Behind the Scenes Aboard Riverside Ravel

I was lucky enough to be invited to experience the beautiful Riverside Ravel for 3 nights on the Rhone.

I flew into Marseilles airport and was met by a charming French gentleman who took my case and whisked me into a comfortable Mercedes Sprinter to take me the 45-minute transfer to Avignon.

As we drove along the river came in sight, I was eager to see the ship and she certainly stood out amongst the crowd! We passed the other ships and finally stopped at the Riverside flags, my bags were taken onto the ship, and I was greeted by most of the crew and the captain, I was handed a cooled towel and a glass of champagne with a really warm welcome.

From the moment I stepped onboard It was clear to see and feel that every detail had been really thought about! My Suite was ready straight away, my incredible Butler Elvin, came through to reception to lead me to my suite. I was staying in a Riverside suite on deck 3. As Elvin showed me in, the suite quite literally took my breath away. A huge marble bathroom to my left with full size products, fluffy towels, robes and slippers and a walk in wardrobe to my right. The biggest bed I have ever seen on a cruise facing the floor to ceiling windows. The butler showed me my fully stocked mini bar, coffee machine and how to use the electric window to create the balcony.

He also explained I could WhatsApp or call him 24/7 for anything I needed.

I unpacked and then took myself for a walk around the 3 decks and the sun deck, a lunch was available to us in the Bistro area consisting of salads meats and cheeses and a selection of hot pastas and sandwiches were also available from the menu. The food was incredible throughout! We had a little time to relax that afternoon before dinner.

Where can I start regarding the food! Riverside have excelled in this department; every dish had been perfectly created to the most mouth-watering pieces of art I’ve been lucky enough to savour. Dishes comprised of seafood carpaccio, beef tenderloin, freshly made pastas and soups and the most incredible Cheese selection along with different dessert offerings every night.

In the warmer weather, they also offer a BBQ up on the sun deck!

The next day we arrived in Arles, home of Van Gogh. Instead of talking the optional walking tour, I asked the incredible shore excursion team if I could take one of the ships electric bikes as I could see the town from where we docked. I’m so glad I did, the narrow streets were easy to navigate through the beautiful small shops and coffee houses, I saw the amphitheatre and stopped to look through an incredible park and cathedral (I felt better about all the food I was eating by cycling a few of the calories off too!)

The following day we took a jeep safari through the Camargue region to see the wild horses and bulls, I didn’t know much about this area so it was really interesting, if you are a keen wildlife lover this Is a must, and don’t forget your camera! I also learnt it was famous for flamingos!

Back onboard, my suite had been made up beautifully and the butler had left a sweet treat from the chef, the most incredible dark chocolate truffle with red currants. Just what was needed before dinner! On cruises of 7 days or more there are usually 2 or 3 local acts that will come onboard for your entertainment. They also have the most incredible pianist playing in the afternoons/evenings. Around 10pm, the chef is usually sending a little something special around the bar, if you get a chance to try the miniature bloody Mary and shrimp cocktail, do not decline!

In a nutshell, if you are looking for sumptuous suites, the best cuisine, an exceptional crew looking after your every whim while having the experience of a really immersive river cruise. Riverside Luxury Cruises should be your first thought

This was simply one of the best experiences I have been lucky to enough to travel onboard, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

We are lucky enough to be able to offer no single supplements on a lot of itineraries and up to 30% off 2024 departures, if you would like to talk through any of these, please don’t hesitate to call me on 0808 196 8906.

Natasha