Have just returned from a Danube river cruise on Riviera Travel's Charles Dickens. The whole holiday was wonderful - the ship is beautiful and the places we visited were interesting and varied. The ship is very well planned, beautifully appointed and spotless throughout. Staff were always pleasant and helpful and we were thoroughly pampered. The food was of a very high standard and whilst drinks aren't included in the price of the cruise the bar prices were competitive. Coffee/tea making facilities and fresh water were both in our cabin and available in the smaller of the two dining areas 24 hours a day (along with biscuits!) - and chilled water was welcome during the very hot days - it was also nice to be able to fill our water bottles before leaving on excursions instead of being sold water as so many companies do! Fine dining in the smaller restaurant was available at no extra charge but we didn't eat there as the food and service in the dining room was so good.

The Riviera staff of Mandy and Cassie were superb - nothing was too much trouble and everything was highly organised and they were unfailingly professional and very friendly.

Gratuities for the ship staff (entirely optional of course) are left in an envelope at reception at the end of the cruise and divided equally amongst the staff, an idea which we liked. Read more