ITTN’s Sharon Jordan continued on the second part of the Danube River Cruise, Europe’s second-longest river. Click here to read part one.
This luxurious river cruise started in Budapest and took in Bratislava, Dürnstein, Melk and ended in Linz aboard the MS Emily Brontë with Riviera River Cruises.
About The Ship
The Emily Bronte is a sister ship to two other Riviera ships, the Thomas Hardy and Oscar Wilde. All are identical with a warm colour scheme onboard and have a passenger capacity of approximately 169 guests. There are three suite cabin types, ranging from lower deck windows on the Emerald deck to full-length French balconies on both middle (Ruby) and upper (Diamond) decks to suites, all located on the Diamond deck. As previously mentioned, in part one, the ship has two dining rooms, the main dining room serves a buffet breakfast and a buffet and/or a la carte lunch with a 4/5 course a la carte dinner in the evening.
As an avid River Cruiser, I was keen to try out the facilities onboard. The outdoor heated plunge pool looked amazing and the ever-brave Eoghan Corry sampled it on all our behalf – rain included! Whereas, I opted for an onboard massage that was simply divine. It’s worth noting here that the massages onboard are exceptionally good value with a 55-minute deep tissue massage costing €50 – some of the best I’ve come across. The gym and rooftop jogging track were perfect for anyone who wanted to work off the copious amounts of delicious food onboard and there is a very spacious hair and nail salon also onboard. There is also a golf putting area on the top deck that I’m sure brings guests together in the summer months.
Onwards we sailed and the route from Dürnstein to Melk and then to Linz is, in my opinion, one of the most picturesque on the Danube. After our included tour with a very entertaining local guide, we left the cute little cobblestone streets of Dürnstein behind, (which by the way is famous for its striking blue baroque church and the imposing ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where the legendary figure Richard the Lionheart was once held captive).
We reboarded our river cruise and indulged in another long and enjoyable lunch, again, a massive shout out to the chefs and food onboard. Today we coupled the meal with a glass of the region’s renowned Grüner Veltliner wine and it wasn’t long before our little group was in the full flow of chats. Finally, we arrived in Melk, where some of our group who had been to Abbey before decided to wander around the town, while others joined the included tour.
For those who haven’t been to Melk before the abbey tour is a must, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as a testament to Baroque architecture. Perched majestically above the Danube, this abbey houses a remarkable library filled with ancient texts and manuscripts.
Linz was the final destination for our group – others went on to Salzburg and Vienna.
Linz is Austria’s third-largest city, known for its arts scene and historical heritage. Key attractions include Linz Castle, the Ars Electronica Center, and the vibrant Hauptplatz. But alas it was homeward bound for our group where we had a luxury transfer onboard for our Aerlingus flight from Vienna to Dublin.
Entertainment
The ship provides low-key entertainment options, including fantastic live music performances from onboard entertainer Marina, there are also cultural presentations and lectures about the regions you will explore, make sure to get involved – you’ll make friends.
Pricing and Booking Information
The cost of a river cruise on the MS Emily Brontë can vary significantly based on the season, cabin category, and length of the cruise. Typically, agents can expect prices to start around €2,149 per person for a 7-night itinerary. This fare includes flights, accommodation, all meals, and a selection of excursions.
To sum it all up this river cruise aboard the MS Emily Brontë with Riviera River Cruises offers an exceptional opportunity to experience one of Europe’s most scenic and culturally rich regions. With luxurious accommodations, attentive service, and a range of experiences both onboard and on land, this cruise promises to create lasting memories. Whether you are a seasoned traveller or embarking on your first river cruise, this journey along the Danube is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.
