Wow, what an incredible adventure we had! My family and I embarked on a journey to Basel, Switzerland to kick off our 7-night Rhine River Cruise. We were bursting with excitement for the upcoming experience aboard the magnificent Amawaterways AmaSiena, especially with the added thrill of the Adventures by Disney package. Even though I've savored river cruises in the past, this was a first for my husband and our teenage son. I couldn't wait to hear their thoughts on this magical river cruising experience. And let's not forget the cherry on top - the unforgettable Adventures by Disney add-on!
Exploring Basel: Our Arrival and First Impressions
What an incredible journey from San Diego to Basel, Switzerland! After a long day of flying, we were absolutely thrilled and energized to finally arrive in this beautiful city. The process of collecting our bags and going through customs was a breeze, leaving us with a sense of excitement and anticipation. As we stepped out of the Switzerland exit, our Adventures by Disney contact was there to warmly greet us and take care of our luggage. Waiting for another couple who arrived on the same flight only added to the camaraderie and fun of our adventure. Opting for the Adventures by Disney hotel was definitely the right choice, allowing us to enjoy a seamless and stress-free transfer from the airport to our accommodation. It was such a relief to have one less thing to worry about upon our arrival, making our experience even more memorable and enjoyable!
The Unpredictable Power of Mother Nature
Shortly before our journey to Europe, extensive flooding occurred as a result of exceptional rainfall. Upon our arrival, we were informed that our sailing departure point had been relocated from Basel to Strasbourg, France. Demonstrating flexibility is crucial when participating in a river cruise, as the priority of the cruise company is to ensure the safety of all passengers. Following a restful night's sleep, we eagerly began our day with a complimentary breakfast at the hotel, featuring a delightful assortment of fruits, cereals, eggs, breads, pastries, and various other offerings. Refreshments were also readily available. At noon, the initial shuttle to the AmaSiena departed from the hotel. We selected this timing due to lingering fatigue from our travels, with no concrete plans for extensive exploration of Basel. Nevertheless, we look forward to revisiting Switzerland in the future to explore this city and its renowned museums.
Embarkation Day
Embarking on a river cruise offers a distinct experience compared to that of a large ocean-going vessel. This unique experience stood out to me, particularly with the inclusion of Adventures by Disney, where all passengers were directed to the lounge/casual dining area upon arrival for lunch. Subsequently, families proceeded to the front desk to complete the check-in process, presenting their passports and having individual photos taken for key card identification. Standard procedure entailed scanning on and off the ship to maintain an accurate record of passengers' presence onboard. We were all excited about our Rhine River Cruise!
During my past river cruise voyages, I would proceed to the check-in desk upon boarding the ship. Subsequently, I would adjourn to the lounge area to unwind while awaiting the readiness of my stateroom.
Staterooms
During this sailing, we reserved two staterooms with AmaWaterways. While the cruise line does offer triple occupancy cabins, they were fully booked by the time we made our decision to embark on this journey. The arrangement of having two bathrooms proved to be exceptionally convenient. One of our staterooms featured a sliding door that could be opened to create a balcony-like space, while the other stateroom had a window. Despite their similarities, there are various stateroom options available depending on individual preferences. Personally, I appreciate the opportunity to admire the towns and castles along the river during the voyage, although I understand that this may hold different levels of significance for each traveler.
The Journey along the Rhine
Exploring the Rhine River through a sailing journey has long been a cherished aspiration of mine. Witnessing the majestic castles that line its banks was truly captivating. Additionally, the experience of visiting cathedrals and castles during our ports of call was nothing short of delightful. I have a profound appreciation for immersive travel experiences, with some of my fondest memories being the exhilarating tobogganing excursion in the Black Forest, followed by a visit to a local farm where we engaged in traditional activities such as crafting a "cuckoo" from cuckoo clocks, churning butter, and delving into historical ways of life. The enchanting town of Rudesheim left a lasting impression, particularly through my visit to the Musical Cabinet Museum and the charming surroundings of the town.
So, picture this: you're on a river cruise with only 151 other people. It's like having your own private yacht, but without the hefty price tag! And the best part? You get to choose from a variety of tours or just go off and do your own thing. It's like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but with cocktails! But hey, don't feel pressured to do everything. Pace yourself, my friend. Remember, it's a vacation, not a race. So if you can't fit it all in, just shrug and say, "Eh, next time!" Life's too short to stress over FOMO when you're supposed to be sipping margaritas by the pool. Cheers to that!
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