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Riverside Luxury Cruises is Europe's newest and most luxurious river cruise brand offering all-inclusive trips along the Rhine, Rhône, Danube and main rivers. Our deputy managing editor, Kelly Andrews, had the opportunity to experience a Rhine cruise, with some unexpected twists and turns along the way. Read on to find out more about her adventures in The Netherlands and Germany and discover how a relaxing river cruise could be the honeymoon you've always dreamed of.
EASY ARRIVALS
Having made the short flight to Amsterdam, complete with airport transfer, I was welcomed aboard the impressive Debussy by the wonderful team – my first taste of the exceptional treatment I'd receive for the rest of the trip. Glass of Champagne in hand, I was straight away shown to my Riverside Suite by my lovely maid Maria, who showed me the ropes. The suites on board really do set new standards in the world of river cruises. Furnished with the finest materials, refined fabrics, velvet and leather, my opulent suite also featured a king-size bed, walk-in wardrobe and elegant bathroom complete with premium brand toiletries. There's not a porthole in sight here. Instead, I marvelled at the panoramic window, virtually covering one entire side of my suite, meaning I wouldn't miss a moment as we cruised serenely along. I was already delighted, but then I discovered the top section of the extraordinary window slides down at the mere touch of a button to transform into my very own balcony to be enjoyed whenever the ship was in port. The luxury was something I could certainly get used to! A few minutes after Maria left me, my very own butler Marko popped in to welcome me and offered to unpack my belongings and assured me he'd be at my beck and call. Indeed, you can message your butler any time via WhatsApp or call with your needs; perhaps you'd like some ice waiting in your room when you return from an excursion on a hot day – no problem.
AN AMSTERDAM ADVENTURE AWAITS
After settling in, I decided to head out to explore Amsterdam. A short 10-minute walk from the port and I was in the capital's centre, the oldest part of Amsterdam, so there was plenty of time to wander along its elaborate canal system and take in the showstopping architecture. There's much to discover in a relatively small area, so I highly recommend exploring on foot with the museum quarter, market squares, countless cafes, the famous Red Light District (should curiosity get the better of you) and the Anne Frank House Museum all within easy reach. Although, prebooking the latter is recommended as it does sell out weeks in advance.
I made the most of my time in the city, so it was time for my sore feet to take me back to Debussy in time for dinner. While the Waterside Restaurant usually offers à la carte dining, tonight a hot buffet was laid on due to a very special Signature treat we were to experience as the sun set. Whether you've booked the all-inclusive package or not, each river cruise offers a Signature Excursion as standard on which all guests are welcome. Ours was to be a dessert cruise of the 17th-century Amsterdam grachten (canals). With lights shimmering on the water and music courtesy of an accordion player to set the mood, we cruised in comfort with Tattinger flowing and a wealth of decadent, traditional Dutch desserts on offer. Along the way, our guide talked us through the history of the canals as we had the opportunity to admire some of the 1,500- plus historical structures lining them, such as the Magere Burg double drawbridge, the 15th-century Mint Tower, once part of the medieval city wall, and the splendid merchant homes hailing from the Dutch Golden Age. We even stopped to pick up some hot, fresh bitterballen. A deepfried, meat-based treat similar to a croquette, I couldn't get enough of these yummy traditional Dutch snacks, made even better served with the mustard dip.
TIPTOE THROUGH THE TULIPS
As a new day dawned, I was up bright and early, ready for our first official excursion to Keukenhof Gardens. Each day on board began with a port briefing in the Palm Court Lounge by the delightful guest experience manager, Karolina, who told us about each new location and what to expect. Our Keukenhof guide Burt met us here and we were reminded to bring along the headsets provided in our suites, so we wouldn't miss a moment of everything he had to tell us about the breathtaking tulips.
If seeing the tulips in Amsterdam is as much of a bucket list moment for you as it was for me, Keukenhof in the spring is the place to go. With more than seven million blooms it's the largest tulip display in the world. In 2026, the gardens will be open from 19th March to 10th May, and I'd highly recommend visiting as early as possible since it gets incredibly busy as the day wears on.
The hour's drive from the port was no trouble since Riverside Luxury Cruises has two coaches to follow the ships from port to port for the purpose of taking guests on their excursions in comfort and luxury. Nothing could ever have prepared me for the breathtaking beauty that I was met with at Keukenhof. This place is the epitome of spring with the tulips in full bloom spread out before you in jaw-dropping displays, the scent from the hyacinths filling the air and multiple pavilions to visit featuring breathtaking floral exhibitions. There's much to cover across the 79-acre park.
