I'd camped a few times around the Bordeaux wine region back in the '70's so when I was offered the perspective as seen by the other half, I jumped at the chance! We were picked up from home, just four of us in all, in a comfy VW minibus with courteous, friendly driver, travelling to Gatwick for overnight before an early scheduled flight to Bordeaux. Great standard room at the Sandman Signature, tasty food at elevated prices, captive audience priced drinks! The usual two hour minimum heel kicking to maximise airport sales exposure, prior to an underwhelming flight, courtesy of BA, not helped by a breakfast of gooey stodge masquerading as muesli and a dry bread roll even McDonalds would have been ashamed of, with microns thin cheese slice washed down by orange juice and coffee.

Promptly picked up from Bordeaux airport in a well appointed coach with helpful friendly guide, delivered effortlessly to a smiling welcome party aboard the luxury River Royale berthed in Bordeaux on the Garonne. Uniworld's well rehearsed staff soon had us registered and furnished with an introductory programme and cabin keys. We had lower deck cabin on a level with the dining room, very well appointed but no space to spare! The board was fully inclusive of all food, drink and excursions and bicycles for loan, to boot!

Every evening during cocktail hour, there was a greeting from the director of cuisine, an review of the night's cocktail and wines by a hilarious sommelier and an entertaining delivery by the Cruise Manager on the next day's voyage, evening entertainment and of course the next day's vineyard tours and tasting events. Dinners could be booked in the Claret Room, for twelve or fourteen or in the Blue Fox deck diner, topsides and wine tasting sessions could also be booked! Breakfasts, lunches and dinners were all scrumptious and most imaginative, a range of drinks without equal and service was impeccable and friendly throughout. Wine tours included vineyards in the Medoc, St Emilion, Sauternes (inc a stop to worship at Chateau d'Yquem!), Cadillac, Bergerac, Bourg and Blaye. Read more