Page 37 - washington state wine

uropean river cruising is
booming. Nine companies
launched 26 new river ships
Ein Europe this year. At least
that many were launched last year – and
more are under construction and sched-
uled to begin cruising Europe’s rivers in
2016.

Even with all the new builds, most Euro-
pean river cruises are sailing full – and
many are already filling cabins for sum-
mer 2016.

My husband and I decided to find out
what all the fuss is about.

Photo courtesey of Wikimedia Commons
Last summer, we joined Scenic Cruises’
Jewels of Europe voyage from Amster-
dam to Budapest, along the Rhine, Main
and Danube rivers. Our days became a
mind-bending blend of fairytale castles,
half-timbered villages and luxe treat-
ment onboard.

It didn’t take long for us to understand
why so many are smitten by this has-
sle-free, more intimate and relaxing,
all-inclusive cousin of ocean cruising.

Instead of jostling with thousands
aboard a mega cruise ship, we sailed
with 167 other passengers aboard our
“Space Ship,” the Scenic Jade. Scenic is
owned by an Australian – and most fel-
low cruisers were fun-loving Aussies or
New Zealanders. Most were well-trav-
eled, well-educated and at least 65 years
old – but very active: “We’re refurbished
– with lots of new parts: new knees, new
hips,” said Faye Partridge from Mel-
bourne, Australia.

Left: Majestic Budapest on the banks of the
river Danube with Buda and Óbuda on the west
bank, with Pest on the east bank. Top: The
Scenic Jade cruising through Europe.

Wine Dine & Travel Summer/Fall 2015 37