AN UNEXPECTED PLEASURE
The next day, things started to take an unexpected turn. Our original itinerary would take us along the Rhine in Germany taking in Cologne, Rudesheim, Mannheim and ending in Basel, Switzerland. However, due to a lack of rainfall in the preceding weeks, the river decided it wasn’t going to play ball. In fact, the water levels on the Rhine were a whopping two metres below their expected level for this time of year, which presents serious problems for a vessel the size of Debussy. Unfortunately, we could travel no further along the Rhine than Cologne. Our excursion to the city would continue as planned, bar some timing tweaks, but the itinerary would have to completely change for the rest of the trip.
The crew leapt into action. I cannot praise their organisation highly enough and we were kept informed every step of the way. By the time we’d all returned from our guided tour of the fascinating, historical city of Cologne, there was an entirely new route planned along the stunning Moselle River with amazing new excursions on offer. They’d even worked out how every one of their passengers would get from the cruise’s actual end point to Basel ready for their flights home. How they pulled this off within the time frame, I’ve no idea, I’m still in awe! After all, you can’t argue with Mother Nature and what’s not to love about a magical mystery tour?
For me, this was a blessing in disguise. The sights along the Moselle are breathtaking. One early morning standing on the Vista Deck capturing the sights on camera and enjoying the fresh, early breeze was one of the trip’s highlights. It truly is chocolate box Germany at its finest. At this point, we were on our way to the beautiful town of Cochem, where we’d disembark and set off for Eltz Castle, deemed one of the most picturesque castles in Europe, a fairytale in stone. The Eltz family has lived here for 900 years; transporting you back to the Middle Ages with a fabulous treasury and unspoilt surroundings it’s well worth a visit if you get the opportunity.
ONBOARD TREATS
As if there weren’t enough to enjoy on the ship from an endless array of cocktails served in the elegant Palm Court, to Bistro treats such as the ice cream bar, as well as the spa and swimming pool, the team continued to treat guests with little surprises along the way.
As we’d no longer be visiting a vineyard as originally planned, I was excited to participate in the wine-tasting experience led by the ship’s expert sommelier. Since the Moselle’s banks are lined with vineyards, it was a valued part of the local experience to taste the produce. I sampled three divine Reislings and was fascinated to hear about their origins and the local wine-making industry.
Another afternoon was spent in the company of the ship’s talented pastry chef, who shared a chocolate souffle masterclass. While I don’t expect my pastry skills will have improved one iota as a result, it was nevertheless a fun experience to watch him work his magic.
During the evenings, the ship’s pianist set the atmosphere for relaxed after-dinner cocktails in The Palm Court, or for dancing the night away. The entertainment team will have some cabaret music surprises up their sleeves for you too. I spent a super-fun night playing Liar’s Club, where a panel of crew members shared their definitions of a random word and guests worked together in teams to discern who was being truthful.
FINE-DINING
Let me assure you, you will never eat so well as you will on board with Riverside Luxury Cruises, in terms of both quality and quantity. Every morning a hot and cold buffet breakfast is served in the Waterside Restaurant, a spread the likes of which I’ve never seen. But if you fancy a lie in, late breakfast snacks are available to grab in the Bistro, or if you don’t feel like leaving your suite at all it can be served to your door. Lunch too took the form of an impressive buffet-style spread, always ready and waiting when it was most needed at the perfect moment before departure or on return from the day’s excursions. One day, upon return from a tiring day of exploring, we were surprised with a spectacular barbecue served on the Vista Deck. Again, the spread was second to none!
As you cruise past dreamlike landscapes and iconic cities, the chefs will prepare creations using fresh, local ingredients, inspired by the regions you’re sailing through. The same goes for the wine, which is always local and hand selected by the ship’s sommelier to be the finest available. Dining in the Waterside Restaurant is Michelin-star level, fine-dining fare, a true treat to be savoured. If you so choose, you can indulge in a five-course meal every evening and even add a sixth cheese course if you’ve still got room.
Special occasions such as your honeymoon, need a special place and The Vintage Room is just that. Available for up to 10 diners, here you can sit in sumptuous armchairs and enjoy a Michelin-star level, seven-course tasting menu accompanied by wine flight, finely tuned to each course. A showcase of innovative culinary excellence, I ate like a queen here. It was a decadent meal and overall experience I’ll never forget, as was the trip as a whole.
BOOK IT!
The eight-day cruise, Amsterdam to Basel, in April 2026 starts from €4,560 (approx. £3,900) per person based on two people sharing a
Melody suite on a full board basis.Full board includes meals of your choice in all restaurants and bars, excluding dinner in the Atelier where a cover charge of €40 per person applies. Premium All-Inclusive is available at £64 per night/person. A further Shore Excursion Package is also available at £85 per night/person. Find out more at https://riverside-cruises.com
