We have just returned from Emerald Dawn's maiden voyage from Amsterdam to Budapest. My wife considers the trip to have been our best holiday in 30 years of which 20 have been cruising. It was definitely in the top three.We have cruised the Rhine on a couple of Christmas markets but nothing like this. It was fantastic. The cabin was great, not that you spent much time in the cabin as every day with had a guided shore excursion, usually starting with a coach ride, then a local guide took us around the town centre using a radio device that meant we could all her them. Then an hour or so of free time before being escorted back to the coach for the return trip to the boat.

It should not be possible to select one member of crew for a special mention. From the Captain down to the seamen, including bar staff, waiters and our cabin steward, they were all brilliant. Not one English person among them but they all spoke bitter English than we did. I suppose one person should get a special mention. The Cruise director, Simona, was brilliant. Young and so efficient. When the queues at some lots held up her carefully prepared program and meant a mornings delay, she rearrange the whole shore excursion, coaches, guides, entrances etc on her mobile phone without any panic. Like a swan, her legs were probably paddling like mad, but on the surface she was so calm and collected.

Evening entertainment was a little sparse but that which was arranged was excellent. A little more please.