After several ocean cruises, we decided to take a river cruise and chose the Oscar Wilde from Riviera Travel including the Rhine gorge, finishing in Basel. We took the Eurostar from St. Pancras, London, to Cologne to board. This proved to be a marathon journey starting with very tight security in St Pancras station which does not seem to have the space for all who are waiting to board the train. Upon arrival in Brussels we were transferred to a coach which then took three & a half hours to reach the boat. An experience not to be repeated. The cabin was 212 on Ruby deck with a French balcony. We had requested twin beds prior to our arrival but found instead two beds pushed together with a soft topper. We asked for separate beds which were dealt with promptly but why was our original request not complied with? It added to the frustration of the day. We had also requested particular pillows but they weren’t available. The bathroom was well appointed with a rain shower head but also a smaller shower head which is useful. The bathroom is extremely small though. The shaving mirror is very cheap and does not reflect well. Apart from that we managed in what are very small cabins. Two small bottles of water are left in the mini fridge every day which was welcome. The dining room was an area of contention as there are only 4 tables for two, so sharing is necessary. We found the food to be mediocre and the complementary wine undrinkable. There is better wine available to buy. There are tables for two available in the other smaller restaurant but the menu doesn’t alter much. The staff in both restaurants are very good and cheerful. There is one large lounge/bar but no other public rooms. Once again, the staff are good There is very little entertainment but we found the resident pianist to be very talented. There was one evening with what was billed as a Music Quiz which turned out to be hilarious and was the best evening we had. Excursions are included but honestly, we weren’t impressed. One day we were coached around the Black Forest for a couple of hours ending up at Lake Titisee for about 45 mins. We passed on the Bernese Oberland tour as sitting on another coach for 7 hours didn’t appeal. Our journey home started OK with the TGV to Paris which is fast and comfortable. We were then told it would take around 40 mins to transfer from Gare de Lyon to Gare du Nord for the Eurostar back but unfortunately the coach driver had no idea where he was going. We drove round and round in circles along crowded streets for close on 2 hours, at one point the driver couldn’t negotiate a corner so he reversed into the car behind but then carried on! By this time we were all getting concerned about catching the train in time so the Riviera representative stopped the coach, we all got off and walked to rest of the way to the Gare du Nord. It seems that Riviera are trying to cut corners in lots of areas. Quality of food being the main one, and also the excursions. We have been on several luxury cruises, e.g., Silver Seas, Seabourn, Regent, Cunard, but this cruise was not in the same class. Read Less

This was our first river cruise. My wife and I preferred it to our other Cruise around the Baltic. The ship is brand new, the staff were great. I have read the earlier comments and cannot agree entirely with them. If you opt for a Riviera holiday the chances are that most people will be mid sixties plus so it should not be a surprise if the average age is over seventy. We were fortunate and had as our Tour Manager, Daniel and Tour Guide Andras. Both were exceptionally good. Everything was in line with the brochure and it was to be expected that you had some long days, which were wonderful and shorter stops at cities as well as quaint towns. If thinking of going on this cruise then read the brochure well and if you have a flight that arrives late consider going a couple of days before under your own steam. You spend more time in Basel and can join the boat early giving yourself time to settle in before a long days excursion the next day. Many people who travelled to the boat by train found it tiring and declared they would not use this method if travelling again. We were fortunate with the weather so were able to visit all the destinations and still enjoy the top deck of the boat. My wife used the Gym a couple of times. The Bistro was very good and an alternative to the dining room. As a couple we tended not to join others for breakfast and dinner. This never seemed to be a problem but if we had wished to join others then we could have. Only problem is that we had the last suite on the middle floor. Suite 236. Being at the rear of the ship it was noisy. Engine noise 24/7. Reception supplied earplugs to help with sleep. When booking request a suite as near the front as possible although it is only the last few suites from about 230 onwards that were noisy. To summarise, great boat, lovely staff, Riviera staff excellent. Make sure you do all the excursions as there is nothing else to do on the boat other than relax and if, by chance, the weather is not good then you have to stay inside while virtually everyone is on their excursions. Read Less

