the senses. Wander the park enjoying the scent and colour of a whole spectrum of stunning flowers, fascinating plants, fruit and vegetables from around the globe. With forty inspirational presentations, a spectacular greenhouse complex, a cable car over the park, pavilions with sustainable innovations and a vibrant arts and culture programme, there’s something for everyone to enjoy – no matter how green-fingered you are!
For those opting to return to Amsterdam for the afternoon you might opt for a relaxing cruise or if art is your passion, then no visit would be complete without experiencing the vast collection of masterpieces housed in the extraordinary Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum. Alternatively, head to the vibrant Jordaan district, crammed with independent galleries, quirky shops and fashionable cafés from where you can linger over a refreshing locally-brewed beer and watch the Amsterdammers skilfully dodging each other on their high-handlebarred cycles.
Step back in time with a thought-provoking visit to Anne Frank’s house or enjoy bargain-hunting in the bustling Waterlooplein flea market, the largest in Europe. Feeling peckish? If raw herring, a Dutch delicacy often accompanied by gherkins and diced onions, from a traditional haringhandel (herring stand) doesn’t appeal, perhaps opt for a plate of mouth-watering poffertjes, mini pancakes dusted with sugar.
2023 departures - We embark on a charming glass-topped canal cruiser to begin exploring this beautiful city. With a network of 165 17th-century canals radiating from the city centre, taking to the water really is the best way to immerse yourself in Amsterdam’s history and culture. As you drift between the cobbled streets, fringed with tall, narrow merchants’ houses, past characterful houseboats and interesting bridges, your guide imparts a wealth of knowledge about life, past and present in this unique city, once home to the famous Dutch painter Rembrandt and the legendary Anne Frank, who wrote her diaries whilst in hiding during the Nazi occupation. This afternoon our ship remains moored, so you can wander the cobbled canal paths at your leisure.
Day 3 : Rotterdam & Kinderdijk
Location: Rotterdam, Kinderdijk
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Clustered at the mouth of the Rhine as it flows into the North Sea, Rotterdam’s destiny as a trading gateway to Europe and beyond was almost assured, and after breakfast this morning, you will enjoy a guided tour of this vibrant city, learning more about the history of its maritime past as well as its thriving cultural scene. Although it suffered massive bomb damage during the Second World War, the city was completely reconstructed, resulting in some interesting and quirky architectural styles, including the Witte Huis, Europe’s first skyscraper, built in the Art Nouveau style.Â
We’ll also see the Church of Saint Lawrence, the only surviving building of the original old town, the Erasmus Bridge, nick-named ‘the swan’ because of its avian-like shape and the arched market hall, plus the famous yellow Cube Houses, known locally as Kubuswoningen. Designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom in the 1970s, strikingly built on stilts and tilted at quirky angles, they remain an iconic and unique feature to this day.Â
Back on board, as we continue our journey to Kinderdijk this afternoon, take in the lovely views through the restaurant’s panoramic windows over a delicious lunch. We soon arrive at the very heart of this captivating region to witness a truly striking polder scene – a series of 19 authentic windmills lining the canal banks, set against a starkly beautiful backdrop of pancake-flat marshland. Windmills are symbolic of Dutch history and its never-ending battle with the sea, and visiting these meticulously preserved structures is like stepping back in time. It’s no surprise that the windmills, recognised for their significance within Dutch history and heritage, now enjoy an esteemed UNESCO status. Later we return to our cruise ship, where the chef has prepared an inviting dinner.
Day 4 : Bruges & Ghent
Location: Ghent, Bruges
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight our ship has glided stealthily downstream and you wake in the medieval city of Ghent. Today’s included excursion takes us to nearby and quintessentially beautiful Bruges, known for its serene canals, narrow cobbled streets, romantic gabled houses, exquisite churches and myriad shops selling artisan goods – and of course its legendary chocolate! After breakfast we take the short drive to this picture-perfect city; exquisitely compact, its entire historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and as you wander its historic streets, stories from our expert guide will bring it to life.
