The widest European calendar in the fleet
Our inventory measures 247 departure dates for this ship. That is more than
any other European Uniworld hull we carry. A calendar that size means something
concrete: you choose your week rather than accepting whatever is left, and a
last-minute cancellation stands a better chance of finding a replacement.
The trade-off is that the ship works hard. It runs the Danube season, the
Main season and the Rhine season back to back. A ship that turns that much is
judged on the quality of its upkeep more than on its age.
The hull
One hundred and thirty-one metres, 148 guests, 58 crew. Built in 2009 as
River Beatrice, it was transformed thoroughly in 2018. The refit earned an
industry award for the best river ship refurbishment of the year.
The grand staircase in nickel and black iron is the ship's visual signature.
The rest of the decor leans towards pale wood and blue, in a yacht spirit, which
cuts against the heavier style of the line's other hulls.
Three rivers, one ship
Danube, Main and Rhine. That combination allows the long European crossings,
Amsterdam to Budapest, running two weeks or more. These are the trips that give
you the most cities for a single unpacking.
On the Danube, compare with S.S. Maria Theresa. River Duchess covers the same rivers on a far shorter
calendar. S.S. Victoria offers more space per person, and S.S. Joie de Vivre stays in France, on the
Seine.
What the package pays for
Shipboard gratuities form part of the package, which removes the most
awkward question of the last evening. Meals are included, with a selection of
wines, beers and spirits offered through the day. Scheduled excursions and the
transfers in your file are included too.
Wi-Fi is a courtesy service with no commitment on speed. Expect
interruptions, particularly in locks and on remote sections.
Excluded: airfare, visas, travel insurance, laundry, spa, communications and
optional excursions.
Before booking for someone with reduced mobility
The contract speaks of reasonable efforts and stops there. No mobility
equipment is made available, and a companion capable of assisting is required.
The quay, the gangway and the cobblestones of old towns do the rest. Ask for
written confirmation about the chosen ship rather than relying on a general
description of the fleet.
Arranging the departure from Quebec
The journey from Montreal happens in two stages: an overnight flight to
Europe, then a transfer to the port of embarkation. Travellers who arrive the
same day often board exhausted. Those who allow themselves a night on the
ground start the cruise properly.
Voyages AquaTerra holds a Quebec travel agent licence. Your payments move
through a trust account and the Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel
Agents protects your file. Your advisor will explain exactly what that covers.