Having done numerous Ocean Cruises we decided to try a River Cruise, we booked this through our travel agent who recommended Riviera Travel.. Our expectations were high therefore we were very disappointed with several things regarding this cruise so I will start with the Pros., please bear in mind this is our personal opinion and what suits one traveler doesn't suit another.. Pros: The organisation by Riviera was excellent, the transfer from airport to the dock in Cologne and the return journey was well organised and the fact that there was a representative from Riviera Travel on the coach and throughout the airport check-in was very good especially for some passengers who may be unsure of the airport procedures.. Check-in at the boat was quick and efficient and we were in our cabin very quickly, cases were delivered within 15 mins of being on board.. We had a cabin on Diamond Deck with a Juliette balcony, unfortunately we had a lot of rain so we didn't get a chance to use this..The cabin was excellent, well appointed and beautifully decorated, the bed and pillows were comfortable and there was mini bar/fridge, large TV (we never had this on so can't comment on it), hairdryer, nespresso coffee machine and a kettle, wardrobe and drawer space was adequate for 7 nights..The bathroom was also very nice with a great shower, plenty of hot water and toiletries from Crabtree & Evelyn..The cabins were cleaned in the morning and there was a turn down service in the evening.. Open seating for breakfast which was between 7:30 - 9 am, lunch 12:30 - 2 pm and dinner 6 pm - 8 pm, there were a few tables for 2 but in the main it was bigger tables, there was also a small bistro that took approx 20 covers and was open for lunch and dinner but you had to reserve a table for dinner so this was always very busy.. The restaurant was very nice, tables were always beautifully set with high quality cutlery and linen napkins..Thanks to Panji who served us in the restaurant, this was his first contract and he was always smiling and helpful.. The bar staff lead by George the bar manager, Valentin and Gabriel gave excellent service and were very friendly and efficient, the bar prices were also very reasonable.. The shore excursions which were included were in general good however somewhat rushed on some days, especially if there was one in the morning and another in the afternoon..We did see some lovely place, especially Colmar and Rudesheim and some of the scenery when we were sailing was beautiful.. Cons.. We didn't realise this was the inaugural cruise and also the average age was 73 but not a young 73 so this had a very different slant on the cruise..The crew also seemed to be very disorganised.. Sarah and Tim were the hosts, Sarah was very irritating, Tim was a gentleman and completely domineered by the over powering Sarah.. Restricted meal times for breakfast, this finished by 9 am so no chance of a lie-in and no food until lunch..If you weren't getting off the boat to do a trip or something on your own as some elderly passengers didn't, there was no food other than coffee and biscuits..I feel the bistro should be open in the morning, just serving croissants and toast between 9 am and 10:30 so that passengers have a choice, there was room service available for continental breakfast however if you were still in your cabin after 9 am the cabin steward was knocking on the door asking you if you wanted your cabin serviced so we felt pressured into leaving the cabin..The food in restaurant was mediocre at best and service was slow, although there were 5 courses in the evening the choices were limited and on a couple of occasions my husband couldn't find anything he liked at lunch time, the soup was always tasty, however if you had a bigger appetite then the portions would not have been sufficient.. Entertainment was provided by a talented and very nice Gentleman named Peter who sang and played the piano/organ..Although he was very good and entertained us it was the same format every night as there was only the one lounge and no where else to go..I did expect some local entertainment on the nights when we had a late departure but this didn't happen.. I also had a romantic notion of river cruising and each day we would be docked in beautiful little towns and villages however this wasn't the case, being a river boat I was unaware of how low down they sat in the river, so it was very disappointing when some days our view was of a brick wall or docked in some industrial area, I didn't expect this at all.. Would we book another one, never say never but we can cross this of our bucket list..It was thanks to the company of two like minded couples also doing a river cruise for the first time and having a good laugh together that actually made the cruise and it would definitely have been a very different trip if we hadn't met them, they also said they wouldn't repeat a river cruise.. Again this is our experience and views but from now on we will stick to Ocean cruising as its a better fit for us.. Read Less

My wife and I have been on a river cruise with this operator before.The fact that we chose them again crosses the first hurdle. This time we went on their Rhine cruise.Not only is the ship new this year but it was the maiden voyage. That would explain the minor niggles. Lets get the out the way first .The TV's have approximately 23 channels. The majority of which were news channels. No English speaking entertainment channels. There were two film channels neither of which could be accessed. Come on people all you customers are English. The only other observation I would make is that the menu in the the Bistro at lunch time needs to change every day or at least 2 or 3 times during the week. And please get the young lady who does the cooking (or is it Chefing) some help at lunch time.The ship itself is great . All sparkling and new. The food was very well cooked and presented. Peter the ships piano playing evening entertainer was very talented.George in the bar may well twist your brain by setting your little brain teasers ... which he will ,probably, not give you the answer to until you are about to leave. Young Bianca on reception as well as being so funny is most helpful. Tim and Sara were our host's. And do A fine job as well. Poor old Tim is totally dominated by Sarah but they make a good team. When we went the weather was not good but it did not diminish our enjoyment of the tours and the guides were very knowledgeable. I would say that on the last day I would suggest you just do your own thing. Don't join the tour. There is not that much to see. One last gripe .It is suggested that you tip 5 to 10 Euros per day per person. Your having a laugh. That's about £98 per pair for a 7day holiday Read Less