We begin in its medieval heart, the Markt, which has served as the main market square since the 10th century. Towering 272 feet over the colourful gabled buildings framing the square is the Belfry and its 47-bell carillon. Another must is the Church of Our Lady, where you can see Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child, a work of incomparable beauty carved in white Carrara marble. Whilst you might be reluctant to leave this enchanting place, later this afternoon you can choose between staying in Bruges and returning to the ship a little later, or returning to Ghent for an included afternoon guided tour.
Ghent is a medieval gem, once Western Europe’s second largest city after Paris. Spared the ravages of the 20th century, you can stroll along its magnificently unspoilt waterfront, gazing upon the 13th-century skyline punctured by soaring belfries, with the 12th-century Gravenstein fortress towering above. See the impressive Gothic Saint Bavo’s Cathedral,  whose altarpiece is one of the world’s foremost art treasures – the van Eyck brothers’ Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. After tonight’s superb dinner, we leave these fascinating cities behind, as our elegant vessel cruises on towards Antwerp overnight, along the River Scheldt.
Please note lunch is not included on the full-day excursion to Bruges; however the ship will offer a packed lunch.
Day 5 : Antwerp
Location: Antwerp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Scheldt has always been Antwerp’s lifeline, and records showing the earliest settlers arrived here in the 2nd century, the river acting as a natural barrier against invasion. The 12th century city walls were built in an attempt to keep out the Flemish who finally annexed the city in 1357. With increasing numbers of ships arriving from Italy, together with the birth of the Flemish weaving industry, the city became an important warehouse for English wool and period of significant prosperity ensued. Belgium’s second city, Antwerp’s charming and cosmopolitan atmosphere draws you in, as you immerse yourself amongst its winding, cobbled streets and spectacular historic buildings, juxtaposed by more modern architecture fringing lanes of lively cafés and tempting shops.
This morning we enjoy a tour with a local guide who’ll impart their knowledge about the city’s highlights  as well as some lesser-known but equally fascinating sights. At its heart is the captivating main square – the Grote Markt – dominated by ornately gabled guildhouses and the Renaissance town hall. The opulent Brabo Fountain is a famous sight too, with its turquoise-grey finish dominating the square’s skyline.
One of the delights of river cruising is the magical experience of watching the seamlessly changing landscapes drifting by through the panoramic windows or up on the sun deck; so after lunch this afternoon, there’s ample time to unwind and catch up on some reading, indulge in the spa or simply enjoy a glass of wine as the riverside views gently roll by.
Day 6 : Arnhem
Location: Arnhem
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Awake this morning to find overnight our vessel has gently brought us to the very heart of Holland. We have arrived in Arnhem, synonymous with the ill-fated 1944 aerial assault, devised by General Montgomery to end World War II, depicted in the film A Bridge Too Far. This morning you have a choice of two excursions: either a fascinating visit to the Airborne Museum at Oosterbeek or to the lost gardens of Het Loo Palace at the royal residence in Apeldoorn.
For those choosing the former, we head to the battle HQ of the British 1st Airborne Division, now an exceptional museum with memorabilia, artwork and accounts relating to this famous and complex battle. There will also be an opportunity to visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery, the final resting place of so many.
If the latter appeals to you, join an expert guide on our visit to the exquisite Het Loo gardens. Nestled in several hundred hectares of parkland, the beautifully symmetrical manicured gardens designed by Claude Desgotz are an spectacular sight to behold.
We re-join our ship for an afternoon of picturesque sailing so sink into a comfy chair in the lounge and recharge over a cup of afternoon tea before thoughts turn to tonight’s mouthwatering meal prepared by our on-board chefs.
