Page 26 - Explore Magazine Spring 2016

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ROYALTY

ON THE RHINE

Whitney Towers, helloworld Cruise Marketing Executive,
soaks up the leisured luxury of her first Uniworld European river cruise.

Departing in late March on a Uniworld seven-night ample seating, a full bar and 180-degree views. This light
“Castles of the Rhine” cruise from Basel to Amsterdam, and elegant space quickly became a favourite spot and
I was ready to embark on my first river cruise. I had after a quick visit to the top deck I had toured the entire
previously travelled on large ocean liners, but sharing a vessel. Afternoon tea was being served in the lounge and
vessel with just 130 other guests promised to be a whole the moment I took a seat a friendly waiter took my drink
new experience. order. Uniworld ships are all-inclusive and you can order
anything from espresso to bubbles to the cocktail of
Within moments of approaching the elegant River the day – whatever your heart desires! By day two of the
Empress, Uniworld’s attentive service kicked in: my cruise the staff knew all of our favourite drinks.
luggage was promptly whisked away and I was shown
to my French Balcony stateroom, complete with lavish But back to the restaurant, which served the best fare I
décor and gorgeous floor-to-ceiling glass doors that have ever had at sea... or river. Each dish was beautifully
provided stunning views throughout the cruise. The presented with all ingredients sourced locally and paired
marble-finished bathroom was a reasonable size and with lovely wines. There were also welcome and farewell
offered L’Occitane personal care products and I was dinners of five courses instead of the usual three. The
more than happy to call this lavishly appointed place chef even comes by to check on your meal.
home for the next eight days.
Setting sail early the following morning, we braved the
My favourite thing to do when boarding a new ship is to cool spring weather on the top deck to see the ship
explore and locate my favourite space. Exploration of traverse the first lock of the voyage. On the left side of
the River Empress started on a lower deck in the coffee the river was France, on the right, Germany.
and pastry corner which is open 24/7 and is perfect for
early-risers or those suffering from jet lag. On the next Our first stop was in the Alsace wine region where there
level, the restaurant makes a bold statement with bright was a choice of excursions to visit the historic town of
red leather seating and contemporary artwork – trust Colmar, or local villages. Opting for the second choice
we were soon strolling the cobblestoned streets of
me, it looks classy.
Kayserberg and Riquewihr, two small villages located
The lounge at the front of the ship is its social hub, with between hilly vineyards. I must have taken over 50

HELLOWORLD : EXPLORE : SPRING EDITION