But as Robin Barwick discovered, travelling via a Scenic Tours Luxury River Cruise could not be further from such mayhem...

Make it official: this is the only way to take in a string of European jewels in one trip, while unwinding properly at the same time. The service, comfort and cuisine of a five-star hotel all on one boat – only friendlier – are what I experienced on the Jewels of Europe River Cruise with Scenic Tours. There is also a notion I have had confirmed beyond doubt about large swathes of Europe: it saves its most stunning settings for river viewing only.

But let’s start with the ship, or the ‘Space- Ship’ as Scenic Tours describes it appropriately. My home for a fortnight was a vessel that has taken river cruising to a new, previously unobtainable level. The Scenic Diamond is every bit the queen boat of the Danube and Rhine, reaching a full length of 135 metres from stern to bow, and the ship is over 20% larger than most other river cruise vessels. By May 2012 year Scenic Tours will have a fleet of six of these river super-ships, making its fleet not only the youngest, but also the longest and widest on Europe’s rivers.

Does size matter?

Of course it does: the ship’s dimensions have meant that more than four out of five of the spacious, beautifully-appointed cabins on the Scenic Diamond feature private balconies, furnished in teak no less – that until now have largely been the reserve of ocean liners. This is in contrast to the misleading ‘French balconies’ on other cruise ships, which are just sliding, full-length windows and which always disappoint unsuspecting passengers as they enter their cabin at the start of a cruise.

The ship boasts a Panorama Lounge overlooking the bow, complete with sweeping, full-length windows, and here is the pivot of the social life on board. The ship provides a choice of three dining areas, and up top there is the observation deck and sun deck. So with all these options my fortnight on board passed without the slightest hint of that major, underlying issue with most cruising holidays: claustrophobia.

The personal touch

For guests who like to indulge in the utmost luxury that a river cruise can provide, there is the exclusive Danube Deck on Scenic Tours’ cruise ships. My cabin on the Danube Deck - which is nearly 25% larger than similar cabins on other cruise ships – has been prepared with absolute attention to detail, from the flatscreen TV and comfiest of beds, to the gleaming en-suite bathroom, complete with toiletries from L’Occitane that look almost too good to use... almost. However, the feature of the Danube Deck that I appreciated most was a personal touch - the butler service.

On a 15-day trip that offers such an array of excursions, entertainment and lively social occasions, moments of privacy are a chance to re-charge and reflect – be it over breakfast, or with an aperitif on the balcony, watching the sun set beyond the vine-covered slopes and ancient castles flanking the Rhine Gorge – and the impeccable yet personable service of the ship’s butlers ensure these idyllic moments can be effortlessly enjoyed. The butler service also provides a range of practical touches, such as organising itineraries and pressing clothes.

Like almost everything else on board, the butler service, including gratuities, is fully included in the overall price of the holiday. This is another way in which the worries that can come with travelling are thrown overboard. Flights or Eurostar, and transfers to and from the cruise are included, as are all meals, including a plentiful selection of beers and wines with lunch and dinner – and believe me here, as in the name of research it would have been wrong not to test the ship’s hospitality. All entertainment and excursions are also included, so by the time guests step on board, all costs are taken care of, allowing them to concentrate solely on enjoying the cruise.

The all-inclusive nature of the cruise comes into its own with the dining options. The Crystal Dining Room is the main restaurant, which comfortably caters for all guests in one sitting and offers an impressively varied, cosmopolitan menu, including local specialities from port to port. The 30-seat Portobellos is a more intimate venue, offering authentic, mouth-watering Italian cuisine, for which guests are invited to book in advance. Then to capitalise on fine weather, barbeques are also set sizzling on the sun deck – and as Scenic Tours is Australian-owned, the influences here complete a superb dining trio.

Spoilt for choice

One of the crucial factors contributing to what is high demand for places on Scenic Tours’ cruises is the intrinsic condition that guests tailor their activities to personal preference. A perfect example arose when we arrived in the delightful town of Passau, on the German- Austrian border. Guests were presented with the choice of taking in Passau itself, heading south for a day trip to the stunning musical delights of Salzburg, or heading north-east and over the Czech border to visit the brilliantly restored medieval town of Cesky Krumlov.

For me, taking in the 13th century architecture and craftsmanship of Cesky Krumlov Castle and its surrounding ‘Old Town’ for the first time vindicated my selection. Then two days later I was among the full contingent from the Scenic Diamond who were spellbound by a music and ballet recital at Vienna’s striking Palais Liechtenstein, which had been arranged exclusively for Scenic Tours’ guests. There can surely be no better way to experience Vienna.

With its unique ‘Space-Ships’, all-inclusive holidays and an attention to detail I have never experienced on a ship before - be it on an ocean or river - Scenic Tours has found a fail-safe river cruise formula. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, the service and cuisine were first class, the excursions were unforgettable, and guests still get unrivalled value for money. It’s the complete package.

GETTING THERE...

Robin Barwick took the 15-day Jewels of Europe River Cruise with Scenic Tours. Prices for 2012 start from £3,445 per person. Special Offers

Included in river cruise 

Flexible travel BA flights from Heathrow; KLM flights from 15 UK airports; Eurostar option on selected cruises

Airport transfers

All meals, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, complimentary tea & coffee

All sightseeing

Complimentary bicycles

All tips and gratuities (which can add up to £545 with other companies)

All port charges (which can add up to nearly £400 with other companies)

To book or request your FREE brochure and DVD click here call 0800 023 5076

http://www.scenictours.co.uk