Day 7 : Cologne
Location: Cologne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
If you’re enjoying an early coffee on the sun deck, you will witness our stately arrival in the magnificent city of Cologne. On this morning’s guided tour, led by a knowledgeable local guide, we’ll discover some of its highlights and enjoy entry into the spectacular twin-spired cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe, miraculous survivor of Second World War bombing and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It took six centuries to complete, and among its many treasures are the magnificent stained-glass windows and gilded sarcophagus said to contain the remains of the three kings from the Nativity story.Â
We also see the vibrant old town, beautifully restored and boasting an abundance of excellent shopping and cosy bars, some of which still brew their own beer. You’ll have some free time to explore the city under your own steam; perhaps you’ll opt for a spot of shopping in the Belgian quarter with its quirky boutiques, to pick up some last minute souvenirs or spend your final afternoon reflecting on this superb cruise over a glass of local Kölsch, traditionally brewed in the city and recognisable by its bright yellow hue. As night falls, a sumptuous dinner provides the perfect finale to this memorable cruise.
Day 8 : Return Home
Location: Cologne
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to the train station or airport for your return flight to the UK.
Ship Details
MS George Eliot
Ship Overview
The five-star MS George Eliot – named after one of the leading English novelists of the 19th century – is 110 metres of fine Swiss engineering and craftsmanship. As with all Riviera Travel cruise ships, MS George Eliot was built to the highest specifications and strict safety regulations by Scylla AG, world-renowned builders of the most modern cruisers in Europe.
Guests are welcomed in the elegant lobby with its gleaming marble floor, well-lit by sophisticated lighting. Thoughtful design is on tasteful display throughout the ship – sustainable hardwood furniture, intricate wrought-iron work, and polished copper and brass are beautifully complemented by soft leather and sumptuous Italian fabrics.
MS George Eliot offers the convivial ambience and personal service of a luxury boutique hotel. With 36 staff serving just 132 guests, the experience is far more intimate and enjoyable.
There are 70 luxuriously appointed suites and cabins, which all feature an en-suite bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and facilities for making tea and coffee. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship.
Ship Details
Ship Name:
MS George Eliot
Adults Only Areas:
kids allowed
Ship Children Facilities:
none
Ship Nursery:
none
Smoking Areas:
some
Ship Size:
boutique
Ship Style:
luxury
Ship Type:
river
Ship Currency:
EUR
Ship Language:
en-GB
Ship Capacity:
132
Ship Crew Count:
36
Number of Decks:
4
Number of Cabins:
70
Ship Launch Year:
2018
Ship Length (Meters):
110 M
Ship Width (Meters):
12 M
Ship Speed (Knots):
13 Kn
Deck Plans
Diamond Deck
BistroTravel DeskReceptionShopPanorama LoungeBarLibraryDiamond Deck CabinDeluxe Balcony SuiteSuperior Suite
Emerald Deck
Wellness CentreEmerald Deck CabinSuperior Suite
Ruby Deck
RestaurantRuby Deck CabinSuperior Suite
Sun Deck
Sun Loungers & ChairsSplash PoolPutting Green
Cabins
There are 70 luxuriously appointed suites and cabins, which all feature an en-suite bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and facilities for making tea and coffee. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship.
Deluxe Balcony Cabin (Grade DBS )
For the ultimate in space and river cruise luxury, the spacious Deluxe Balcony Suite offers a generous living area with chairs and table, plus soft cotton bathrobes and slippers. There are floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors that open out on to a small balcony with a table for two.There are four Deluxe Balcony Suites on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).Size: 23.5 sq.m / 253 sq.ft.Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a smart handset* with maps, translator and currency converter, unlimited internet use, L’Occitane en Provence toiletries, a bottle of chilled Prosecco on arrival, a platter of fresh seasonal fruits during the cruise and an aperitif each evening, with our compliments. *Smart handsets will be available on 2022 holiday departures.
Superior Suite (Grade RDS EDS DDS )
Superior Suites on the Diamond and Ruby Decks benefit from a generous living area, plus floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open up to create a French balcony for guests to enjoy panoramic river views.There are two Superior Suites on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).There are two Superior Suites the Ruby Deck (middle deck).Superior Suites on the Emerald Deck benefit from a generous living area and smaller fixed windows.There are two Superior Suites the Emerald Deck (lower deck).Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a smart handset* with maps, translator and currency converter, unlimited internet use, L’Occitane en Provence toiletries, a bottle of chilled Prosecco on arrival, a platter of fresh seasonal fruits during the cruise and an aperitif each evening, with our compliments. *Smart handsets will be available on 2022 holiday departures.
Standard Cabin (Diamond and Ruby) (Grade DD RD )
Standard Cabins on the Diamond and Ruby Deck feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors that slide away to create a French balcony to enjoy panoramic river views.There are 22 Standard Cabins on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).There are 28 Standard Cabins on the Ruby Deck (middle deck).Indulge in the luxury of ?Riviera Plus?when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.
Standard Cabin (Emerald) (Grade SED )
Standard Cabins on the Emerald Deck have smaller fixed windows – some are available for sole occupancy with no supplement.There are 10 Standard Cabins on the Emerald Deck (lower deck).
Superior Suite (Grade RDS EDS DDS SEDS )
Superior Suites on the Diamond and Ruby Deck benefit from a generous living area, plus floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open up to create a French balcony for guests to enjoy panoramic river views.Superior Suites on the Emerald Deck benefit from a generous living area and smaller fixed windows.There are two Superior Suites on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).There are two Superior Suites the Ruby Deck (middle deck).There are two Superior Suites the Emerald Deck (lower deck).Indulge in the luxury of? Riviera Plus?when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.
Deluxe Balcony Suite (Grade DBS )
For the ultimate in space and river cruise luxury, the spacious Deluxe Balcony Suite offers a generous living area with chairs and table, plus soft cotton bathrobes and slippers. There are floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors that open out on to a small balcony with a table for two.There are four Deluxe Balcony Suites on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).Indulge in the luxury of?Riviera Plus?when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.
Standard Cabin (Grade DD ED RD )
Standard Cabins on the Diamond and Ruby Decks feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors that slide away to create a French balcony to enjoy panoramic river views.There are 22 Standard Cabins on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).There are 28 Standard Cabins on the Ruby Deck (middle deck).Standard Cabins on the Emerald Deck have smaller fixed windows – some are available for sole occupancy with no supplement.There are 10 Standard Cabins on the Emerald Deck (lower deck).Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a smart handset* with maps, translator and currency converter, unlimited internet use, L’Occitane en Provence toiletries, a bottle of chilled Prosecco on arrival, a platter of fresh seasonal fruits during the cruise and an aperitif each evening, with our compliments. *Smart handsets will be available on 2022 holiday departures.
Dining
The main restaurant is on the Ruby Deck, with tables laid for up to six guests, serving buffet breakfast, buffet lunch and dinner
Bistro
The Bistro is on the Diamond Deck, with panoramic windows and al fresco seating, serving early-bird breakfast, light lunch and dinner
Main Restaurant
The spacious main restaurant offers an intimate yet relaxed fine dining experience with informal free seating. Guests are spoilt for choice with a hearty range of buffets at breakfast and lunch, and sumptuous four-course dinners executed with silver service.
Entertainment
Observation lounge and bar on the Diamond Deck with panoramic windows for breathtaking views.
Sun Deck with shaded sitting area plus comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers.
Bistro
Perhaps escape to the bistro at the rear of the ship and enjoy a quiet read on the terrace. Should you have any queries, stop by the reception desk in the lobby, or let a crew member at the travel desk help you with your travel arrangements.
Panoramic Observation Lounge & Bar
The lobby, observation lounge and bar, bistro and boutique are located on the Diamond Deck.At the heart of the ship is the elegant panoramic observation lounge, where guests can enjoy marvellous views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Take a seat on a leather armchair or modern settee, while the charming bar staff prepares your drink. During the evenings, the ship pianist entertains with a relaxing repertoire.
Sun Deck
Crowning MS George Eliot is the Sun Deck, the ideal spot for taking in unhindered river views. There is a shaded seating area with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers, as well as a putting green and splash pool.
The Sun Deck
Crowning MS George Eliot is the sun deck, the ideal spot for taking in unhindered river views. There is a shaded seating area with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers, as well as deck games such as giant chess. Cool off in the splash pool and enjoy a full bar service.
Enrichment
Excursions
On our river cruises we love to take you right into the heart of each town or city you visit along the way, and during your cruise local guides will offer a variety of guided walking tours, panoramic coach tours and/or visits to museums and local cultural favourites such as a wine tasting in Burgundy and a train journey through the Swiss mountains. You will have a good mix of touring and free time to learn about the history and the little quirks of each place, with plenty of time to explore at your own leisure. Please check the itinerary of the cruise for more specific details.
Kids and Teens
Please Note: There are no children's facilities on board.
Health & Fitness
There is a Wellness Centre on board MS George Eliot, located on the Emerald Deck.
Hairdressers
Book an appointment at the hairdresser’s, which offers manicures and pedicures for a small additional fee.
Sun Deck & Splash Pool
Crowning MS George Eliot is the Sun Deck, the ideal spot for taking in unhindered river views. There is a shaded seating area with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers, as well as a putting green and splash pool.
Wellness Centre
The wellness centre and hair salon are located on the Emerald Deck. The wellness centre features a spa, which guests can reserve for private use to take a sauna or unwind in the steam room. Book an appointment at the hairdresser’s, which offers manicures and pedicures for a small additional fee.
Gratuities
Tips are not charged at a set percentage and are not included in the holiday cost, as we understand that giving a gratuity should be entirely at your discretion.
As a guideline we would recommend giving €8-12 per person per day should you feel that is appropriate. Usually, an envelope is left in your cabin on the final evening, for you to drop off at reception, if you choose to, the following morning. The tips are divided equally between the crew.
Should you also wish to give a gratuity directly to your Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge, this is also at your discretion.
Useful Information
Age Restrictions
The minimum age limit is 12 years old at the date of departure. We reserve the right to limit the number of children on any particular cruise. Any minor must be accompanied by and share a cabin with an adult aged 21 or over. If the adult is not the minor’s parent, a ‘Parental Consent Guardianship Form’ must be signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to sailing.
Air Conditioning
Our ships are fully air-conditioned throughout. Each cabin has individual air-conditioning and heating controls.
Dietary Requirements
If you have made a special request, they will do their utmost to see that your wishes are carried out. However, they cannot guarantee that your requests will be met.
Disabled Facilities
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us or call us on 01283 688 518 to discuss these concerns.MooringDue to the popularity of river cruising at some mooring places, or where our ship is moored alongside another vessel, access to the ship may be via the sun deck and require the navigation of steps so passengers must be able to walk on and off the ship themselves, without the use of crutches or other aids, as gangplanks can be positioned at a steep angle.On boardOur ships are not adapted for wheelchair access; if you are intending to take a wheelchair or mobility scooter with you, it is essential that you please contact us to let us know. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be used on excursions however cannot be used on board the ships due to safety reasons and must not be left in corridors, the lounge or restaurant or any other public areas, but must be stored at reception.River cruises operate with a smaller crew than ocean cruises and do not have the crew available to personally attend to passengers with reduced mobility; therefore, a travelling companion would need to be able to help with any physical needs.Whilst most of our ships have a lift on board, it does not operate to all decks.River cruising on European rivers offers the opportunity to take in the scenery from the comfort of the ship. If you are unable to do some of the shore excursions, your river cruise can still be enjoyable and worthwhile, so please contact us with any concerns or questions you may have.Shore ExcursionsFor our river cruises which include an extension and feature a hotel stay, the hotels we use have been chosen due to their location and standard, the facilities offered can differ, it is therefore important that we make the appropriate enquiries with our suppliers on your behalf to ensure any special needs or requests can be catered for.AccommodationFor our river cruises which include an extension and feature a hotel stay, the hotels we use have been chosen due to their location and standard, the facilities offered can differ, it is therefore important that we make the appropriate enquiries with our suppliers on your behalf to ensure any special needs or requests can be catered for.Overseas Transport ArrangementsAll of our tours involve coach travel. The coaches we use have not been adapted for wheelchair access.Air TravelWe are able to arrange airport assistance, from the check-in desk to the plane, for anyone with reduced mobility. This is a free service which must be arranged with the airline prior to travel. If you would like us to arrange this assistance for you it needs to be pre-booked more than 48 hours before your flight departs.EurostarIf you have reduced mobility and are travelling by Eurostar to your cruise, please contact us. Should you need to travel in your own wheelchair, Eurostar does have specially adapted wheelchair spaces which need to be pre-booked. If you would like assistance at St. Pancras, we can provide you with information and contact details for Eurostar Assist, although we cannot reserve this service for you directly.
Dress Code
There is no requirement to bring formal dress; smart/casual is acceptable for both day and evening as there is no dress code enforced. However men are requested not to wear shorts for dinner or vest tops at any time in the dining room. Men may wish to wear a jacket and tie for dinner. The Captain’s Dinner offers the opportunity, should you wish, for more special attire.
Drinks Packages
We offer a selection of drinks packages available to purchase and the price is dependent on the length of the cruise, so please check each tour page for more details. This includes the following with lunch and dinner: draught beer; non-alcoholic beer; soft drinks; juices; red, white and rose house wines; and wine recommendations from the menu. The drinks package must be added to your booking for all passengers in a cabin prior to departure and you can do this by calling the reservations team.If you choose not to purchase a drinks package, there is a vast selection of drinks on board each ship available for individual purchase.
Laundry Service
A limited laundry service is available on board, except on the day of disembarkation. A dry cleaning service is not available.
Medical Facilities
If you have any concerns about your health whilst on tour, please see your Cruise Director or Concierge. They will be able to advise you about chemists and availability of doctors, etc. In an emergency you could always phone our emergency number as issued on your itinerary. There are no on-board medical personnel, although specific crew members will have basic first aid training. However, the ship can stop at any time to transfer any passenger requiring emergency medical attention to local medical facilities.
Onboard Lifts
On the MS Emily Brontë, MS Oscar Wilde, MS Thomas Hardy, MS Robert Burns, MS William Wordsworth, MS George Eliot, MS Douro Elegance and MS Douro Splendour there is a lift between all three internal decks but not the sun deck. All other ships have lifts, but these do not operate to the lower deck or the sun deck; with the exception of the MS Swiss Ruby which has no lift.
Smoking and E-Cigarette Policy
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted anywhere on board except for designated areas on the sun deck.More and more countries in Europe are adopting a stricter legislation on smoking in public places. Smoking is not allowed on any public transport and there may be other restrictions in hotels, bars and restaurants.
Special Dietary Requirements
In the morning a full breakfast is served which includes healthy options and your choice of eggs made to order. For lunch enjoy salads from the buffet, soup and a choice of main courses, including local dishes, plus dessert. The four course a la carte dinners include a selection of international and regional specialities. We cater for most dietary requirements, please ensure you advise our sales team when making the booking.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Fully Guided
The services of a Riviera Travel cruise director & concierge
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International Travel
Return flights & transfers
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Meals
Full board from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day; if you choose to travel with us on any of the full day excursions by coach, a packed lunch will be provided. Anyone choosing to stay on the ship may of course have lunch in the restaurant
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Morning/afternoon tea and coffee
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All visits and excursions as mentioned
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Airport transfers
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Coach travel as mentioned
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Travel to and from port of embarkation
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuity
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Insurance
Check out our Q&As
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Are flights included in this tour?
Return flights & transfers
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
For cruises, the minimum age limit is 12 years old at the date of departure. We reserve the right to limit the number of children on any particular cruise.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For almost 40 years
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I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns
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Do I require travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.
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What is my luggage allowance?
You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 101 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.
Up to 101 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 100 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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